Overview
The HDB resale process in Singapore is largely standardized through the HDB Resale Portal, a government platform that handles most of the paperwork digitally. The entire process, from listing your flat to handing over the keys, typically takes 3 to 5 months.
The main stages are: checking eligibility, registering your Intent to Sell, finding a buyer, granting and exercising the Option to Purchase (OTP), submitting the resale application, and attending the completion appointment at the HDB Hub.
While you can complete the entire process without a property agent, most sellers engage one. An agent helps with pricing, marketing, negotiation, and coordination. The typical agent commission for HDB resale is 1% of the sale price from the seller, with the buyer paying their own agent separately.
Step-by-Step Timeline
Check Your Eligibility
Before listingBefore you can sell your HDB flat, you must have fulfilled the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP), which is typically 5 years from the date of key collection. You can check your eligibility on the HDB website under My Flat > Purchased Flat > Eligibility to Sell. If you have an outstanding HDB loan, you will need to calculate the expected sale proceeds to ensure you can repay the loan plus any CPF refunds.
Register Your Intent to Sell
InstantLog in to the HDB Resale Portal with your Singpass and register your Intent to Sell. This step is free and confirms that you meet the eligibility conditions. The Intent to Sell is valid for 12 months. You do not need an agent to do this, but many sellers have their agent handle it.
Market Your Flat and Find a Buyer
2 to 12 weeks (varies)This is where most of the agent's work happens. They will advise on pricing (based on recent comparable sales in your block and neighbourhood), arrange professional photography, list the property on portals like PropertyGuru and 99.co, coordinate viewings, and negotiate with prospective buyers. The time to find a buyer depends on pricing, location, and market conditions.
Negotiate and Grant the Option to Purchase (OTP)
1 to 2 weeksOnce you agree on a price with a buyer, you grant them an Option to Purchase (OTP) through the HDB Resale Portal. The buyer pays you an option fee of between S$1 and S$1,000 (as agreed between parties). The OTP is valid for 21 calendar days, during which the buyer must decide whether to exercise it. If the buyer does not exercise the OTP within 21 days, it expires and the option fee is forfeited to you.
Buyer Exercises the OTP
Within 21 days of OTPIf the buyer decides to proceed, they exercise the OTP through the HDB Resale Portal and pay an additional option exercise fee. The combined option fee and exercise fee is typically capped at S$5,000. At this point, both parties are committed to the transaction.
Submit Resale Application
Within 7 days of exercising OTPBoth buyer and seller must submit the resale application through the HDB Resale Portal within 7 days of the OTP being exercised. Each party submits their respective portion of the application. You will need to provide details about your flat, any outstanding loans, and your CPF usage.
HDB Processes the Application
Approximately 8 weeksHDB will process the resale application and schedule an appointment at the HDB Hub. During this period, HDB verifies all information, checks ethnic integration policy quotas, and prepares the necessary documents. Both parties will receive a letter confirming the completion appointment date.
Completion Appointment
1 dayBoth buyer and seller attend the completion appointment at the HDB Hub. This is where the transaction is finalized: the title transfers, loans are disbursed, CPF refunds are processed, and you receive your sale proceeds. The process typically takes about an hour. You must hand over the keys to the buyer at this appointment.
Costs Involved in Selling an HDB Flat
Agent commission (seller)
Negotiable. No standard fixed by law.
Agent commission (buyer)
Buyer pays their own agent if they use one.
Conveyancing fees
Legal fees for a lawyer to handle the conveyance. Optional for HDB but recommended.
HDB resale levy
Only applies if you bought your current flat directly from HDB (first-timer grant) and are buying a second subsidised flat.
CPF accrued interest
If you used CPF to pay for your flat, you must refund the CPF principal plus 2.5% accrued interest to your CPF Ordinary Account.
Outstanding loan repayment
Settled from sale proceeds on completion day.
For a detailed breakdown of agent fees, see our guide on agent commission rates.
What Does a Property Agent Do in an HDB Resale?
A property agent handles several tasks that can be time-consuming for a DIY seller:
- Pricing advice based on recent comparable transactions in your block and neighbourhood
- Marketing including professional photography, portal listings (PropertyGuru, 99.co), and social media promotion
- Coordinating viewings with prospective buyers
- Negotiation on price and terms
- Paperwork including the OTP process and HDB Resale Portal submissions
- Coordination with the buyer's agent, lawyers, and HDB
Not all agents provide the same level of service. Use FairComparisons to find agents who specialize in HDB resale in your town. You can browse the top HDB agents by town to compare track records.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the entire HDB resale process take?
From listing to key handover, the typical timeline is 3 to 5 months. The main variable is how long it takes to find a buyer (2 to 12 weeks). Once the OTP is exercised, the HDB processing and completion appointment take approximately 8 to 10 weeks.
Do I need an agent to sell my HDB flat?
No. There is no legal requirement to use an agent for an HDB resale transaction. The HDB Resale Portal is designed to allow direct buyer-seller transactions. However, most sellers use an agent for pricing advice, marketing, negotiation, and to coordinate the paperwork. The commission is typically 1% of the sale price.
What happens to my CPF when I sell my HDB flat?
You must refund the CPF principal amount used for the flat purchase (including housing grants) plus 2.5% accrued interest to your CPF Ordinary Account. This is automatically deducted from the sale proceeds on completion day. Any remaining proceeds after loan repayment and CPF refund are paid to you in cash.
Can I sell my HDB flat before the 5-year MOP?
Generally no. The 5-year MOP must be fulfilled before you can sell on the open market. There are limited exceptions for severe financial hardship or other compassionate grounds, but these require HDB approval and are rarely granted. You can check your MOP date on the HDB website.
What is the difference between an OTP and an exercise of OTP for HDB?
The OTP (Option to Purchase) is the initial agreement where the seller gives the buyer the right to buy the flat at the agreed price. The buyer pays a small option fee (S$1 to S$1,000). Exercising the OTP means the buyer formally commits to the purchase within the 21-day validity period by paying the exercise fee (bringing the total to up to S$5,000). Once exercised, both parties are legally committed.