There’s some exciting news that could shake up the property market, especially for private property owners out there who’ve been eyeing an HDB resale flat.
Get ready, because the 15-month wait-out period for private home owners looking to shift to an HDB flat might be relaxed, or even completely removed, much sooner than 2027!
This positive update comes straight from National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat, who shared these insights at a community event in Toa Payoh just this past weekend (June 21st, 2025).
Now, it’s crucial to remember that this is his personal view and not yet a verified government decision. Still, it’s a powerful signal that the inconvenience caused by this measure for private property owners looking to right-size is being seriously considered.
Table of Contents
- Why the change? It’s all about supply and stabilisation
- Early signs of a stable market
- Pros and cons: What this could mean for you
Why the change? It’s all about supply and stabilisation
The 15-month wait-out period, introduced in September 2022, was a cooling measure designed to moderate the rapid appreciation in the HDB market and ensure affordability; especially for first-time buyers.
However, the landscape is now shifting. Minister Chee highlighted two key factors that could pave the way for this relaxation.
Starting from 2026, the supply of resale flats is expected to rise significantly. This is because many Build-To-Order (BTO) flats, which saw delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will be reaching their five-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP). This influx of units hitting the market is crucial.
Moreover, over 50,000 new BTO units are slated for launch between 2025 and 2027. This continued strong supply of new flats, combined with the expected rise in resale units, is anticipated to help moderate resale prices.
If you’re eager to learn more about what to expect from the upcoming launches or to understand how last year’s changes might affect your BTO application this year, then this in-depth guide on the HDB flat supply for 2025-2027 should prove useful.
According to Minister Chee, this increased supply and market stabilisation could create the “right time” for authorities to re-evaluate the 15-month cooling measure. He even dropped a hint that private property owners might not have to wait until 2027 or 2028 for this review to actually happen. Talk about moving things along!
Early signs of a stable market
The numbers are already showing promising trends. The HDB resale price index grew by 1.6% in Q1 2025, a decrease from 2.6% in Q4 2024. This marks the lowest growth in the past five quarters, an early indication of price stabilisation in the HDB resale market.
While there’s no specific threshold for a decision, the continued improvement in the market situation should allow the authorities room to make the call for a rule change.
Interestingly, when asked whether the government would consider shortening the requirement or removing it entirely, Minister Chee leaned towards the latter! He expressed his personal view that if the situation allows, scrapping the requirement entirely should be considered.
He acknowledged the inconvenience the 15-month requirement poses but reiterated that its original objective, i.e. safeguarding the affordability of resale flats for buyers; especially first-timers, remains valid and important.
Pros and cons: What this could mean for you
So, if the 15-month wait-out period does get changed or removed, what are the potential upsides and downsides for different groups of homeowners?
Pros of the rules changing (or being removed):
- For private property owners shifting to an HDB flat: This is the biggest win! You’d gain much greater flexibility and immediate access to the HDB resale market after selling your private property. No more lengthy interim housing solutions or concerns about market fluctuations during the waiting period. It means a smoother, faster transition for those looking to right-size or manage their finances.
- Increased transaction volume: With more private property owners able to enter the HDB resale market, we could see an increase in transaction volumes, providing more choices for buyers and potentially a more liquid market for sellers.
- Improved market efficiency: Removing the barrier allows for more natural market dynamics, where supply and demand can adjust more directly without an artificial hold on a segment of buyers.
Cons/considerations if the rules change (or are removed):
- Potential for price upswing (especially initially): While the increase in HDB supply is meant to moderate prices, some analysts worry that a sudden influx of cash-rich private property owners, particularly those interested in larger or more desirable HDB flats, could initially drive up prices in certain segments. This was, after all, the reason the measure was put in place. Any significant policy change can introduce some short-term volatility as the market adjusts to the new landscape.
- Increased competition for first-time buyers: This could potentially make it harder for first-time HDB buyers to compete, especially for prime or popular resale flats, if they are up against those with more immediate financial liquidity from a private property sale. The government’s stated aim of safeguarding affordability for first-timers will be crucial to monitor.
This is certainly an exciting and dynamic time for the Singapore property market, with potential shifts that could benefit many. As 99.co, we’ll be keeping a close eye on any further announcements and how these changes unfold.
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What are your thoughts on the possible removal of the 15-month wait-out period? Let us know in the comments below!
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Whether your HDB apartment is reaching the end of its Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) or your condo has crossed its Seller Stamp Duty (SSD) window, it is always good to know how much you can potentially gain if you were to list and sell your property. Not only that, you’ll also need to know whether your gains would allow you to right-size to the dream home in the neighbourhood you and your family have been eyeing.
One easy way is to send us a request for a credible and trusted property consultant to reach out to you.
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