Processing Time for HDB HFE Letter from Application to Document Submission and Possible Extension of Validity Period

27 Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the median processing time for the HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter from (i) the point of application and (ii) the point all required documents are submitted to HDB; and (b) whether the Government can consider extending the validity period of the HFE Letter to minimise the need for re-application.

Mr Desmond Lee: Between 1 November 2023 and 31 October 2024, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) processed more than 135,000 applications for the HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter. Applications with complete documents are generally processed within about a week. For applications submitted without complete documents, HDB will need to request for the full set of documents to be submitted before processing the application. Applicants are, therefore, advised to provide accurate and complete information during their HFE letter application for a faster response.

In November 2023, as part of a regular review to improve the flat buyer's experience, HDB extended the validity period of the HFE letter from six to nine months. This serves to strike a balance between providing home seekers with greater convenience and ensuring a holistic and fair assessment of their eligibility for housing subsidies and loan based on recent household income. There are currently no plans to further extend the validity period of the HFE letter.