The 15-month wait-out period HDB rule has been removed with immediate effect for people who sell private homes and wish to buy HDB flats, National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat announced on 28 July 2026.
Key details at a glance
- Immediate change: Private-home sellers no longer need to wait 15 months before buying an HDB flat under this rule.
- Who it concerns: The change applies to people who sell a private residential property and intend to purchase an HDB flat.
- Why the rule was introduced: It formed part of the property cooling measures introduced in September 2022. The aim was to moderate demand for HDB resale flats and prioritise affordable public housing for Singaporeans with more urgent needs, including first-time buyers.
- Why it has been removed: Chee said HDB resale prices have moderated significantly since the COVID-19 period, when delays to Build-to-Order flat construction contributed to a supply-and-demand imbalance.
- It was always temporary: Authorities had previously described the wait-out period as a temporary measure.
- Past appeals: HDB processed about 1,800 waiver appeals a year from private-property owners. About one in four appeals was approved, mainly where households faced financial difficulty or extenuating circumstances and had no alternative housing options.
What this means for buyers
For private-home owners planning a move into the HDB resale market, the removal may allow a more direct housing timeline after a sale. It does not mean every HDB eligibility condition has changed. Buyers should still check the requirements that apply to their intended purchase, financing and household circumstances before committing to a sale or resale-flat option.
Source: CNA — “15-month wait-out period for private property owners to buy HDB flats removed: Chee Hong Tat”, 28 July 2026.
