Singapore has removed the 15-month wait-out period for private property owners seeking to purchase non-subsidised Housing and Development Board (HDB) resale flats. This change, announced by National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat on July 28, 2026, aims to enhance housing mobility and address the needs of private homeowners looking to downgrade to public housing.
The wait-out period, introduced in September 2022, was initially implemented to moderate demand in the HDB resale market and stabilize prices, which had been rising rapidly. The policy required private property owners to wait 15 months after selling their private property before purchasing a non-subsidised HDB resale flat. Exceptions were made for seniors aged 55 and above moving to smaller flats.
Recent market trends indicate a moderation in HDB resale prices, with declines of 0.1% in the first quarter and 0.3% in the second quarter of 2026. This stabilization, coupled with an increased supply of new flats entering the resale market, has led the government to conclude that the wait-out period has fulfilled its purpose.
With the removal of this restriction, private property owners of all ages can now purchase non-subsidised HDB resale flats without the previous waiting period, provided they do not take an HDB housing loan. However, they are still required to sell their private property within six months of completing the resale flat purchase.
This policy adjustment is expected to increase housing mobility, allowing private homeowners to more easily transition to public housing. Industry experts anticipate a rise in demand for larger, well-located resale flats, potentially leading to more transactions in the million-dollar segment. The government will continue to monitor the market to ensure that housing remains affordable and accessible for all Singaporeans.