A complete walkthrough of the HDB resale process — from registering your Intent to Sell all the way to completion. Know what to expect at every stage.
Chat with DennisBefore you can market your flat, you must first register an Intent to Sell (ITS) through the HDB Flat Portal using Singpass. This is the formal starting point of the entire resale process.
Once registered, HDB will check your eligibility to sell — including the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) — and your flat will be eligible for listing on the Resale Flat Listing (RFL) service.
HDB will automatically check your Minimum Occupation Period (MOP). Most HDB flats require a 5-year MOP from the date you took possession of the flat. You cannot sell during this period.
Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) and Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) quota limits apply to the sale. Your flat's ethnic quota may affect the pool of eligible buyers — this is worth checking early.
With your Intent to Sell registered, you can now list your flat on the HDB Flat Portal's Resale Flat Listing (RFL) service and begin marketing. This is also the time to plan carefully for your next home.
Many sellers underestimate how much CPF must be refunded upon sale — including accrued interest. Use the CPF Board's online calculator to get a clear picture of your actual net proceeds before pricing your flat.
Once you and the buyer have agreed on the resale price and terms, you grant them an Option to Purchase (OTP). This is a legally binding document that gives the buyer the exclusive right to purchase your flat at the agreed price.
You cannot grant another OTP to a different buyer during the Option Period. Wait for the OTP to expire before moving on to another buyer.
When the buyer exercises the OTP, they pay the Option Exercise Fee. The total Option Money + Exercise Fee cannot exceed $5,000. After exercise, both parties must proceed to submit the resale application.
After the buyer exercises the OTP, both you and the buyer must each submit your respective portions of the resale application through the HDB Flat Portal. This must be done within 7 calendar days of each other — otherwise the application will be cancelled.
NRIC of all flat owners, HDB loan details (if applicable), CPF usage statements, and proof of any outstanding payments. HDB will inform you of any additional documents required after submission.
Both seller and buyer must submit their resale application portions within 7 calendar days of each other. If either party misses this window, the application is cancelled with no refund of administrative fees.
After both parties submit the resale application, HDB will review and process it. This typically takes around 28 working days (approximately 40 calendar days). HDB will notify you and the buyer via the portal once the application is approved.
The buyer's financials (CPF, bank loan) are verified. If there are any issues, HDB will contact the relevant party. Use this time to begin planning your move and arranging temporary accommodation if needed.
The resale completion appointment is typically scheduled about 8 weeks after HDB's acceptance of the application. This is the final step — ownership of the flat is officially transferred to the buyer.
Any CPF funds used to purchase the flat — including accrued interest — will be refunded to your CPF Ordinary Account electronically at completion. This refund reduces your cash proceeds but forms part of your CPF savings for future use.
If you need more time to move out, you may apply for a Temporary Extension of Stay of up to 3 months after the completion date. This must be mutually agreed with the buyer and applied through HDB before the completion appointment.
Navigating the HDB resale process can be complex. Let Dennis guide you through every step — from pricing strategy to completion.
WhatsApp Dennis NowThis guide is intended for general informational purposes only and is based on HDB's published resale process as of 2025. Timelines and procedures may vary depending on individual circumstances. Always verify the latest requirements directly with HDB. Should you need further clarification or help, please feel free to reach out to me.