Removal of the 15-month Wait-out Period for Private Residential Property Owners Purchasing Non-Subsidised HDB Resale Flats

With immediate effect, private residential property owners (PPOs) and ex-PPOs who purchase a non-subsidised HDB resale flat without an HDB housing loan will no longer be subject to a 15-month wait-out period. This follows several quarters of price moderation in the HDB resale market, which is showing signs of stabilisation.

Wait-out Period

The 15-month wait-out period was introduced as part of a series of property cooling measures on 30 September 2022 to moderate demand and promote sustainable conditions in the property market. PPOs were required to serve the wait-out period after disposing of their private residential property, before they could purchase a non-subsidised HDB resale flat. This temporary measure was intended to prioritise access to public housing for first-time home buyers and ensure that HDB resale flats remain affordable for home buyers with greater housing needs.

To better support the retirement needs of seniors, Singapore citizens aged 55 and above were exempted from the 15-month wait-out period if they moved from their private property to a 4-room or smaller non-subsidised HDB resale flat.

Stabilising HDB Resale Market

The Government has been closely monitoring the HDB resale market, which has shown signs of stabilisation. Based on the HDB Resale Price Index, resale prices have declined for two consecutive quarters in the first half of 2026, by 0.1% in 1st Quarter 2026 and 0.3% in 2nd Quarter 2026. This follows five consecutive quarters of slower or no price growth from 4th Quarter 2024 to 4th Quarter 2025. This is further supported by a larger number of new flats completing their Minimum Occupation Period (MOP)[1] and entering the resale market over the next few years. The Government has therefore assessed that the 15-month wait-out period can now be removed.

Purchase of HDB Resale Flat

To purchase an HDB resale flat, PPOs and ex-PPOs are required to first obtain an HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter. Those who already hold a valid HFE letter and whose flat purchase plans remain unchanged are not affected. For those with HFE applications currently being processed, HDB will automatically update their eligibility status and no action is required on their part.

For those with pending appeals for a waiver of the 15-month wait-out period, they no longer need to wait for HDB's reply and may proceed to apply for an HFE letter directly. HDB will also be reaching out to these appellants directly.

PPOs and ex-PPOs who were previously exempted from the 15-month wait-out period to buy a 4-room or smaller non-subsidised HDB resale flat and hold a valid HFE letter may cancel and re-apply for a new HFE letter, if they wish to purchase a 5-room or larger non-subsidised HDB resale flat instead. HDB will inform them via email.

PPOs will be required to dispose of their private residential properties – whether in Singapore or overseas – within six months from the completion of the HDB resale flat purchase.

For PPOs and ex-PPOs who wish to purchase a subsidised HDB flat (i.e. a new flat from HDB with or without housing grants, or a resale flat with housing grants), an Executive Condominium unit from a property developer, or intend to obtain an HDB housing loan for their flat purchase, the existing requirement to wait out a period of 30 months after the disposal of their private residential property remains unchanged.

Providing Affordable & Accessible Housing for Singaporeans

HDB remains committed to keeping public housing affordable, accessible and inclusive for all Singaporeans. We will continue to monitor the property market closely and adjust our policies as needed to ensure they remain relevant.

Issued By: Housing & Development Board

[1] A rising number of BTO flats will reach their MOP in the coming years, increasing from 8,000 units in 2025 to 13,500 in 2026, 15,000 in 2027 and 19,500 in 2028.