Legal analysis: There is no time limit. When purchasing, constructing, renovating or overhauling a self-occupied house, you can apply for a housing provident fund loan from the Housing Provident Fund Management Center.

Legal basis: Article 26 of the "Housing Provident Fund Management Regulations" Employees who have paid housing provident funds may apply for housing provident fund loans from the Housing Provident Fund Management Center when purchasing, constructing, renovating, or overhauling their own homes.

The Housing Provident Fund Management Center shall make a decision on whether to grant a loan or not within 15 days from the date of accepting the application, and notify the applicant; if the loan is granted, the entrusted bank shall handle the loan procedures.

The risks of housing provident fund loans are borne by the housing provident fund management center.