HDB

Question 1

Can property agents register the Intent to Buy or Intent to sell on behalf of their clients?

Answer 1

No, the sellers or buyers must register personally via the HDB resale portal so they are aware of their eligibility to sell or buy, and what it takes to do so. Property agents can guide through the resale process thereafter.

Question 2

When should sellers register their intent to sell?

Answer 2

Before the put flat on the market, this will provide a preliminary assessment of their eligibility, and relevant information such as ethnic integration policy, Singapore permanent resident quota for their block, status of upgrading and billing of upgrading costs, and recent transacted prices of nearby flats.

Question 3

What is the cooling off period for HDB flats after registering their intent to sell?

Answer 3

7 days before they can grant the buyers Option to Purchase (OTP)

Question 4

When should buyers register their Intent to Buy?

Answer 4

Buyers should register their Intent to Buy before they start to look for a flat. The Intent to Buy will provide a preliminary assessment of their eligibilities for the purchase of an HDB resale flat, CPF Housing Grants and an HDB housing loan. It will also provide buyers with relevant information such as the Ethnic Integration Policy / Singapore Permanent Resident (EIP/SPR) Quota, status of upgrading and billing of upgrading costs, recent transacted prices of nearby flats, and financing options and calculators, to guide their buying decisions.

Question 5

Can buyers amend the information they have provided in the Intent to Buy, like adding or deleting any information, changing the family composition, or correcting a mistake in the data entry, etc.?

Answer 5

After registering an Intent to Buy, buyers are not allowed to amend the information they have provided. If they wish to make changes to the family composition or correcting a mistake in the data entry, they would have to cancel the Intent to Buy and register a fresh one. For minor changes, such as updating of contact details, flat buyers may provide their latest contact numbers when they submit the Request for Value or resale application subsequently.

Question 6

What can buyers do if they want to change any information from what they have given in the Intent to Buy when applying for an HDB Loan Eligibility (HLE) letter or submitting the resale application?

Answer 6

The HDB Resale Portal tracks the consistency and correctness of information for every transaction from the Intent to Buy up to the resale completion. Buyers are advised to maintain the same set of information consistently throughout their buying journey, including when they apply for the HLE letter, enter into an Option to Purchase, Request for Value and submit resale application. This is because the buyers’ eligibility for purchase are assessed based on the information provided in the Intent to Buy. If they need to make changes midway, they would have to cancel the Intent to Buy and register a fresh one to capture the correct information.

Question 7

I intend to take an HDB housing loan to finance my flat purchase, when should I apply for an HDB Loan Eligibility (HLE) letter?

Answer 7

You must obtain an HDB Loan Eligibility (HLE) letter before the sellers grant you an Option to Purchase. The HLE letter must be valid when the sellers grant you the Option to Purchase and when you submit the resale application to HDB.

Question 8

After registering my Intent to Buy, the portal will guide me to apply for an HDB Loan Eligibility (HLE) letter if I am getting an HDB housing loan. What if I intend to get a housing loan from the Financial Institutions (FIs) regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore? When must I have the HLE letter or Letter of Offer (LO) from the FI?

Answer 8

If you are taking a housing loan from HDB, you must have a valid HLE letter before the sellers can grant you an Option to Purchase (OTP). If you intend to get a housing loan from an FI, you must have a valid LO from the FI before you exercise the OTP.

Question 9

For buyers who intend to use their CPF monies to finance the flat purchase, when must their CPF funds be available?

Answer 9

Buyers who intend to use their CPF monies to purchase the resale flat must ensure that the funds are available in their CPF Ordinary Account when they submit the resale application. If the CPF funds are not available, the buyers may have to pay any shortfall in cash. Otherwise, the completion will be delayed.

Question 10

What can buyers do if they want to change any information from what they have given in the Intent to Buy when applying for an HDB Loan Eligibility (HLE) letter or submitting the resale application?

Answer 10

The HDB Resale Portal tracks the consistency and correctness of information for every transaction from the Intent to Buy up to the resale completion. Buyers are advised to maintain the same set of information consistently throughout their buying journey, including when they apply for the HLE letter, enter into an Option to Purchase, Request for Value and submit resale application. This is because the buyers’ eligibility for purchase are assessed based on the information provided in the Intent to Buy. If they need to make changes midway, they would have to cancel the Intent to Buy and register a fresh one to capture the correct information.

