Basic Retirement Sum (BRS)
What is BRS (Basic Retirement Sum)?
The Basic Retirement Sum (BRS) is the minimum amount CPF members are expected to set aside for retirement when they turn 55: $110,200 for those turning 55 in 2026, rising to $114,100 in 2027. It matters for property because you must set aside your BRS before you can use CPF beyond the valuation limit for a home loan.
Key facts
- BRS, turning 55 in 2026
- $110,200
- BRS, turning 55 in 2027
- $114,100
- Full Retirement Sum (FRS)
- Twice the BRS: $220,400 in 2026
- Enhanced Retirement Sum (ERS)
- Four times the BRS: $440,800 in 2026
- Estimated payout from 65 at the BRS
- About $950 a month (CPF LIFE Standard Plan)
- Property owners
- With a lease lasting to age 95, can meet the FRS with property (up to half the FRS) and cash
As of 6 Nov 2026. Source: CPF Board.
How the retirement sums work
At 55, CPF creates a Retirement Account and moves savings into it, from your Special Account first and then your Ordinary Account, up to the Full Retirement Sum. The amount you set aside then funds your CPF LIFE payouts from 65.
| Retirement sum (turning 55 in 2026) | Amount | Estimated monthly payout from 65 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Retirement Sum (BRS) | $110,200 | About $950 |
| Full Retirement Sum (FRS = 2 × BRS) | $220,400 | About $1,780 |
| Enhanced Retirement Sum (ERS = 4 × BRS) | $440,800 | About $3,440 |
Payouts are CPF estimates for the CPF LIFE Standard Plan, assuming 4% interest.
Where the BRS appears in property rules
| Rule | Role of the BRS |
|---|---|
| Withdrawal limit | You can use CPF beyond the valuation limit, up to 120% for bank loans, only after setting aside the BRS |
| Resale HDB flat with HDB loan | You can keep using CPF for the loan after the valuation limit, once the BRS is set aside |
| Lease Buyback Scheme | Owners top up their Retirement Accounts with the proceeds, to the BRS (two or more owners) or FRS (one owner) |
Example
You are repaying a condo bank loan and have already used CPF up to the valuation limit of $1,000,000. You haven’t set aside your BRS in your CPF accounts. Until you do, you can’t use more CPF for the loan, so your next instalments must be paid in cash. Once the BRS is set aside, you can use CPF again, up to the withdrawal limit of $1,200,000.
Common mistakes
- Assuming CPF can always be used for the full loan. Beyond the valuation limit, the BRS condition applies.
- Confusing the BRS with the FRS. The FRS is double the BRS.
- Forgetting the year matters. Your BRS is fixed by the year you turn 55.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the BRS matter when buying property?
CPF lets you use Ordinary Account savings beyond the valuation limit, up to the withdrawal limit for bank loans or for the remaining HDB loan, only after you have set aside your Basic Retirement Sum.
Does the BRS change after I turn 55?
No. Your BRS depends on the year you turn 55 and stays the same for life.
How does owning a home affect my retirement sum?
If you own a property with a lease that lasts to at least age 95, you can meet your Full Retirement Sum using a mix of property (up to half the FRS) and cash in your Retirement Account.
Related terms
Sources
- How much is my Basic Retirement Sum? (CPF Board)
- What is the CPF retirement sum? (CPF Board)
- How much CPF savings you can use for your home purchase (CPF Board)
Every figure on this page was checked against the official government sources above on 6 Nov 2026. See our editorial policy.
This is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice.