HDB resale in 2026: softer, but still active
The latest official figures show a market that is cooling, but not falling apart. In 1Q 2026, HDB’s Resale Price Index (RPI) stood at 203.4, down 0.1% quarter-on-quarter. Resale activity also remained healthy, with 6,285 transactions in the quarter, up 19.6% from 4Q 2025 but 4.6% lower than 1Q 2025. HDB said this was the first quarterly price decline in nearly seven years.
That combination matters: prices are no longer rising as quickly, but there is still enough demand to keep the market moving.
A block of HDB flats in Singapore, illustrating the public-housing base behind the resale market.
What this means
- Prices are no longer rising as quickly.
- Demand is still there, but buyers are more selective.
- Well-located, well-kept flats can still draw strong interest.
- Flats with weaker location, older condition, or less competitive layouts may need sharper pricing.
How to compare flats
When buyers compare options, use a simple checklist:
- Remaining lease
- Town and transport access
- Floor level and layout efficiency
- Renovation condition
- Recent nearby transactions
- Future resale appeal
For analysis, compare each flat against similar recent transactions rather than relying only on asking price.
Laundry drying on HDB poles, a familiar estate detail across many Singapore blocks.
Why the price comparison matters
- Two flats with the same size can still command very different prices.
- Town, flat type, and transaction timing all affect the final price.
- Median pricing gives a better market reference than a single listing.
Source: HDB, Resale Statistics.
What buyers should do
- Get your HDB Flat Eligibility letter early.
- Set a budget that leaves room for CPF, cash, renovation, and moving costs.
- Compare at least a few recent resale transactions before offering.
- Focus on value, not just the cheapest asking price.
- Choose a home that fits your daily life, not just a popular district.
What sellers should do
- Price against recent comparable transactions.
- Avoid overpricing at launch.
- Present the home clearly and cleanly.
- Expect buyers to negotiate more carefully.
- Plan your next move before you list.
Data sources
- HDB – 1st Quarter 2026 Public Housing Data and Upcoming Flat Supply
- HDB – Resale Statistics
- data.gov.sg – Resale Flat Prices dataset
The data.gov.sg dataset provides transaction-level resale price records from 1990 to 2025. It notes that records before March 2012 are based on approval date, while records from March 2012 onwards are based on registration date.
Bottom line
The 2026 resale market is more balanced than before.
- Buyers have more room to compare.
- Sellers still have demand, but need better pricing discipline.
- The best decisions come from clear numbers, not guesswork.
For every consumer comparing HDB flats in 2026, the key is to stay practical, data-driven, and selective.
