15-Month Wait-Out Period for Private Property Owners Buying HDB Resale Flats Removed

Private property owners can now buy certain HDB resale flats immediately after selling their private homes, following the removal of the 15-month wait-out period.

The Government has removed the 15-month wait-out period for private residential property owners and former private property owners who wish to purchase a non-subsidised HDB resale flat.

The change took effect immediately on 28 July 2026, Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat announced at the Singapore Economic Review Conference.

Previously, most private property owners had to sell their private home and wait 15 months before they could purchase a non-subsidised HDB resale flat.

Who Benefits From the Change?

The removal benefits households seeking to move from private housing to a more affordable HDB resale flat without having to arrange temporary accommodation for 15 months.

It may be particularly helpful to:

• Private homeowners who wish to right-size their property;
• Families facing financial or changing housing needs;
• Owners who want to reduce their mortgage commitments;
• Retirees moving from private housing to an HDB flat; and
• Households seeking to unlock capital from their private property.

Previously, only Singaporeans aged 55 and above moving into a four-room or smaller non-subsidised HDB resale flat were generally exempted from the 15-month wait-out period.

Under the revised policy, private property owners of all ages may purchase an eligible non-subsidised HDB resale flat of any size without observing the former 15-month waiting period.

Important Conditions Still Apply

The removal of the wait-out period does not mean that private homeowners can retain both their private property and an HDB flat indefinitely.

A private property owner who completes the purchase of an HDB resale flat must generally dispose of all private residential properties, whether located in Singapore or overseas, within six months from the completion of the HDB resale purchase.

Buyers must also satisfy the prevailing HDB eligibility rules, including citizenship, family nucleus, ownership and Ethnic Integration Policy requirements where applicable.

An approved HDB Flat Eligibility letter is still required before an eligible buyer can proceed with an HDB resale flat purchase.

Why Was the 15-Month Rule Removed?

The 15-month wait-out period was introduced in September 2022 as a temporary cooling measure during a period of strong demand and rising HDB resale prices.

At the time, disruptions to the construction of new flats, increased housing demand and low interest rates contributed to an imbalance between housing demand and supply.

According to the Government, market conditions have since improved and the temporary measure has achieved its intended purpose.

HDB resale prices declined during the first two quarters of 2026, while more flats are expected to complete their Minimum Occupation Period and enter the resale market over the coming years.

What Happens to Pending Appeals?

Private property owners with pending appeals against the former 15-month wait-out period no longer need to wait for HDB to issue a decision.

They may proceed to apply for an HDB Flat Eligibility letter. HDB is also expected to contact affected applicants directly.

For HFE applications that are already being processed, HDB will automatically update the applicant’s eligibility status where applicable.

Possible Impact on the HDB Resale Market

The policy change could bring additional buyers into the HDB resale market, particularly owners who wish to move from private housing without renting a temporary property during a 15-month waiting period.

However, the effect may be moderated by existing affordability limits, financing rules, HDB eligibility conditions and the requirement for private homeowners to dispose of their private property.

Buyers should carefully calculate their available cash, CPF funds, outstanding private-property loan, resale proceeds, Buyer’s Stamp Duty and future housing expenses before making a decision.

What Buyers Should Do Next

1. Check whether the intended resale flat is a non-subsidised purchase.
2. Apply for or update the HDB Flat Eligibility letter.
3. Confirm whether an HDB loan, bank loan or housing grant will be used.
4. Calculate the expected proceeds from selling the private property.
5. Plan the sale and purchase timelines carefully.
6. Confirm the six-month private-property disposal deadline.
7. Seek professional advice before committing to either transaction.

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