HDB scraps 15-month wait-out period amidst easing resale prices

Private property owners can now buy non-subsidised resale flats without the cooling-era restriction.

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) has removed the 15-month waiting period for private residential property owners (PPO) and ex-PPOs purchasing non-subsidised HDB resale flats without an HDB housing loan.

The agency said this development follows several quarters of price moderation in the HDB resale market, which is showing signs of stabilisation.

Citing the Resale Price Index, HDB said resale prices have declined for two consecutive quarters in the first half of 2026, by 0.1% in the first quarter and 0.3% in the second quarter. This follows five consecutive quarters of slower or no price growth from the fourth quarter (Q4) 2024 to Q4 2025.

"This is further supported by a larger number of new flats completing their Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) and entering the resale market over the next few years. The Government has therefore assessed that the 15-month wait-out period can now be removed," HDB said.

The 15-month wait-out period was introduced as part of a series of property cooling measures on 30 September 2022 to moderate demand and promote sustainable conditions in the property market.

PPOs were required to serve the wait-out period after disposing of their private residential property before they could purchase a non-subsidised HDB resale flat. This was intended to prioritise access to public housing for first-time home buyers and ensure that the units remain affordable for those with greater housing needs.

PPOs and ex-PPOs purchasing an HDB resale flat are required to obtain an HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter. For those whose applications are being processed, their eligibility status will be updated.

For those with pending appeals for a waiver of the 15-month wait-out period, they no longer need to wait for HDB's reply and may proceed to apply for the letter directly.

Those who were previously exempted from the 15-month wait-out period to buy a 4-room or smaller non-subsidised HDB resale flat and hold a valid HFE letter may cancel and re-apply for a new HFE letter, if they wish to purchase a 5-room or larger non-subsidised HDB resale flat instead.

PPOs will be required to dispose of their private residential properties – whether in Singapore or overseas – within six months from the completion of the HDB resale flat purchase.

Meanwhile, the 30-month wait-out period remains for those who want to purchase a subsidised HDB flat, an executive condominium unit from a property developer, or intend to obtain an HDB housing loan for their flat purchase.