Question 11

I intend to take an HDB housing loan to finance my flat purchase, when should I apply for an HDB Loan Eligibility (HLE) letter?

Answer 11

You must obtain an HDB Loan Eligibility (HLE) letter before the sellers grant you an Option to Purchase. The HLE letter must be valid when the sellers grant you the Option to Purchase and when you submit the resale application to HDB.

Question 12

After registering my Intent to Buy, the portal will guide me to apply for an HDB Loan Eligibility (HLE) letter if I am getting an HDB housing loan. What if I intend to get a housing loan from the Financial Institutions (FIs) regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore? When must I have the HLE letter or Letter of Offer (LO) from the FI?

Answer 12

If you are taking a housing loan from HDB, you must have a valid HLE letter before the sellers can grant you an Option to Purchase (OTP). If you intend to get a housing loan from an FI, you must have a valid LO from the FI before you exercise the OTP.

Question 13

For buyers who intend to use their CPF monies to finance the flat purchase, when must their CPF funds be available?

Answer 13

Buyers who intend to use their CPF monies to purchase the resale flat must ensure that the funds are available in their CPF Ordinary Account when they submit the resale application. If the CPF funds are not available, the buyers may have to pay any shortfall in cash. Otherwise, the completion will be delayed.

Question 14

Who can submit the Request for Value?

Answer 14

Buyers or their property agent can submit the Request for Value after the sellers grant them the Option to Purchase. Property agents can submit the Request for Value via the e-Resale e-Service or Estate Agent Toolkit.

Question 15

I have submitted a Request for Value. Where can I view the status of my request?

Answer 15

The HDB Resale Portal provides a step-by-step guide on your flat transaction journey. You can login to the HDB Resale Portal to view your progress and status of your request.

Question 16

If a flat buyer subsequently decide to use his CPF savings instead of cash to pay in full for the flat purchase, and still meet the required timelines, can he submit a Request for Value and Resale Application at the same time?

Answer 16

No, the outcome for the Request for Value must be available before the flat seller or buyer submit the resale application.

Question 17

What is considered a complete resale application?

Answer 17

A resale application is considered complete when HDB receives a complete resale application form from the flat sellers and buyers. Flat sellers and buyers must submit their respective portion of the resale application, together with the necessary documents, within 7 calendar days of each other. Otherwise, the application will lapse and there will be no refund. Both parties have to restart the application process.

Question 18

I am the second party who is submitting my portion of the resale application. After keying the OTP details, an error message “The information provided by buyers and sellers are different.” popped up. I am then not able to proceed with the submission of my resale application. What is the problem?

Answer 18

The system will match the information (Flat address, Resale Price, Option Fee, Deposit, Option Grant Date, Option Exercise Fee, OTP Serial No.) provided by the flat seller and buyer in their separate applications. They have to provide consistent information relating to the resale transaction.

Question 19

When submitting the resale application, must I upload all the required documents? Can I upload some of the documents after submitting the resale application?

Answer 19

Yes, you have to upload all the required documents with the resale application. Otherwise, the resale application will be rejected.

Question 20

How can an applicant apply for the Enhanced Contra Facility (ECF)?

Answer 20

The ECF is to facilitate the concurrent sale of an existing HDB flat and purchase of another resale flat so that the contra party can use the funds from the sale to finance the purchase. Applicants have to submit their applications for both transactions at the same time. They have to indicate their request for the ECF in their flat applications. Both transactions will be completed on the same day.
To be eligible for the ECF:
- The applicants must not have an outstanding mortgage loan with a bank or financial institution for the flat they are selling.
- The applicants are not taking a mortgage loan from a bank or financial institution for the flat purchase.
- The applicants must appoint HDB to act for them in the sale and purchase of both flats.

Question 21

How can sellers request for a Temporary Extension of Stay (TEOS)?

