HDB Contra Facility Step-By-Step Guide
What is Contra in HDB?
HDB Contra Facility allows you to use the sale proceeds and CPF refund from your current HDB flat directly to pay for the purchase of another HDB flat — so you don’t need to pay everything upfront.
🔹 Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1 — Plan Your Move
- Confirm you are selling one HDB and buying another.
- Estimate sale & purchase prices.
Step 2 — Check Eligibility
- Both must be HDB flats (not private property).
- Buy / sell transactions need aligned completion dates.
Step 3 — Sell Your Current Flat
- Find a buyer for your existing flat.
- Issue OTP.
- Inform lawyer/HDB you intend to use Contra.
Step 4 — Secure Your Next Flat
- Shortlist and obtain OTP for your next purchase.
- Coordinate timing for Contra approval.
Step 5 — Finalise Financing
- Apply HDB/bank loan if needed.
- CPF refund + proceeds will offset the purchase.
Step 6 — Submit Resale Applications
- Submit sell application.
- Submit buy application.
- Select Contra Facility in both submissions.
Step 7 — Completion Day
- Keys from old flat out → keys to new flat in.
- CPF + sale proceeds auto-channel into new payment.
📌 Example Calculation
| Old Flat Sale | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sale Price | $500,000 |
| Outstanding Loan | – $150,000 |
| CPF Refund | – $230,000 |
| Cash Proceeds | ≈ $120,000 |
| New Flat Price | $600,000 |
|---|---|
| CPF + Cash Contra Applied | $350,000 |
| Loan / Top-up Required | $250,000 |
Need help planning your HDB Contra & moving timeline?
Talk to a consultant for financial calculation, timeline planning and step-by-step processing.
Contra vs Enhanced Contra (ECS) — Which is Better?
ECS is like Contra, but with one big advantage — you can buy first, then sell.
Standard Contra Facility
- Sell **first**, then proceeds directly used to fund your purchase.
- Works best when **timing is coordinated perfectly**.
- No need to come out with full cash or CPF upfront.
- Only allowed for **HDB → HDB** upgrade/side-grade.
⚠ Best for:
Selling & buying at the same time with aligned completion.
Upgraded Version
Enhanced Contra Facility (ECS)
- Lets you **buy first → sell later**.
- More flexible for buyers who found a unit early.
- More time buffer — less stress to rush sale timeline.
- Still supports **CPF + sale proceeds roll-through**.
✨ Best for:
Buyers who secure their next flat early and want breathing space.
In simple terms:
Contra = Sell → Buy
ECS = Buy → Sell (More Flexible)
Need help choosing Contra or ECS?
Message me and I’ll calculate which option maximises your cashflow.
