Step-by-Step HDB Resale Procedure in 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Buying or selling a resale flat in Singapore can feel like navigating a maze. From financial checks to legal paperwork, there are a lot of moving parts to manage. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, upgrading to a bigger place, or selling your flat, understanding the resale process can save you time, stress, and even money.

This guide walks you through the entire HDB resale procedure for 2025. It’s written mainly for buyers, but sellers will also find their steps highlighted along the way. Let’s break it down, step by step, in plain, practical language.

1. Start with Eligibility Checks

Credits : Ghib Ojisan

Before anything else, you need to know if you even qualify to buy or sell a resale flat.

For buyers: You must be a Singapore citizen or permanent resident. Age matters too,single buyers need to be at least 35 years old, unless they’re applying under family or joint schemes. Couples or families can start earlier.

For sellers: Make sure your flat has passed the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP), which is typically five years from the date of key collection. If you haven’t met the MOP, you cannot list your flat for sale.

Check for quotas: Both buyers and sellers must comply with the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) and Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) quota. These quotas ensure a balanced mix of ethnic groups in each block or neighborhood. You can check your eligibility directly online.

Other property rules: Buyers and sellers cannot own another HDB or private property, locally or overseas, unless specific conditions are met. For example, if you own private property, you usually need to dispose of it within a set timeframe to qualify for grants or HDB loans.

2. Get Your Finances in Order

Money talk comes next. Before you start house-hunting, you need to figure out how much you can afford.

Calculate your affordability: Look at your savings, CPF balance, and income. A good rule of thumb is to plan for both the down payment and any extra cash needed, like cash-over-valuation (COV). Keep in mind that tools comparing property valuation methods can help you estimate a realistic price range for your flat.

Apply for an HFE letter: Every buyer must apply for the HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter. It’s your golden ticket,it confirms your eligibility to buy, your grant amount (if any), and whether you can take an HDB loan. The letter is valid for nine months, so plan accordingly.

Decide on a loan: You can take either an HDB loan or a bank loan. An HDB loan is easier to qualify for, has a stable interest rate, and allows for a higher loan-to-value ratio, but it might not be the cheapest option. A bank loan, on the other hand, can have lower rates but requires a larger down payment.

Plan for extra costs: Stamp duties, legal fees, and valuation fees can add up. Buyers should budget for at least a few thousand dollars in additional costs. Sellers may also have to pay off outstanding loans or service charges before handing over the keys.

3. Register Your Intent

Sellers: The first formal step is to register an “Intent to Sell” through the HDB portal (1). Without this, you can’t proceed with listing or issuing an Option to Purchase (OTP).

Buyers: Once your finances and HFE letter are ready, you’re free to start your search. Think of this as the green light to start viewing flats and making offers.

4. House-Hunting and Negotiation

This is the fun part for buyers. With hundreds of resale flats on the market, you’ll want to shortlist options that match your budget, preferred location, and eligibility under EIP or SPR quotas.

Shortlist wisely: Look at recent resale price growth trends in your preferred estates. Check the remaining lease, flat layout, and the overall condition of the unit.

Schedule viewings: Arrange to see the flats in person. Photos don’t always tell the full story.

Negotiate terms: This is where buyers and sellers meet in the middle. Discuss not just the price but also details like the move-in date or whether the seller needs a temporary extension of stay.

Valuation request: Once both parties agree on a price and the OTP is issued, buyers can request an official valuation from HDB. This step is critical if you’re using CPF funds or taking an HDB loan.

5. The Option to Purchase (OTP)

The OTP is like a handshake agreement with a legal twist. It’s the standard HDB form that sellers issue to buyers.

Option fee: Buyers pay a small fee (up to $1,000) to secure the OTP.

21-day period: Buyers have 21 days to exercise the OTP. To do this, you’ll pay an additional deposit (up to $4,000 in total, including the option fee). Once exercised, both parties are locked into the deal.

6. Submit the Resale Application

Both the buyer and seller need to submit the resale application to HDB within seven days of each other. You’ll need to include the OTP and other required documents.

This is also the time to indicate if any special arrangements are needed, such as a temporary extension of stay for the seller or the Enhanced Contra Facility if the seller is buying another flat simultaneously.

7. Endorse Documents and Pay Fees

HDB will prepare digital versions of all resale documents. Both parties must log in and endorse them online within six days.

For buyers: You’ll pay the resale application fee, legal fees, and stamp duty (to IRAS).

For sellers: Legal and administrative fees are due at this point too.

