Not sure which thread to voice out my queries on these issues but nevertheless, would appreciate if any kind soul is able to advise me on these
1. What is the avg combined cpf should a couple have before deciding to get a new flat?
1) First, one should decide if the combine CPF is enough for the down payment. Try not to overstretch yourself. Calculate the monthly payment for your housing loan. Rule of thumb is it should not exceed your CPF contribution as any excess will need to top-up by cash.
2. Will getting a new flat adversely affect one in getting a study loan? Because I understand that study loans will be deducted/paid via cash not cpf.
2) If you are taking housing loan from the bank, it may affect you for taking study loan from the bank. You may need to check with the bank in regards to this.
3. I understand that the option fees $2k for 4-room flat will be reimbursed if there are enough cpf savings to pay to first 5% downpayment, is this correct? Also, when and where will they reimburse it to? Bank/cpf?
3) Option fee is pay by cash/NETS. They will reimburse back to your bank account after you sign the lease of agreement. You can also have the option of using the option fee to offset your downpayment if you do not have enough in your CPF.
4. How do we calculate the stamp fees and legal fees? Is it 1 to 4% of the purchase price? Also, can we use cpf to pay off these misc fees?
4) You can refer to HDB site to calculate the stamp fee and legal fees. Stamp fee is calculate based on 1% for the first 180K, 2% for the next 180K and 3% for the rest. You can use CPF to pay for this fee. Take note that AHG cannot be used to pay for stamp and legal fees.
5. Is it easy to qualify for the AHG grant? They will take into acct the preceding 12 months of joined income e.g. Sept 2011 to Sept 2012 and not on the date of selection which might be jan 2013 (median date) right?
5) AHG grant is based on your past 12 months income on the day you apply for it. You can apply for it on the day you book your unit. The CSO will be able to assist you with the application.
6. Also, I understand that there are consequences with regards to the penalties one must face if they take the AHG grant and then decide to downgrade, thus having to pay up to 30k to 40k? Can anyone verify this?
6) When you took the AHG grant and decide to forfeit the unit, you will be required to pay back the grant with interest. When you decide to sell your flat after MOP, AHG will not affect the resale levy you need to pay.
7. Anyone with expertise can predict the purchase price of the Tampines GreenLace 4-room flat mid-level / 16 floors?![]()
7) Based on the estimated price in the website, it should be about 70%-90% of the top floor unit in the same block, depending whether it 5th to 10th floor. This is just rough estimation.



Next time no chance liao...