Answer 21

The TEOS is to help sellers to transit to their new homes after they sell their flat. The buyers must agree to allow the sellers to stay temporarily in the flat after the transaction is completed. Both the sellers and buyers must indicate during the submission of their respective portions of the resale application of such an arrangement. A non-refundable administrative fee of $20 (inclusive of GST) is payable by the buyers, being the future owners of the flat agreeing to the extension.
To be eligible for the TEOS, the sellers must:
- Have committed (i.e. exercised an Option to Purchase or signed a Sale and Purchase Agreement) to buy a residential property (HDB flat or private property) in Singapore that is completed and ready for occupation.
- Not be renting out their flat at the time of resale application.
- Be the contra party if the transactions are under the ECF.
Important Notes:
a) The extension of stay is for a period of up to 3 months without further extension.
b) The sellers and buyers are advised to sign a private agreement between themselves on the terms of the extension, including the monetary compensation, if any.
c) During the period of extension, the flat buyers (new owners) will have to pay the service and conservancy charges (S&CC) (without rebates, and property tax based on the residential tax rate and not the owner-occupier tax rate.
d) The flat buyers (new owners) must inform the HDB Branch when the sellers vacate the flat so that the minimum occupation period of the flat can commence.　

Question 22

I am submitting my portion of the resale application and I do not agree to the first party’s indication of a “Yes” to Extension of Stay for Flat Sellers. What can I do?

Answer 22

The TEOS is subject to the flat buyer’s agreement. We advise that the second party discuss with the first party on the application. If required, the first party may write to MyRequest@HDB to amend his portion of the application to remove the Extension of Stay application.

Question 23

I have engaged the services of a property agent. Can my agent submit the resale application on my behalf?

Answer 23

Yes, your agent can submit the resale application via the e-Resale e-Service or Estate Agent Toolkit (for agencies which are subscribers).

Question 24

When will HDB accept a resale application?

Answer 24

Upon receipt of a complete resale application form and full set of supporting documents from the sellers and buyers, we will verify the eligibility of the flat sellers and buyers, and review the supporting documents submitted. If the application and documents submitted are in order, we will notify the flat sellers and buyers of its acceptance of the application via SMS and emails within 28 working days.

Question 25

When will a resale transaction be completed?

Answer 25

The resale completion is about 8 weeks from the date of HDB’s acceptance of the resale application. Sellers and buyers will be informed of the completion date in the acceptance letter. This is the earliest possible date to complete the transaction. For a later Resale Completion date submit your request via MyRequest@HDB. The timing for the completion will be confirmed by our Customer Relations Manager nearer the completion date.

Question 26

Can sellers or buyers change the completion date of the transaction?

Answer 26

As the completion date given in the acceptance letter is the earliest possible date to complete the transaction, HDB is unable to accede to any request to bring forward the completion date. Nevertheless, if the sellers and buyers would like to defer the completion, they may request for a new date by writing in to MyRequest@HDB within a week of from the date of the HDB’s acceptance letter

Question 27

What is the sequence of activities that I need to complete once the CRM has posted the draft financial plan and resale documents on the HDB Resale Portal?

Answer 27

You are required to read the draft financial plan and resale documents before endorsing them. You are also required to fill up the Health Declaration Forms (HPS) to declare your share of insurance coverage and health status, to apply for the CPF Board’s Home Protection Insurance Scheme. After endorsing the documents, the HDB Resale Portal will direct you to pay the conveyancing, title search and caveat fees online. Once the necessary documents and fees are endorsed and paid respectively, an in-principle approval for the resale application will be granted by our Customer Relations Manager. An appointment will then be scheduled for buyers and sellers to attend to complete the resale transaction.

Question 28

When can the sellers or buyers endorse the documents?

Answer 28

The documents will be ready for endorsement about three weeks after we have accepted the resale application. We will notify the sellers and buyers via SMS to endorse the documents.

Question 29

Do I have to sign on the resale documents uploaded for my endorsement?

Answer 29

There is no need for physical signatures. You can endorse the resale documents online via the HDB Resale Portal.

Question 30

What must I do to endorse the documents?

Answer 30

You will receive a SMS notification to endorse the documents within 6 calendar days. Log into the HDB Resale Portal, open and read the document. Thereafter, click the accompanying checkbox to endorse it. Repeat the process until you have finished endorsing all the documents. As the documents are in pdf format, you can save a copy for reference.

Question 31

How much time do I have to endorse the proposed financial plan (sale proceeds calculation) and resale documents?

Answer 31

You will be given 6 calendar days to endorse the draft financial plan (or sale proceeds calculation) and resale documents.

Question 32

What happens if I have overlooked it and missed the 6 calendar days' deadline?

Answer 32

A reminder SMS will be sent if the documents are not endorsed. We will extend the deadline by an additional 2 calendar days. If buyers and sellers fail to endorse the documents within the extended deadline, the resale application will be cancelled.

Question 33

What will happen if the other party fails to endorse the resale documents after the expiry of the extended deadline?

