Updated September 2026 from HDB guidance. Policies, fees and processing times can change; My Flat Dashboard and HDB's current instructions take precedence. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.
1. Establish eligibility and budget before viewing
Apply for a valid HDB Flat Eligibility letter through the HDB Flat Portal. It records the assessed household eligibility, grants and HDB housing-loan amount where applicable. Buyers should also model cash, CPF, loan, stamp duty, legal fees, renovation and a contingency before setting an offer range.
2. Search with the actual household constraints
Use HDB's Resale Flat Listing service or other channels and compare remaining lease, location, flat type, condition, ethnic and citizenship eligibility, financing and current registered resale evidence. A valid HFE letter is required when obtaining an Option to Purchase and when submitting the resale application.
3. Inspect, negotiate and read the Option to Purchase
Inspect the flat and relevant records, clarify inclusions and defects, and agree the price and timeline before accepting contractual obligations. Use HDB's prescribed Option to Purchase and read its current terms. Buyers using CPF savings or a housing loan may need a Request for Value according to the prevailing financing requirements.
4. Exercise the option and submit both application portions
After the OTP is exercised, buyer and seller submit their respective portions and supporting documents through My Flat Dashboard within the contractual and HDB timelines. Information must remain consistent with the HFE assessment. Financing, grants, legal representation, contra arrangements, extension of stay and special circumstances should be declared where applicable.
5. Endorse, pay and prepare for completion
HDB verifies eligibility and documents, issues the acceptance and prepares endorsements and payments. The official dashboard is the source of truth for the transaction's status, required action and completion appointment. Do not rely on a generic article for a deadline, fee or exception.
Official starting points
- HDB process for buying a resale flat
- Finding a resale flat and HFE requirements
- Mode of financing and payment stages
Complex ownership, bankruptcy, power-of-attorney, divorce, inheritance, contra, temporary-extension, tax or financing situations may require HDB, a solicitor, CPF, IRAS, a lender or another qualified professional.