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HDB Resale Process
Step-by-step guide to buying a resale HDB flat in Singapore
Updated March 2026 ยท Singapore regulations
Overview
Buying a resale HDB flat is a multi-step process that typically takes 8โ12 weeks from offer to key collection. Unlike buying a new BTO flat, resale involves direct negotiation with the seller and cash-over-valuation (COV) if applicable.
First step: Get your HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter before house hunting. It confirms your eligibility, CPF limits, and applicable grants โ and is required before any OTP can be issued.
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
Get your HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter
Apply via the HDB Flat Portal (MyHDBPage). Takes approximately 21 working days. The HFE letter confirms your eligibility, CPF withdrawal limits, and grants you qualify for. It is valid for 6 months. - 2
Register Intent to Buy
Once you find a flat, both buyer and seller must register their Intent to Buy / Intent to Sell on the HDB Flat Portal before the OTP can be issued. You can register before or after finding a flat. - 3
Option to Purchase (OTP)
Seller grants you the OTP. You pay an option fee of $1โ$5,000 (or up to $10,000 for flats above $500,000), which is counted toward the purchase price. The OTP is valid for 21 calendar days. - 4
Exercise the OTP
Exercise the OTP within 21 days by paying the exercise fee ($1โ$5,000, subject to the combined cap). Both buyer and seller must submit the resale application on HDB Flat Portal within 7 days of the OTP being exercised. - 5
HDB Processing & Valuation
HDB processes the application, conducts a valuation, and verifies CPF and grant eligibility. This takes approximately 6โ8 weeks. Any amount paid above HDB's valuation is the Cash Over Valuation (COV) and must be paid in cash. - 6
Completion (Key Collection)
HDB issues an approval letter and schedules the completion appointment at HDB Hub, Toa Payoh. CPF funds and grants are deducted at this appointment. You pay any remaining cash balance and receive the keys.
Costs to Budget For
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Option fee + exercise fee | Up to $10,000 (counts toward purchase price) |
| Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD) | 1%โ6% tiered on purchase price |
| Legal / conveyancing fees | $1,500โ$2,500 |
| Agent commission | 1%โ2% of price (negotiable, no fixed rate) |
| Cash Over Valuation (COV) | Whatever you pay above HDB valuation โ cash only, cannot use CPF |
| HDB resale levy (2nd subsidised flat) | $15,000โ$50,000 depending on flat type |
COV cannot be paid with CPF. If you agree to pay $620,000 for a flat valued by HDB at $600,000, the $20,000 COV must come from your own cash savings.
Useful Tips
- Always get your HFE letter first โ it prevents surprises on CPF limits mid-negotiation.
- Use the HDB Resale Price Index to understand market trends before making an offer.
- Check the flat's remaining lease โ CPF usage is restricted for leases that won't cover the youngest buyer to age 95.
- Factor in renovation costs (HDB flats typically need $30,000โ$80,000 for a full renovation).
- The seller's agent commission is typically paid by the seller, not the buyer.
Calculate your costs
Use our free tools to run the numbers for your situation.