15-Month Wait-Out Period Removed: What Private Property Owners Need to Know
If you own a condo or private property and have been thinking about moving into an HDB resale flat, a rule that was blocking many buyers has just been removed — effective immediately.
On 28 July 2026, National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat announced at the 11th Singapore Economic Review Conference that the 15-month wait-out period for private property owners buying non-subsidised HDB resale flats has been scrapped, with immediate effect.
Here’s what changed, what still applies, and what you should do next.
What Was the 15-Month Wait-Out Period?
The rule was introduced in September 2022 as a property cooling measure. At the time, resale prices were surging — price growth was at 10.4% for the full year in 2022 — partly driven by cash-rich private property owners flooding the HDB resale market after selling their condos and landed homes.
To slow this down, the government required private property owners to wait 15 months after selling their private home before they could buy a non-subsidised HDB resale flat.
The practical impact was significant. If you sold your condo and wanted to right-size into an HDB flat, you had to sell first, find somewhere to rent for over a year, and only then start looking for your next home — two house moves, more than a year of rent, and prolonged uncertainty about what replacement flat you could get.
The only exception was Singapore citizens aged 55 and above — and even then, only when buying a 4-room or smaller flat. Since 2022, HDB processed about 1,800 appeals annually, approving roughly one in four, mainly for households facing financial difficulties or exceptional circumstances.
What Changed on 28 July 2026?
The 15-month wait-out period is gone — fully and immediately.
What you can now do:
- Buy a non-subsidised HDB resale flat immediately — no waiting period
- Buy at any age — the change applies to buyers of all ages and to all HDB resale flat types
- Buy any flat size — the old 4-room cap that applied even to the exempted 55+ group is removed
- Buy before selling — you can secure your HDB resale flat first, then sell your private property within 6 months
Why now?
The market has stabilised. The Resale Price Index fell 0.1% in Q1 2026 and a further 0.3% in Q2 2026, following five consecutive quarters of slower or flat growth. Supply was also improving — HDB is planning around 19,600 BTO flats for 2026, including over 4,000 with shorter waiting times. The government concluded the temporary measure had served its purpose.
What Rules Still Apply?
The removal of the 15-month wait-out period does not mean all restrictions are gone. Several key conditions remain:
1. No HDB housing loan Private property owners and former private property owners can purchase a non-subsidised HDB resale flat without an HDB housing loan and without serving any waiting period. If you want an HDB loan, the 30-month wait-out period still applies.
2. You must still sell your private property within 6 months Private property owners who buy an HDB resale flat must still dispose of their private residential property — whether in Singapore or overseas — within six months after completing the resale flat purchase.
3. The 30-month wait-out period still applies for subsidised housing The existing 30-month wait-out period remains for private property owners who wish to buy a subsidised HDB flat. This includes BTO flats, resale flats purchased with CPF housing grants, and new Executive Condominiums from developers.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you own a condo and want to right-size into an HDB flat: You can now plan your sale and purchase simultaneously. No need to sell first, rent, wait, and then buy.
If you had a pending HDB appeal to waive the old rule: Anyone with a pending appeal to waive the old rule no longer needs to wait for a reply — they can proceed straight to applying for an HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter.
If you are 55 or older: Previously you were the only group exempted — but only for a 4-room or smaller flat. That size restriction is now gone. If you were holding off because you needed a 5-room flat or more space, that path is now open.
If you own overseas property: The rule applies to overseas private property owners too. You can buy the resale flat first and dispose of the overseas property within 6 months of completion. Read our earlier guide on how some buyers successfully appealed their HFE letter while holding overseas property.
Quick Reference: Before and After
| Before 28 July 2026 | From 28 July 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Wait-out period | 15 months after selling | None |
| Age restriction | 55+ exempted (4-room or smaller only) | All ages, all flat sizes |
| Financing | Bank loan only | Bank loan only (unchanged) |
| Property disposal deadline | 6 months after completion | 6 months after completion (unchanged) |
| BTO / subsidised flats | 30-month wait-out applies | 30-month wait-out still applies |
What Should You Do Next?
If this change is relevant to your situation, the first step is understanding exactly what you’re eligible for — flat type, size, and whether any grants apply to you.
Take our free eligibility quiz — answer a few questions and we’ll map out exactly what you can buy, your financing options, and what grants you qualify for. From there, a property professional can advise on timing and the right sequence for your specific situation.
This article is based on the joint MND and HDB statement issued on 28 July 2026 and the announcement by Minister Chee Hong Tat at the 11th Singapore Economic Review Conference. Always verify the latest rules at hdb.gov.sg or with a licensed property agent before making any financial commitment.