Answer 33

Should any party fail to endorse the documents within the extended deadline, the resale application will be cancelled.

Question 34

If I have appointed HDB to act for me in my transaction, when do I pay the conveyancing fees?

Answer 34

You can make the payment online by using your credit card (Visa/ MasterCard) or by scanning the QR code using any of the supporting mobile payment apps such as NETSPay, DBS PayLah!, POSBANK/ DBS Digibank, UOB Mighty, and OCBC Pay Anyone. You will be directed by the HDB Resale Portal to make the payments once you have endorsed all the documents. Payment must be made before you can proceed with the transaction.

Question 35

If I want to use cash instead of my CPF savings to pay for the stamp duty and conveyancing fees, when and how do I convey my intention to HDB?

Answer 35

You can email your request to the assigned Customer Relations Manager after the resale application is accepted.

Question 36

What about the payments such as conveyancing, title search and caveat fees that I need to make for my flat purchase?

Answer 36

You can make the payments online by using your credit card (Visa/ MasterCard) or by scanning the QR code using any of the supporting mobile payment apps such as NETSPay, DBS PayLah!, POSBANK/ DBS Digibank, UOB Mighty, and OCBC Pay Anyone. You will be directed by the HDB Resale Portal to make the payments once you have endorsed all the documents.

Question 37

I need to return the $5,000 deposit and pay the conveyancing fees for the sale of my flat. I want to pay via the AXS machine but the daily limit for bank card is only $5,000. Is it possible to allow partial payments (using different cards and/or same card on different days)?

Answer 37

Depending on the arrangement with your designated banks, the NETS daily withdrawal limit is $3,000. The AXS kiosk is also able to accept payment up to $3,000. For amount greater than $3,000 below $9,999, sellers can use AXS Mobile Apps to make payments.

Question 38

I am taking a home loan from a FI to finance the flat purchase. My solicitors have informed me that they need the resale approval letter for the preparation of the legal documents. When can I expect to receive the approval letter?

Answer 38

You will receive the resale approval letter within 2 weeks after HDB's acceptance of the resale application. We will notify you via SMS and email.

Question 39

I am taking an HDB housing loan to finance the flat purchase, when can I expect to receive the resale approval letter?

Answer 39

You will receive the resale approval letter within 4 weeks after HDB's acceptance of the resale application. We will notify you via SMS and email.

Question 40

If I have applied for the CPF Housing Grant, will the grant approval be issued at the same time as the resale approval?

Answer 40

As there are additional checks involved in the processing of CPF Housing Grants, the grant approval may be issued with or after the resale approval.

Question 41

How will I be notified that my resale application has been approved by HDB?

Answer 41

We will send an SMS and email to inform the sellers and buyers once the resale application is approved. The approval letter will also be available for the sellers and buyers on the HDB Resale Portal.

Question 42

What is the likely timing for the completion?

Answer 42

For buyers taking an HDB loan, the completion timing can be in the morning (between 10am to 12pm) or afternoon (between 3pm to 5pm). For buyers taking a bank loan, the completion timing will be in the afternoon (between 3pm to 5pm). Sellers and buyers will be notified of the completion timing nearer to the completion date. They will receive an SMS from HDB and have to log into HDB Resale Portal to check for details on the completion timing.

Question 43

How will I be notified that my resale completion has been scheduled?

Answer 43

We will send an SMS to inform the sellers and buyers once the resale completion is scheduled. The completion date and time will also be available on the HDB Resale Portal.

Question 44

Can I change the completion date of my transaction?

Answer 44

As the completion date given in the acceptance letter is already the earliest possible date to complete your transaction, HDB is unable to accede to any request to bring forward the completion date. Nevertheless, if you would like to defer the completion, please email us a written confirmation signed by both the sellers and the buyers agreeing to the new date, at MyRequest@HDB within a week from the date of the HDB’s acceptance letter.

Question 45

I need to make balance payment on the completion day. How do I make this payment?

Answer 45

You can buy the Cashier’s Order and bring it along for the completion appointment. Alternatively, you can use the supporting e-payments mode (AXS website, Mobile, Apps,) to pay in advance before you meet up with assigned Customer Relations Executive completing your transaction.

Question 46

I need to pay the balance purchase price and I want to pay by cashier’s order. How and where do I make the payment?

