Comprehensive Guide - Selling Your HDB Resale Flat in 2025

Selling an HDB resale flat is a significant milestone, whether you are upgrading, downsizing, or relocating. The resale process involves multiple stages, from registering your intent to sell to completing the final transaction. Understanding each step ensures a smooth, efficient, and successful sale.

This guide provides a complete roadmap for sellers in 2025, with insights, practical tips, and expert recommendations to maximize the value of your HDB flat.

2025 HDB Seller Checklist: Before Selling Your Flat

Before putting your HDB flat on the market, it’s essential to prepare and ensure compliance with HDB regulations. Here’s a concise checklist:

Pro Tip: Knowing your MOP and valuation helps you plan your sale strategically and estimate cash proceeds for your next home purchase.

Step 1: Register Intent to Sell

1. Visit the HDB Flat Portal.

2. Click “I am a Seller” and log in using Singpass.

3. Submit your registration to receive:

   • Assessment of eligibility to sell

   • Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP)/Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) quota for your block

   • Recent transacted prices in your area

   • Upgrade and billing information

Tip: Complete this step at least 7 days before granting OTP to a buyer.

Step 2: Determine Your Selling Price

• Use the HDB Property Value Tool or platforms like PropertyGuru.

• Calculate cash proceeds using HDB Resale Cash Proceeds Calculator to plan for your next home or upgrades.

Example: If your flat’s valuation is $400,000, the calculator estimates net cash after CPF refunds and outstanding loans.

Step 3: Listing Your HDB for Sale

• List on HDB Resale Flat Listing Portal or partner with property agents.

• Highlight unique features such as renovations, location benefits, and proximity to amenities.

Tip: Professional photography and virtual tours increase buyer engagement.

Step 4: Arranging Viewings and Negotiations

• Schedule viewings efficiently; grouping multiple buyers in a day can create urgency.

• Negotiate confidently, leveraging current market trends and valuation data.

Example: Experienced agents can often secure offers 5–10% higher through strategic scheduling and negotiation.

Step 5: Securing the Sale

Before granting the Option to Purchase (OTP):

1. Complete Intent to Sell at least 7 days prior.

2. Ensure buyer has a valid HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter.

3. Confirm bank financing if buyer is taking a loan.

Pro Tip: Transparency on eligibility and loan approval reduces risk of OTP lapses.

Step 6: Grant Option to Purchase (OTP)

• OTP formalizes buyer’s intent and protects the seller from other offers for 21 days.

• Option Fee: S$1–S$1,000

• Option Exercise Fee: Up to S$5,000 (inclusive of Option Fee)

Example: If Option Fee = S$1,000, the Exercise Fee ≤ S$4,000.

Benefit: Provides financial security while buyer arranges financing.

Step 7: Discuss Temporary Extension of Stay (If Needed)

• Allows sellers to remain up to 3 months post-sale.

• Requires agreement with buyer and HDB approval.

• Only granted if your next home is ready for occupation.

Tip: Negotiate early during price discussions to avoid last-minute complications.

Step 8: Buyer Exercises OTP

• OTP must be exercised within 21 days.

• Buyer pays Option Exercise Fee to confirm purchase.

• If OTP expires, find a new buyer.

Pro Tip: Track the OTP expiry date to avoid delays in the resale process.

Step 9: Submit HDB Resale Application

Both seller and buyer submit applications via HDB Flat Portal within 7 days of each other. Required documents include:

Tip: Ensure all foreign language documents are translated into English.

Step 10: Engage a Conveyancing Lawyer

• Lawyer handles legal aspects, checks for mortgages, and ensures clean title transfer.

• Options:

  • HDB Legal Fees Enquiry Facility

  • Private solicitor

Benefit: Reduces risk of post-sale disputes and ensures legal compliance.

Step 11: Endorse HDB Resale Documents

• HDB sends documents via SMS after application submission.

• Endorse within 6 days to receive in-principle approval.

Tip: Early endorsement speeds up the resale process.

Step 12: Payment of Legal Fees and HDB Resale Costs

• Pay conveyancing and administrative fees online or at HDB Hub.

• Private lawyers may advise additional fees.

Step 13: Prepare for Resale Completion Appointment

• Settle outstanding payments and terminate GIRO arrangements.

• Gather required documents as per HDB resale completion letter.

Step 14: Attend Resale Completion Appointment

At HDB Hub:

• Sign transfer and mortgage documents

• Hand over keys (or authorize bank’s lawyer if buyer has a loan)

• Receive net sale proceeds and CPF refunds within 10–14 working days

Key Example: For a resale price of $400,000, net cash proceeds will be credited after deducting loans and fees.

