Can You Buy an HDB Flat After Selling a Condo in 2025? A Complete Guide

Yes, but it’s subject to key eligibility conditions and time-based restrictions set by the Housing & Development Board (HDB). One of the most important of these is the 15-month wait-out period for private property owners.

This rule remains active in July 2025 and was introduced in September 2022 to moderate demand in the public housing market. While there is industry speculation that this rule may be lifted in the future, it is still enforced at the time of writing.

What Is the 15-Month Wait-Out Rule?

If you are below 55 years old and have sold a private property (e.g., condo), you are required to wait 15 months before being eligible to purchase a resale HDB flat. This cooling measure was implemented to promote fairness and prioritise first-time homebuyers.

Exemption:

If you are aged 55 or above, and you plan to buy a 4-room or smaller resale flat, you are exempt from the 15-month wait-out rule.

Eligibility to Purchase HDB Flats After Selling Private Property

To purchase either a new Build-To-Order (BTO) flat or a resale HDB flat, you must satisfy the following eligibility criteria:

• Citizenship: Must be a Singapore Citizen

• Age: At least 21 years old

• Family Nucleus: Must form a valid family unit (e.g., spouse, children, or parents)

• Income Ceiling: Applies to new BTO and some resale flats

• Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) and Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) Quota apply

• Housing Grants: Subject to additional criteria for CPF housing subsidies

Restrictions on BTO and HDB Loans

For 30 months after selling a private property, you are not allowed to:

• Apply for a BTO flat

• Buy an Executive Condominium (EC)

• Apply for CPF Housing Grants

• Secure an HDB housing loan

If you plan to purchase a BTO, you must wait until the 30-month period ends, then participate in a ballot and subsequently wait for construction (often several years). If you require immediate housing, resale HDB flats offer a faster option—subject to the 15-month rule.

Financial Planning Essentials Before Buying HDB

1. Clear Outstanding Home Loans

Ensure you fully settle any outstanding loans on your private property. Doing so improves your eligibility and financial profile for your next home loan.

2. Observe Bank Loan Notice Periods

Most bank loans require a 3-month notice before early repayment. Failure to do so could result in early redemption penalties—ranging from a few thousand dollars to a percentage of the loan balance.

3. Understand Lock-In Clauses

Some loan packages carry a lock-in period. Early settlement within this timeframe may trigger a penalty—typically 1.5% of the outstanding loan.

4. Understand the Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio

The LTV ratio determines how much you can borrow for a property. It varies based on the number of existing home loans:

By selling your condo before buying a flat, you can potentially maximise your LTV and reduce cash outlay.

Understand TDSR and MSR

Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR)

TDSR limits total monthly debt repayments to 60% of your gross monthly income. This includes all loans—housing, car, personal, etc.

Mortgage Servicing Ratio (MSR)

MSR limits your housing loan repayments alone to 30% of gross income. It applies only to HDB flats and ECs.

IWAA (Income-Weighted Average Age) is also considered for couples. It impacts the loan tenure and how much you can borrow collectively.

Using CPF Funds to Buy HDB After Selling a Condo

If you sold a private property, your CPF refunds (with accrued interest) can be used toward an HDB purchase.

• You can use up to 100% of the market value or purchase price (whichever is lower)

• The youngest buyer must be able to live in the flat until age 95; otherwise, CPF usage is capped

Stamp Duties and Other Fees to Consider

1. Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD)

BSD is payable on all property purchases in Singapore and is calculated based on the higher of market value or purchase price. BSD rates increase with property value tiers.

2. Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD)

ABSD applies when buying a second property. However, if you’ve sold your private condo before buying a resale HDB, you’re not subject to ABSD.

Married couples may qualify for ABSD remission, provided they:

• Buy their next home under both names

• Sell their first property within 6 months

• Have not acquired other properties before remission

From 9 May 2022, residential properties transferred into living trusts incur 35% ABSD, even without a beneficial owner named.

3. Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD)

SSD applies if you sell your property within 4 years of purchase (as of July 2025).

Avoid SSD by selling only after four years of owning your private property.

4. Resale Levy

A resale levy applies only if your first property was a subsidised HDB flat. If your previous property was a private condo, the resale levy does not apply.

Final Thoughts: What Should Private Homeowners Know?

In 2025, transitioning from a private condominium to an HDB flat is entirely possible—but you must plan for the 15-month wait-out rule, financial adjustments, and HDB eligibility conditions.

Proper financial planning—like managing CPF usage, loan limits, and timing around taxes and eligibility—can help you make a smooth, strategic move.

Algene Toh

Senior Real Estate Salesperson

Asset Investment Brokers Pte Ltd

Email: admin@bsr2.com

Phone: +65 9008 8002

Visit us: profile

Disclaimer: The information presented on BSR2.com is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, investment, or real estate advice and should not be relied upon as such. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the content at the time of publication, all data is derived from publicly available sources and may be subject to change without notice. BSR2.com makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the suitability, timeliness, or accuracy of the information provided for any specific purpose. Users are strongly encouraged to seek independent advice from qualified professionals before making any decisions based on the content found on this website. BSR2.com shall not be held liable for any loss, damage, or consequence, whether direct or indirect, arising from the use of or reliance on the information provided. The content is intended as a general guide and does not take into account individual circumstances.