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It depends on your current employment status and nature of your current job.

I'm a Harvard graduated real estate agent with a degree in economics, and I have a decade of experience working on Singapore public policy. I would love to schedule a free consultation to discuss your options if you need any support.

Feel free to reach out via whatsapp or email.

Kay Cloud
The Harvard Educated Agent
Propnex Realty Pte Ltd
cloud@propnex.com
Tel: (+6.5.) 8.5.6.7.4.5.8.5
Whatsapp -> https://wa.me/6585674585 Read More

Hi Do contact me at 97970200  to discuss more.

Mark, your RIGHT choice
Propnex Read More

Good day to you.
Are you currently on a sabbatical leave or have you permanently departed from your last employer? If you are on a sabbatical, you can submit your appeal. If that is not the case, you need to begin looking for a source of income before you can initiate the HFE application process.

Navigating a property transaction can feel overwhelming, especially when tied to major life events. As a property consultant with 15 years of experience, I am here to provide not just market knowledge, but also peace of mind.
I specialize in sensitive property matters, offering expert guidance on:

Divorce & Asset Settlement: Helping you achieve a smooth and equitable outcome for your shared properties.
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Complex Situations: From Lasting Power of Attorney to bankruptcy cases, I offer clear solutions to your specific challenges.

Ready to find clarity? Contact me for a free consultation today and let’s discuss how I can help you secure a confident future.

Regards
Mike Lim
Mobile: 96929209 
email: m52i@yahoo.com
R026708F
ERA

You can also follow my short videos for more tips:
https://www.youtube.com/@SGHomeCompass Read More

Short answer: yes, you should still apply for HFE, but timing matters.

Here’s how to think about it in practical terms.

How HFE income assessment works
HDB generally looks at your latest 12 months of income, with heavier weight on the most recent 3 to 6 months. In your case:
• No income from Feb 2025 to Oct 2025
• Income resumes from Oct 2025 onwards
• By Feb or Mar 2026, you’ll have about 4 to 5 months of income

That is usually acceptable for HFE, especially if:
• Your job is full-time and ongoing
• Income is stable (not freelance or commission-heavy)
• Employer letter confirms permanent employment

Whether you should apply now or later
• If you apply too early, your loan amount may be conservative because of the income gap.
• If you wait until Feb or Mar 2026, your HFE will reflect a stronger income profile, which can improve loan eligibility.

Since you only turn 35 in Apr 2026, there’s no rush to lock in HFE immediately unless:
• You’re actively viewing resale units
• You want clarity on budget planning early

My practical suggestion
• Apply for HFE around Feb or early Mar 2026
• That gives you enough income history while still being ready to act once you turn 35 Read More

Hi

From the hdb website, only the income earning months will be included, meaning total income earned / income earning months (ie. months on no-pay leave will be excluded)

You can refer to this

https://www.hdb.gov.sg/residential/buying-a-flat/understanding-your-eligibility-and-housing-loan-options/application-for-an-hdb-flat-eligibility-hfe-letter/income-guidelines

So you should apply the HFE still but you can only do so once you turn 35 years old, since its no cost to do so.

Hope the above clarifies. I am well-versed with HDB and private property transactions, having helped more than 100 homeowners transit smoothly with their housing plans. Please reach out to me at 97432395  for a more in-depth discussion :)

May I have more info on your requirements so as to make better recommendations? Thanks and looking forward to chat more

Warm Regards,

Ivan Ng Realtor
ERA Senior Marketing Director
ERA Multiple Diamond Award Achiever

SEAA Salesperson Achievement Award (Gold)
SEAA Singapore Accredited Mortgage Planner (SAMP)

ERA Top 11th Achiever in Feb 2024 (Top 1% Company Level)
ERA Top 64th Achiever in March 2024 (Top 1% Company Level)
ERA Top 37th Achiever in Oct 2023 (Top 1% Company Level)
ERA Top 93th Achiever for Full-Year 2020 (Top 1.5% Company Level)
ERA Top 11th Achiever in June 2020 (Top 1% Company Level)

SMU BBM (Finance), Magna Cum Laude
Proactive. Sincerity. Feedback.

Contact: (+65) 97432395 
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(Client's Testimonials)
CEA: R052114D

HDB Yishun BTO 5-RM Sellers, Private Property Upgraders Mr. & Mrs. Koh --

I would like to express my appreciation to Ivan Ng for his excellent work. Ivan is a dedicated, client-focused, patient and sincere agent. Throughout the whole process of selling and looking for our next property, he has always acted very professionally that makes my wife and I feel at ease and assured. Ivan is not a pushy and hard sales agent. Ivan listens and understands our needs and carefully guided us through. We are fortunate to have Ivan as our agent. Thank you Ivan.

