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Opposing the removal: Risk of reigniting resale flat prices

Published July 28, 2026 at 8:02 AM UTC

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While the removal of the 15-month wait-out period is welcomed by some homeowners, it carries significant risks for the HDB resale market. The rule was originally designed to curb demand from private property owners, who tend to have higher budgets and can push up resale flat prices. By eliminating the waiting period, the government may be unleashing a wave of pent-up demand that could offset other cooling measures. Private property owners selling their homes often have substantial cash proceeds, allowing them to bid aggressively for resale flats. This could price out first-time homebuyers and younger couples who are already struggling with affordability in certain areas. The six-month disposal window might not be strict enough to prevent speculative behavior, as some buyers could delay selling their private property. Market analysts have warned that the policy change could lead to a short-term spike in resale flat transactions and prices, particularly for larger flats in mature estates. The government should have phased the change or tied it to tighter eligibility criteria, such as income or ownership duration. Without careful monitoring, the move could undo some of the progress made in stabilizing the resale market over the past two years.