HDB Buy, Sell and Rent Guide
28 Districts Guides · HDB Flats
HDB Buy, Sell and Rent Guide
Step-by-step process and checklists for buying, selling and renting out an HDB flat in Singapore, from eligibility to key handover.
How to buy an HDB flat
Typical timeline: About 3 to 5 months
- 1
Check eligibility and get your HFE letter
Before you startApply for the HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter on the HDB Flat Portal. It confirms your eligibility, CPF housing grants and HDB loan amount, and is valid for 9 months. Sellers can only grant you an Option to Purchase if you hold a valid HFE letter.
- 2
Set your budget
Before viewingWork out the price you can afford from your loan, CPF Ordinary Account and cash. Remember the valuation may come in below the asking price, and any difference (cash over valuation) must be paid in cash.
- 3
View flats and compare prices
Weeks 1 to 4Shortlist flats and compare recent transacted prices in the same block and street. Check the remaining lease, floor, facing and renovation condition.
- 4
Get the Option to Purchase (OTP)
Day 0The seller grants the OTP through the HDB Resale Portal. You pay an option fee of $1 to $1,000 in cash.
- 5
Request for Value
By the next working daySubmit a Request for Value to HDB by the next working day after receiving the OTP. The fee is $120.
- 6
Exercise the OTP
Within 21 daysExercise the OTP within 21 calendar days and pay the exercise fee. The option fee and exercise fee together are capped at $5,000.
- 7
Submit the resale application
Within days of exerciseBuyer and seller each submit their part of the resale application on the HDB Resale Portal and pay the administrative fee.
- 8
Completion and key collection
About 8 weeks after HDB acceptsHDB processes the application and sets the completion appointment. The balance is paid from your loan and CPF, and you collect the keys.
How to sell an HDB flat
Typical timeline: About 3 to 4 months
- 1
Check that you can sell
Before you startMake sure you have met the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP), usually 5 years. Check any resale levy, outstanding loan and the CPF you must refund.
- 2
Plan your next home
Before listingDecide where you will live next and line up the finances, so the sale and your next purchase fit together.
- 3
Register your Intent to Sell
At least 7 days before the OTPRegister on My Flat Dashboard with Singpass. It is free and valid for 12 months. You must wait at least 7 days before you can grant an OTP.
- 4
Price and market the flat
Weeks 1 to 6Set an asking price from recent transactions, prepare the flat for photos and viewings, and list it.
- 5
Grant the Option to Purchase
Day 0Grant the OTP to the buyer through the HDB Resale Portal and receive the option fee.
- 6
Buyer exercises the OTP
Within 21 daysThe buyer has 21 calendar days to exercise the OTP and pay the exercise fee.
- 7
Submit the resale application
Within days of exerciseSubmit your part of the resale application and endorse the documents when HDB asks.
- 8
Completion
About 8 weeks after HDB acceptsAt completion your loan and CPF are repaid from the sale proceeds and you hand over the keys. The cash balance is credited to you.
How to rent out an HDB flat
Typical timeline: About 2 to 6 weeks
- 1
Check you can rent out
Before you startTo rent out the whole flat you must have met the MOP, and only Singapore Citizen owners of Standard flats can do so. Bedrooms can be rented out without MOP for 3-room and bigger flats.
- 2
Find and check tenants
Weeks 1 to 4Tenants must be Singapore Citizens, PRs or non-citizens on eligible passes valid for at least 6 months. Keep within the occupancy cap for your flat size.
- 3
Get HDB approval
Before the tenancy startsApply for approval on HDB e-services. The minimum rental period is 6 months; the maximum is 3 years per application (2 years if any tenant is a non-Malaysian non-citizen).
- 4
Sign the tenancy agreement
At signingAgree the rent, deposit, repairs and diplomatic clause, then stamp the agreement with IRAS within 14 days.
- 5
Hand over and keep records
During the tenancyReport any changes in tenants to HDB within 7 days and declare the rental income in your tax return.
Want us to handle it for you? Our consultants guide you through every step, from pricing to completion.
This guide is general information for planning only and is not legal or financial advice. Rules change from time to time; please check with HDB, URA, JTC, IRAS, CPF and your bank or lawyer. Your ticks are saved on this device only.