Singapore Voluntary Housing Refund 2025: How Homeowners Can Boost CPF Retirement Savings

For many Singaporeans, buying a home is the biggest financial decision of their lives—and often involves tapping into their CPF savings. But did you know you can restore some or all of those withdrawn funds even while you still own your property?

The Voluntary Housing Refund (VHR) offers Singaporean homeowners a way to rebuild their Central Provident Fund (CPF) balances by returning CPF savings previously used for housing. This strategic financial move not only reduces the amount homeowners must eventually refund when they sell or transfer their property—it also helps grow retirement savings through CPF’s interest-earning potential.

By returning the amount withdrawn from the Ordinary Account (OA), along with accrued interest, homeowners can strengthen their long-term financial stability, reduce repayment obligations down the road, and move closer to meeting their Full Retirement Sum (FRS) requirements.

What Is the Voluntary Housing Refund?

The Voluntary Housing Refund (VHR) is a CPF scheme that allows homeowners to return funds they previously used from their Ordinary Account (OA) for housing-related expenses—without having to sell or give up ownership of their property.

This refund includes both:

• The principal amount withdrawn, and
• The accrued interest that would have accumulated had the funds remained in CPF.

By making this refund voluntarily, you lower the amount you’ll eventually need to return to CPF if you decide to sell or transfer your property in the future. The funds refunded also start earning CPF interest again, allowing your retirement savings to grow steadi

Overview

Feature	Description
What it is	Returning CPF funds used for housing (principal + accrued interest)
Key Benefits	Boost CPF interest, reduce future refunds, grow retirement savings
Eligibility	CPF members who used OA funds to buy property
Refund Limits	Up to full amount withdrawn for housing + accrued interest
Age-Specific Benefit	Helps those aged 55+ meet Full Retirement Sum (FRS)
Special Conditions	Applies for grants and bankrupt applicants with additional criteria
Application Methods	Via CPF website or CPF Mobile App using Singpass

Why Make a Voluntary Refund?

Many homeowners may not realise the long-term advantages of voluntarily returning CPF housing withdrawals:

Key Benefits:

• Reduce Refund Burden Later: When you sell your house, you’re required to return the amount used + accrued interest. Voluntary refunds help reduce this burden.
• Boost Retirement Savings: Refunded amounts go back to your CPF and earn compound interest, helping you accumulate funds for retirement.
• Meet FRS Requirements Faster: For members aged 55 and above, the refund helps you fulfil your Full Retirement Sum (FRS), ensuring you qualify for lifelong CPF payouts.
• Higher Cash Proceeds in Future: Because you’ve refunded more upfront, you retain more cash proceeds when you eventually sell your home.

Ultimately, the VHR is about regaining flexibility in the future while securing long-term financial wellbeing.

Benefits

The Voluntary Housing Refund is designed for any CPF member who has used their Ordinary Account savings to fund a property purchase. This applies whether you bought an:

• HDB flat
• Executive Condominium
• Private property

You’re Eligible If:

• You’re a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident
• You previously used CPF OA funds for a property purchase
• You wish to return those funds voluntarily, in part or full

This refund process is optional—you can choose how much to return, and when.

Important Conditions

While the scheme is broad, there are special conditions that apply to certain situations:

1. Undischarged Bankrupts

• You must obtain approval from the Official Assignee before making a refund.
• This ensures that the transaction is in line with bankruptcy regulations.

2. Housing Grants

• If you used CPF housing grants to purchase your HDB flat:
  • The grant will be refunded back to your Ordinary Account (OA).
  • If the grant amount was $30,000 or more, a portion may be credited to your:
    • Special Account (SA)
    • Retirement Account (RA)
    • Or MediSave Account

3. Refund Limits

• You can refund up to the total amount withdrawn, including accrued interest.
• The refund amount cannot exceed what was initially used for the property purchase.

4. If You Are 55 or Older

• Refunds help meet your Full Retirement Sum (FRS).
• Once the FRS is met, excess refunds remain in your OA, and can be withdrawn or used again.

How to Apply for the Voluntary Housing Refund

Singaporeans can make the refund through two easy digital channels:

1. Via CPF Website (My CPF Digital Services)

• Log in using your Singpass at cpf.gov.sg
• Choose your preferred payment method
• Select the property for which you want to make the refund
• Enter the amount you wish to return
• Confirm and complete the transaction securely online

2. Via CPF Mobile App

• Download the CPF Mobile App (available on Android & iOS)
• Log in securely with your Singpass
• On the app home screen, tap “Services”
• Select the “Housing Refund” option and follow the steps

Both methods allow partial or full refunds and are accessible 24/7.

How Refunds Affect Retirement Sums

For CPF members aged 55 and above, your refund can go toward fulfilling your:

• Full Retirement Sum (FRS) in your Retirement Account (RA)

Once your FRS is fully met:

• Any additional refund will remain in your Ordinary Account (OA)
• These funds can be used for other CPF-approved purposes or withdrawn, subject to conditions

This makes VHR an effective tool for meeting FRS goals, ensuring higher CPF LIFE payouts and stronger retirement income security.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)