Selling Your HDB Resale Flat in Singapore: Complete Timeline (2025)
Selling your HDB resale flat can feel overwhelming, but knowing each step and what to expect helps a lot. Here’s a breakdown of the timeline, what you must do, and how long each stage typically takes.
| Stage | What Happens | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Check eligibility & before selling | Make sure you’ve served the Minimum Occupation Period (usually 5 or 10 years) and meet other HDB eligibility conditions. Decide on your asking-price taking resale valuation and market rates into account. | 1 week or more (depends on prep) |
| Register Intent to Sell | You register via HDB’s portal (My Flat Dashboard). HDB confirms your eligibility, show details like nearby resale prices, quotas etc. | Immediate to a few days |
| List your flat & arrange viewings | Engage an agent or list yourself; clean/photograph flat; schedule viewings; negotiate with interested buyers. | 1-3 weeks (varies by demand) |
| Grant Option to Purchase (OTP) | Once price agreed, grant the OTP. Buyer pays an option fee (up to $1,000). The OTP is valid for 21 days during which the buyer can decide whether to commit. | Up to 21 days |
| Buyer exercises OTP & both submit Resale Application | After OTP, buyer exercises it and you & buyer each submit your portion of the resale application to HDB (within 7 calendar days of each other). | Few days to 2 weeks (or mutually agreed timeline) |
| Document endorsement, inspections & fees | Endorse required documents online, arrange HDB inspection of flat (ensure no unauthorised modifications), pay administrative / legal / conveyancing fees. | Concurrent with HDB processing (within ~2-3 weeks after application) |
| HDB approval & Completion Appointment | HDB grants resale approval. Then a resale completion appointment is set (typically about 8 weeks from acceptance of the resale application). Hand over keys, sign necessary documents. Payment (CPF refunds, net proceeds) occurs around this time. | ~8 weeks |
| HDB Completion | Ensure any outstanding taxes or utility bills settled; buyer takes vacant possession; seller gets proceeds and CPF refunds where applicable. |
Key Costs & Tips
- Resale Application Fee: Approx $40 for 1- and 2-room flats, $80 for 3-room or larger.
- Legal / Conveyancing Fees: Vary depending whether you use HDB-appointed solicitor or private one.
- Temporary Extension of Stay: If you need more time after completion (up to certain months), negotiate with the buyer and include in the resale application.
Common Delay Points & How to Avoid Them
Incomplete documentation: Make sure ICs, income proofs, loan paperwork etc are ready.
Unauthorised renovations: HDB inspections flag them. Clear these issues early.
Disputes over inspection / flat condition: Keep the flat clean, rectify defects.
OTP timing: If buyer delays or doesn’t exercise OTP, it lapses, restarting the entire process.
Selling your HDB resale flat in Singapore from start to finish typically takes 8-12 weeks once the Resale Application is accepted (though the earlier stages can add more time). If you stay organised, get the paperwork ready, and work with reliable buyers / agents, the process becomes much smoother.