Singapore Removes 15-Month Wait-Out Period for Private Property Owners Buying HDB Resale Flats.

15-Month Wait-Out Period Removed for Private Property Owners

Private property owners can now purchase non-subsidised HDB resale flats immediately after selling their homes, following the government’s decision to remove the 15-month wait-out period. The move comes as the HDB resale market shows signs of stabilising after several quarters of moderating prices.

The Singapore government has officially removed the 15-month wait-out period for private property owners who wish to purchase a non-subsidised HDB resale flat, with the policy taking effect immediately.

Why the Rule Was Lifted

Announcing the change, Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat said the measure is no longer necessary as conditions in the HDB resale market have improved. The wait-out period, first introduced in September 2022, was designed to cool demand from private property owners and help moderate rapidly rising resale flat prices.

The government noted that HDB resale prices have eased in recent quarters, with the resale price index recording two consecutive quarterly declines in 2026. This follows a sustained period of slowing price growth, suggesting that the market has become more balanced.

Authorities also pointed to the increasing supply of resale flats as more Build-to-Order (BTO) projects reach their Minimum Occupation Period (MOP). Thousands of additional flats are expected to enter the resale market over the next few years, helping to improve housing supply and support affordability.

Revised Policy Details & Flexibility

Under the revised policy, current and former private residential property owners can now buy a non-subsidised HDB resale flat without waiting 15 months, provided they are not taking an HDB housing loan.

The removal of the wait-out period is expected to provide greater flexibility for homeowners looking to right-size from private property to public housing, while allowing the government to continue monitoring market conditions and adjust housing policies when necessary.

Although the rule has been lifted, other existing eligibility requirements for purchasing HDB resale flats remain unchanged.