28/07/2026
Policy Update: The 15-Month Wait-Out Rule Is Gone!
Good news for private property ownersβbut what does it really mean for HDB owners and buyers? Hereβs my take on how this policy could reshape the resale market. π
If youβve been following Singaporeβs property market, this is one of the biggest policy changes weβve seen this year.
But before celebrating (or worrying), hereβs what it actually means.
π What changed?
Previously, private property owners who sold their condo generally had to wait 15 months before they could buy a resale HDB flat.
With this policy now removed, eligible private homeowners can sell their private property and purchase a resale HDB immediately, subject to the prevailing HDB eligibility rules.
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π¨βπ©βπ§ Who benefits the most?
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Private Property Owners
This is excellent news for homeowners who are planning to right-size.
Instead of renting for 15 months after selling their condo, they can now move directly into a resale HDB, making the transition much smoother and potentially saving a significant amount on temporary housing costs.
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π What does this mean for HDB owners?
If youβre selling your HDB, this could be positive.
Why?
The pool of potential buyers has just expanded.
More genuine cash buyers from the private property market may now enter the resale HDB market, particularly for larger flats in mature estates.
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π€ Will HDB prices shoot up again?
Probably not.
The Government removed this policy because the market has become more balanced.
βοΈ More BTO flats are being launched.
βοΈ More resale flats are entering the market as they reach their Minimum Occupation Period (MOP).
βοΈ HDB resale prices have already moderated over recent quarters.
In other words, the policy is being relaxed because supply conditions have improved, not because the Government wants prices to rise again.
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π‘ My take as a Property Consultant
I donβt see this as a signal to rush into the market.
Instead, I see it as the Government giving homeowners greater flexibility once the market has stabilised.
If youβre:
π‘ Thinking of upgrading,
π Planning to right-size,
π° Unsure whether to sell first or buy first,
this policy could change your options significantly.
Every homeownerβs situation is different, and the best move depends on your finances, timeline and long-term goals.
If youβre wondering how this change may affect your own property plans, feel free to drop me a message. Iβm always happy to have a no-obligation chat.