Answer 46

You can buy the Cashier’s Order in advance and bring it along for the completion appointment. You can pass the Cashier’s Order to the assigned Customer Relations Executive completing your transaction.

Question 47

I have to pay the balance purchase price by Cashier’s Order. Can I pay with multiple cashier’s orders that add up to the required amount?

Answer 47

Yes, you can pay with multiple Cashier’s Orders, as long as the total sum add up to the required amount.

Question 48

Who needs to attend the completion appointment?

Answer 48

Flat sellers and buyers are required to attend the completion appointment. However, if they have engaged the services of a private solicitor to act for them in the transaction or appointed a Power of Attorney to represent them, a representative from the solicitor’s firm or the attorney will attend the appointment on their behalf. Family members, who are not able to endorse any documents online, will also be called to attend the completion appointment to personally sign them.

Question 49

For buyers who are buying the resale flat under the Fiancé/Fiancée scheme, when must they submit their marriage certificate to HDB? (solemnise their marriage)

Answer 49

All buyers who are buying the resale flat under the Fiancé/Fiancée scheme must solemnise their marriage within 3 months after the resale completion. This is regardless whether they are applying for the CPF Housing Grant and/or the Proximity Housing Grant. If their marriage is registered in Singapore, they need not submit a copy of their marriage certificate to HDB. Otherwise, they would have to submit a copy of their marriage certificate to their HDB Branch.　

Question 50

What are the things that the buyers need to do to prepare for the completion?

Answer 50

(a) Arrange to inspect the flat to make sure the sellers have vacated the flat before the completion. (b) Buy the fire insurance, if they are taking an HDB housing loan. They can do it online at https://www.fwd.com.sg/fire-insurance. (c) Pay the balance purchase price of the flat and outstanding fees, if any, in full. They can pass the Cashier’s Order to the assigned Customer Relations Executive during the completion appointment. Alternatively, they can use the supporting e-payments mode (AXS website, Mobile, Apps,) to pay in advance before the completion appointment.

Question 51

If the flat seller has a valid fire insurance, the flat buyer will not be able to buy another one for the same flat address. What can the flat buyers do?

Answer 51

Buyers only need to renew the fire insurance policy when the existing policy expires.

Question 52

What are the things that the buyers need to bring for the completion?

Answer 52

Buyers must bring the following when they attend the resale completion: (a) Identity card of all buyers. (b) Spouse’s passport and long term social visit pass/work permit if the spouse is not a Singapore citizen nor Singapore permanent resident. (c) The Mortgage Fire Insurance Policy certificate if the buyers are taking an HDB housing loan.

Question 53

What are the things the sellers need to do to prepare for the completion?

Answer 53

a) Rectify any unauthorised renovation works in the flat and, if required, arrange for another inspection with the Branch before the resale completion. (b) Complete the BCA windows declaration form. (c) Terminate all GIRO arrangements for payments relating to the flat e.g. service and conservancy charges, property tax, Singapore Power etc. (d) Pay the service and conservancy (S&CC) charges up to the day of completion and get a confirmation from the Town Council. (e) Pay the Property tax up to the end of the year. (f) Vacate the flat and arrange for the buyers to inspect it before the resale completion.　

Question 54

Q69: What are the things sellers need to bring for the completion?

Answer 54

(a) Identity cards of all the sellers. (b) Original Option to Purchase (Page 1 to 10). (c) BCA windows declaration form. (d) Confirmation for payment of the service and conservancy charges and property tax. (e) Original duplicate lease of the flat if it has been issued to the sellers. (f) Full set of the keys to the flat, including the duplicates, if any. 　

Question 55

Where can sellers get a copy of the town council payment and the BCA windows retrofitting form?

Answer 55

Sellers can print the Town Council payment letter and the BCA windows retrofitting form from the HDB Resale Portal under the “Approval and completion” section (step 5).

Question 56

How are sellers notified after the Town Council payment letter and the BCA windows retrofitting form, etc. are made available in the Resale Portal? Do they have to log in to the Resale Portal periodically to check if the documents are available?

Answer 56

The sellers do not need to log into the portal periodically to check if the documents are available. The Town Council payment letter and BCA windows retrofitting form are posted on the HDB Resale Portal when the resale application and completion is approved and scheduled respectively.

Question 57

What do I do if I am unable to attend the resale completion appointment?

Answer 57

If you are unable to attend the resale completion appointment, you can contact our CRM who will advise you accordingly.