Post-Sale Considerations: Transitioning to Your New Home

• Use Enhanced Contra Facility (ECF) if applying for a new HDB resale flat.

• Utilize Temporary Extension of Stay to move without rushing.

• Plan moving logistics and change of address early.

Comparison Table: Key HDB Resale Costs (2025)

Key Tips for Sellers

1. Track MOP and resale market trends.

2. List professionally to attract serious buyers.

3. Schedule viewings strategically to create urgency.

4. Negotiate transparently with buyers.

5. Engage a conveyancing lawyer to avoid legal pitfalls.

6. Plan your new home purchase concurrently to align timelines.

7. Leverage technology tools like Homer AI for valuation insights.

Key Takeaways

• Preparation is critical: know MOP, valuation, and eligibility requirements.

• Clear communication with buyers ensures smooth negotiations.

• Proper documentation avoids delays at HDB and legal stages.

• Using Temporary Extension of Stay and ECF ensures stress-free transitions.

• Professional support can maximize resale proceeds and reduce risk.

FAQ  

1. What is the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) for HDB flats?
   The MOP is generally 5 years for most HDB flats, starting from the date of key collection. You cannot sell your flat before meeting this requirement.

2. How do I determine the current market value of my HDB flat?
   Use tools like the HDB Property Value Tool or platforms such as PropertyGuru. AI-driven platforms like Homer AI can provide accurate, up-to-date valuations.

3. What is the process to register my Intent to Sell?
   Log in to the HDB Flat Portal, click “I am a Seller,” and submit your details. The registration is valid for 12 months.

4. Do I need to complete the Intent to Sell before granting the OTP?
   Yes. Intent to Sell must be registered at least 7 days before issuing the OTP.

5. What is the Option to Purchase (OTP)?
   OTP is a legal document that formalizes the buyer’s intention to purchase your flat. It protects both parties during the transaction.

6. How much is the Option Fee and Option Exercise Fee?

   • Option Fee: S$1–S$1,000

   • Option Exercise Fee: Up to S$5,000 (inclusive of Option Fee)

7. Can I request a Temporary Extension of Stay?
   Yes. It allows you to stay in the flat for up to 3 months post-sale, provided your next home is ready for occupation.

8. How long is the OTP valid?
   OTP is valid for 21 days. Buyers must exercise it before the 22nd day to secure the purchase.

9. What documents are required for the HDB resale application?
   Documents include OTP details, personal particulars of seller and co-owners, Temporary Extension of Stay form (if applicable), admin fee payment receipt, and translations of foreign documents.

10. Do I need a lawyer for the HDB resale process?
    It is recommended. A conveyancing lawyer ensures legal compliance, checks for mortgages, and manages the smooth transfer of ownership.

11. How long does the resale completion process take?
    From submitting your resale application to completion, it typically takes 4–6 weeks, depending on HDB scheduling and document approvals.

12. Can I sell my flat if I have an outstanding mortgage?
    Yes, but the outstanding loan must be cleared or refinanced during the resale process. Your lawyer can assist with this.

13. What is the Enhanced Contra Facility (ECF)?
    ECF allows sellers to use sale proceeds (CPF refunds and cash) to purchase another HDB resale flat.

14. How is cash proceed calculated?
    Cash proceeds = Sale price – outstanding loans – HDB fees – CPF refunds. Use the HDB Resale Cash Proceeds Calculator for accurate estimates.

15. What happens if the buyer backs out after OTP issuance?
    The OTP will lapse, and the buyer forfeits the Option Fee. You may then negotiate with new buyers.

16. Do I need to be present at the HDB Resale Completion Appointment?
    Yes, unless you authorize a lawyer to attend on your behalf. You will sign the transfer documents and hand over keys.

17. Can I sell my flat before receiving the HDB in-principle approval?
    No. The resale process requires HDB in-principle approval to finalize the sale legally.

18. Are there fees for listing my HDB flat?
    Listing on the HDB Resale Flat Portal is free. Additional services like professional agent listings may incur fees.

19. Can co-owners of the flat reside in it after the sale?
    Only if a Temporary Extension of Stay is granted and agreed upon with the buyer.

20. What if I want to sell a flat with co-owners who are overseas or unavailable?
    You can use a Power of Attorney or Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) to authorize a representative to act on their behalf.

Algene Toh

Senior Real Estate Salesperson

Asset Investment Brokers Pte Ltd

Email: admin@bsr2.com

Phone: +65 9008 8002

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