The Complete Guide to Selling Your HDB Flat in Singapore

Selling your HDB flat is a major financial decision. Whether you’re upgrading to a private condo, right-sizing, or cashing out, the process involves careful planning and execution. This guide walks you through the key steps every HDB seller should know.

1. Check Eligibility to Sell

Before you list your HDB for sale, confirm that:

You have fulfilled the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) (usually 5 years).
You meet Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) and Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) quota requirements.
All co-owners agree to sell.

💡 Tip: Log into HDB’s portal to confirm your flat’s eligibility.

2. Assess Your Finances

A crucial step for any HDB seller is knowing how much you’ll walk away with. You’ll need to:

Check your outstanding HDB loan or bank loan.
Calculate CPF refund (all funds used plus accrued interest must be returned).
Estimate cash proceeds after paying off your liabilities.

👉 Many sellers are shocked to find they have little or no cash proceeds. Getting an indicative HDB valuation early helps you plan better.

3. Get a Professional Valuation

Pricing your flat correctly is key. Overpricing can scare off buyers, while underpricing leaves money on the table.

Use HDB’s recent resale transactions as a guide.
Get a free HDB valuation report from a trusted property advisor.
Understand Cash Over Valuation (COV) trends in your area.

4. Decide on DIY vs Agent Sale

As a HDB seller, you have two main routes:

DIY (For Sale By Owner): Save on commission, but you handle marketing, viewings, negotiations, and paperwork.
Appoint an Agent: Pay a small commission (usually 1–2%), but benefit from professional marketing, strong negotiation, and smooth transaction management.

💡 Many sellers find that a skilled agent can achieve a higher sale price that more than offsets the commission.

5. Prepare Your Flat for Sale

First impressions matter.

Declutter and clean thoroughly.
Consider minor repairs or fresh paint.
Stage your home with good lighting and simple décor.
Photos and videos will make or break your listing online.

6. Market Your HDB Flat

Effective marketing is more than just listing on PropertyGuru.

High-quality photos, videos, and even 3D tours.
Targeted ads on social media.
Highlight nearby amenities, schools, and MRT access.

7. Handle Viewings & Negotiations

Buyers will likely push for a lower price or request special terms.

Be prepared to negotiate firmly but fairly.
Don’t reveal too much about your financial situation.
Set a “walk-away price” in advance.

8. Submit Resale Application

Once you find a buyer:

Both seller and buyer submit a resale application to HDB.
HDB reviews and issues an Approval of Resale.
A completion appointment is scheduled.

The whole process takes around 8 weeks after acceptance.

9. Completion & Handover

Keys are handed over on completion day.

Proceeds are disbursed (after CPF refunds and loan repayments).

Cancel any GIRO payments for conservancy charges or utilities.

Final Tips for HDB Sellers

Always plan buying and selling timelines carefully to avoid temporary housing issues.
Understand taxes, grants, and CPF rules before making decisions.
Don’t focus only on price — net proceeds are what really matter.

✅ Selling your HDB flat doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right planning and guidance, you can maximise your property’s value while ensuring a smooth, hassle-free process.