The Singapore government has removed the 15-month waiting period for private residential property owners to purchase non-subsidized HDB resale flats [1].
This policy shift eases restrictions on homeowners and former owners who wish to transition from private property to public housing. By removing the barrier for those not using an HDB loan, the government aims to align housing accessibility with current market conditions.
National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat and the Housing & Development Board said the change occurred Tuesday, July 28, 2026 [2]. The measure is effective immediately [3].
Under previous regulations, owners of private residential properties had to wait 15 months [1] before they could buy a resale flat from the HDB market. This cooling measure was originally designed to prevent speculators from flipping properties, and to ensure public housing remained available for those in need.
Government officials said a significant easing in resale price growth since the COVID-19 pandemic was the primary reason for the reversal [4]. The decision reflects a shift in the regulatory approach as the volatile price surges seen in previous years have begun to moderate [5].
The removal of the wait-out period specifically applies to non-subsidized resale flats [1]. This ensures that the policy does not inadvertently increase demand for subsidized housing, which remains strictly regulated to prioritize first-time buyers, and lower-income families.
By lifting the restriction, the government allows a faster transition for those downsizing or relocating. The move is part of a broader effort to manage the residential property market as economic conditions evolve and price trajectories stabilize [4].
“The 15-month waiting period for private residential property owners to purchase non-subsidized HDB resale flats has been removed.”
This policy reversal signals that the Singapore government no longer views private homeowners as a primary driver of price instability in the HDB resale market. By removing the 15-month buffer, the state is acknowledging a stabilization in property values and is prioritizing market fluidity over the aggressive cooling measures implemented during the pandemic-era price surge.