8. Approval Stage

HDB usually takes about two weeks to process the documents after both parties have signed. You’ll receive an in-principle approval, which confirms that everything is in order and sets the stage for the final appointment.

Both buyers and sellers will be notified of the resale completion date via email, SMS, and the HDB portal.

9. Completion Appointment

This is the big day. Both parties meet at HDB Hub (or their legal representatives handle the paperwork) to finalize the sale.

Buyers: You’ll pay the balance of the purchase price, receive the keys, and officially become the flat owner.

Sellers: You’ll hand over the keys, collect the sale proceeds, and ensure that any CPF funds are refunded.

Before the appointment, buyers should inspect the flat to make sure everything is in the agreed condition. Sellers should clear all outstanding charges, including conservancy fees and property tax.

10. After Completion

The journey doesn’t end once the keys change hands.

Buyers: Register utilities, update your address with government agencies, and plan your renovation (if needed).

Sellers: Tie up loose ends, such as confirming CPF refunds and settling any remaining financial obligations.

The Timeline

On average, the process from OTP to completion takes 8 to 12 weeks. If you factor in the time needed for house-hunting, financial planning, and negotiations, the entire journey can stretch to four to six months.

The good news? Much of the process is now online, making it faster and more transparent than ever.

Notes and Tips

• Use the HDB portal to track every step,most notifications and reminders are sent via SMS and email.

   

• While it’s possible to manage the process yourself, hiring a property agent can help if you’re unfamiliar with the paperwork or negotiations.

   

• Be mindful of deadlines. Missing a step or payment can delay your resale completion.

Conclusion

The resale process might seem complicated at first glance, but once you understand the sequence, it becomes far less intimidating. For older blocks, issues like no lift access can influence both buyer interest and overall resale value. The key is preparation, get your eligibility and finances sorted before you even start looking. For buyers, the HFE letter is your first step. For sellers, registering your intent to sell sets everything in motion.

From that point on, it’s about clear communication, timely document submission, and staying on top of your payments and appointments. Whether you’re moving into your forever home or cashing out to upgrade, this guide gives you a roadmap to navigate the HDB resale landscape in 2025 with confidence (2).

Planning to buy or sell an HDB flat but unsure about your budget? Use MyHomeHowMuch.com to calculate your home affordability instantly. Get accurate insights on your loan capacity, CPF usage, and total costs,so you can make confident property decisions without the guesswork.

FAQ

What are the first steps in the step by step hdb resale procedure and how do I check my eligibility?

To start the step by step hdb resale procedure, you need to confirm your eligibility. Check your citizenship, age, family nucleus, and whether the flat meets the Minimum Occupation Period. Also, ensure you comply with the Ethnic Integration Policy and SPR quota. Reviewing these early helps you avoid surprises and plan your finances before moving to the next stage of the resale process.

How does the HFE letter fit into the step by step hdb resale procedure?

The HFE letter is crucial in the step by step hdb resale procedure because it confirms if you can get an HDB loan, qualify for CPF grants, and are eligible to buy a flat. You must have a valid HFE letter before making an offer or signing the Option to Purchase. Without it, you can’t move forward with the application.

What costs should I expect during the step by step hdb resale procedure?

Throughout the step by step hdb resale procedure, buyers should plan for stamp duty, legal fees, valuation fees, and possible cash over valuation. Sellers may have to pay legal and administrative charges. These costs are in addition to the resale price, so it’s important to calculate your budget early and include all potential expenses.

When do buyers and sellers submit the resale application in the step by step hdb resale procedure?

In the step by step hdb resale procedure, buyers and sellers submit the resale application after the Option to Purchase is exercised. Both parties must file their applications within seven days of each other. This stage includes uploading required documents and confirming financing arrangements, such as whether a temporary extension of stay or contra facility is needed.

How long does the entire step by step hdb resale procedure usually take?

The full step by step hdb resale procedure typically takes about 8 to 12 weeks from the time the Option to Purchase is issued until completion. This timeline includes valuation, document endorsement, approval from HDB, and the resale completion appointment. With house-hunting and loan approval, the entire process may stretch up to four to six months.

Related Articles

1. https://myhomehowmuch.com/blog-hdb-condo-property-valuation-tool-comparison-singapore-2025/
2. https://myhomehowmuch.com/hdb-no-lift-access-struggles/
3. https://myhomehowmuch.com/hdb-resale-price-growth-q1-2025/

References 

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_housing_in_Singapore
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_housing_in_Singapore#Homelessness_in_Singapore