HDB Choa Chu Kang BTO 4-RM Sellers, 5-RM Purchasers, Zima & Faizal --

Ivan was prompt in replying to my endless queries & concerns. He was very attentive to details and he knows my exact 'taste' during the process of house hunting. I would say that my requirement in getting a flat is quite high because i was looking for a flat located near my parent's as well as the MRT station. It impressed me that he could read my mind well which makes the whole transaction alot easier. I also love the fact that he is calm, not pushy & always ensuring me that there are still sufficient time to look out for other available houses. We are so thankful beyond words for his understanding and patience thoroughout the whole process. We managed to sell our BTO with extension & secure a 5 room flat without COV, located near my parent's and a 3 to 5 mins walk to the MRT station. What's even better is that the flat that we purchased is superbly convenient as it is just beside a big shopping mall! Thank you Ivan for all your effort & for the smooth sailing transaction!

**Note: We are not prompted when you respond here, hence please get in touch directly. Look forward to hear from you soon! ** Read More

(✔1) Since you only turn 35 in April 2026, there is no urgency to apply unless you are actively viewing resale flats or need early budget clarity.

(✔2) As HFE application is free, applying once you meet the age and income criteria carries little downside.
WhatsApp me at >> ✔✔9856 9255 or through this link.:https://wa.me/6598569255.

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IF YOU NEED more assistance with PROPERTY matters such as RENTING, SELLING, BUYING, or INVESTING, I’m here to help.

WhatsApp me at ✔✔ ABLE TOH (65) 9856-9255  or via this link:

https://wa.me/6598569255

Unfortunately, this platform does not allow direct contact, but you can easily reach me on WhatsApp.

✔✔✔You can READ my REVIEWS here:Able S K Toh

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“Timing is everything.” — William Shakespeare Read More

I think it should be relatively good to apply for HFE by the time April 2026, assuming that you will not be leaving your current employment. Read More

Hi, appreciate your sharing, require for past 6 months to 1 year income statement with CPF OA and IRAS declaration before proceeding to apply HFE. You are able to try using singpass to apply now and determine the outcome. Looking forward to assist you at +65 9696 4398  or email me at stewartlim96964398@gmail.com

Cheers
Stewart-PropNex Read More

Hi,

1) It might be an disadvantage to you to apply for HFE immediately in April 2026.
2) Your housing loan will be limited to an average of 12 months based on 7 months income if the HDB issued an approved HFE.
3) It is highly lightly that the HFE application will be rejected since a 12-months continuos employed is an essential condition.
4) So, just be patient to accumulate 12-months continuous employment before applying for the HFE.

All The Best!!!

Hope the above answer to your main concerns, but if there are more query, please feel free to contact me at 90110636  , or email: ling.ck7@gmail.com if more information is needed.
I'll be glad to assist.

Best regards
Ling CK
 90110636 
ling.ck7@gmail.com
https://R056727F.propnex.net/
https://www.facebook.com/Homesellerbuyer

Note:
Any response to our answer does not reach us until we scroll through each and every query posted daily.
The best way to get a follow-up is to Whatsapp or email us directly. Read More

I would be glad to assist you.
Feel free to contact me at wa.me/6597100155
Hope to hear from you soon.
Pei Mobile: (65) 9 7 1 0 0 1 5 5.
Email: peicheng.tan@propnex.com
Associate Group Director
Propnex Realty Pte Ltd Read More

For HDB’s HFE calculation, they generally look at your actual gross income over the past 12 months at the point of application. Periods without income (like your Feb–Oct 2025 break) are counted as zero, so HDB will likely only consider your salary from Oct 2025 to Feb 2026 when assessing your loan eligibility which will reduce your borrowing capacity.

For Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG), HDB requires that you have been working for at least 12 continuous months before application. Since you took a break from Feb to Oct 2025, you don’t meet the 12-month requirement, so unfortunately, EHG will not be granted to you.

I suggest you still proceed to apply and review your HFE in April once you turn 35, this will give you a clear picture of what’s workable for your loan and budget.

If the HFE shows that the financing isn’t sufficient, you can consider reapplying a few months later after your income history stabilizes or you have additional cash/CPF savings.

If you want, I can help you run a quick HFE estimate and show exactly what your loan and grants would look like so you’ll know whether April works or if waiting is better.

Warm regards,
Amethyst Teo
Realtor since 2013
SRI Pte Ltd

Estate Basics
Singapore Real Estate (Rentals, HDB, Private Condo)

CEA Registration No: R052728B
 +65 8201 9831 
www.estatebasics.sg

I am Amethyst Teo, a Singapore Realtor since 2013.

I work across rentals, resale homes, and long term property planning, and have supported over 1000 families with their rental and sales decisions over the past decade.

My work focuses on:
• Rentals for tenants and landlords seeking clear terms and smooth outcomes
• First time buyers looking for undervalued and sustainable properties
• Resale owners who want real exposure through a network of agents.

Clients often work with me for my planning approach. I focus on clarity before transactions, realistic expectations, and long term decision making rather than rushed outcomes.

Over the years, I have helped many clients and close friends purchase their first property before 35 through careful planning. In several cases, this led to S$500k or more in accumulated value over time, without excessive risk taking.

I am based in Singapore and work with both HDB and private properties.

You can find more about my work at Estate Basics. Read More