Methodology

Source

All CPF contribution rates, allocation ratios, and interest rates are sourced from the CPF Board official website. The primary references are:

• cpf.gov.sg — How Much CPF Contributions to Pay
• cpf.gov.sg — CPF Interest Rates
• cpf.gov.sg — Retirement Sums (BRS/FRS/ERS)

Contribution Rates

We implement the exact contribution rates published in CPF Board's contribution rate tables. The rates differ by age band (≤55, 56–60, 61–65, 66–70, above 70) and citizenship status (Citizen/PR Year 3+, PR Year 2, PR Year 1). For 2025, the rates for the 55–60 and 60–65 age bands increased as per Budget 2023 announcements. Our calculator allows toggling between pre-2025 and post-2025 rates.

Allocation Ratios

CPF contributions are split into OA, SA, and MA based on age-dependent allocation ratios published by CPF Board. We use the exact ratios from the official allocation table. Notably, SA allocation drops to zero after age 55 (when balances transfer to the Retirement Account), and MA allocation increases with age to cover higher healthcare costs.

Interest Rates

OA earns 2.5% p.a.; SA, MA, and RA earn 4% p.a. An additional 1% interest is paid on the first $60,000 of combined CPF balances (with the first $20,000 in OA). Our retirement projections use a simplified model applying 2.5% to OA and 4% to SA/MA, which approximates the outcome for most users. The extra 1% bonus is not modelled explicitly to avoid overcomplicating the projection.

Retirement Sums (BRS/FRS/ERS)

The Basic Retirement Sum ($106,500), Full Retirement Sum ($213,000), and Enhanced Retirement Sum ($426,000) are the 2025 figures published by CPF Board. These increase annually by approximately 3.5% as announced at each Budget. Our retirement planner compares projected SA balance at 55 against these figures.

CPF LIFE Payout Estimates

CPF LIFE monthly payout estimates are based on CPF Board's published payout estimator. The relationship between RA balance and monthly payout depends on the plan chosen (Standard, Basic, or Escalating) and the member's entry age. We use a simplified ratio derived from CPF Board's published estimate of approximately $1,570/month for a member on the Standard Plan with the FRS ($213,000) at age 55, starting payouts at 65.

Source

HDB resale transaction data is sourced from the Singapore Government Open Data portal:

Coverage

The dataset contains 232,000+ individual resale transactions from January 2017 to present. Each record includes: transaction month, town, flat type, block, street name, storey range, floor area (sqm), flat model, lease commencement date, remaining lease, and resale price. HDB updates the dataset on data.gov.sg on business days.

Price Statistics

Median, average, minimum, and maximum prices are computed from all transactions in the specified town/flat type combination within the trailing 12-month window. The 12-month window is used (rather than calendar year) to capture the most recent market conditions. Price per square metre is calculated as resale price divided by floor area.

Price Trends

Year-on-year price change is computed by comparing the median resale price for the most recent complete month against the same month one year prior, for the same town and flat type. Where fewer than 5 transactions exist in either period, the trend is marked as insufficient data.

Fixed Deposit Rates

Fixed deposit rates are sourced directly from the published rate sheets on each bank's official Singapore website. We cover DBS, OCBC, UOB, Standard Chartered, Maybank, HSBC, CIMB, and Bank of China. Rates are for fresh funds; promotional rates are noted where applicable. All rates reflect the standard customer rate for S$20,000 minimum unless otherwise stated.

Savings Account Effective Rates

For bonus savings accounts (OCBC 360, UOB One, DBS Multiplier), we calculate the effective interest rate based on the bonus interest criteria published by each bank. The effective rate shown assumes the user meets the salary credit requirement and at least one spending criterion. Full conditions are modelled in the savings account calculator.

Home Loan Rates

HDB concessionary loan rate is 2.6% p.a. (0.1% above CPF OA rate), as set by HDB. Bank fixed rates and SORA-pegged floating rates are sourced from bank websites and public home loan comparison portals. The home loan comparison calculator uses standard annuity formula: monthly payment = P × [r(1+r)^n] / [(1+r)^n – 1].

Source

All stamp duty rates are sourced from IRAS (Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore):

• iras.gov.sg — Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD)
• iras.gov.sg — Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD)

BSD Calculation

BSD is calculated on the purchase price or market value, whichever is higher, using progressive bands: 1% on the first $180,000; 2% on the next $180,000; 3% on the next $640,000; 4% on the next $500,000; 5% on the next $1,500,000; 6% above $3,000,000. Our calculator shows the full breakdown by band.

ABSD Rates (effective 27 April 2023)

ABSD is applied on the full purchase price: Singapore Citizens buying a 2nd property pay 20%; 3rd and subsequent properties 30%. PRs buying a 1st property pay 5%; 2nd and subsequent 30%. Foreigners pay 60% on any residential property. Entities and companies pay 65%. BSD can be paid using CPF OA funds; ABSD must be paid in cash.