HDB Resale Checklist for Sellers: Every Step from Intent to Sell to Key Collection

Step 1: Before you list — eligibility checks

Timeline: 1-2 days

Before doing anything else, verify that you are eligible to sell. Getting this wrong wastes months of effort.

• Minimum Occupation Period (MOP): You must have lived in the flat for at least 5 years (some flat types require 10 years). Count from the date you collected the keys, not the purchase date.
• Citizenship requirement: At least one remaining owner must be a Singapore Citizen if you are removing an owner (for decoupling scenarios).
• Outstanding loans: Check your current HDB loan balance. The loan will be repaid from sale proceeds, but you need to know your net position.
• CPF usage: Log into the CPF website to check how much CPF (plus accrued interest) was used to purchase the flat. This amount must be refunded to your CPF accounts upon sale.
• Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP): Your flat may have EIP or SPR quota restrictions that limit who can buy it. Check on the HDB website.

Step 2: Registering Intent to Sell

Timeline: 10 minutes online

This is a mandatory step before you can grant an Option to Purchase to any buyer. Register on the HDB Resale Portal using your Singpass.

• All flat owners listed on the lease must consent to the registration.
• The Intent to Sell is valid for 12 months. If it expires, you need to register again.
• After registration, HDB provides you with important information including any outstanding upgrading costs and the ethnic quota status for your block.
• There is no fee to register.

You can start marketing your flat immediately after registering your Intent to Sell. Do not wait — register early so you are ready when a buyer appears.

Step 3: Setting your asking price

Timeline: 1-3 days of research

Pricing is the single most important decision you will make. An overpriced flat sits unsold for months; an underpriced flat costs you real money.

• Check recent transactions: Use HDB's Resale Flat Prices tool on data.gov.sg to find recent sales in your block and nearby blocks. Filter by flat type, floor level, and transaction date.
• Use AI valuation tools: ixNest offers a free AI-powered property estimator that analyses comparable transactions and market trends to suggest a price range.
• Factor in your flat's condition: Recently renovated flats with good fittings can command a small premium. Original-condition flats may need to be priced slightly lower.
• Consider the market: Are prices trending up or down in your area? How many similar flats are currently listed? High supply means more competition.

A good rule of thumb: price your flat within 3-5% of recent comparable transactions. You can always adjust after 2-3 weeks if you are not getting enough viewings.

Step 4: Marketing your flat

Timeline: Ongoing until you find a buyer

Good marketing makes the difference between selling in 2 weeks and selling in 6 months. Focus on three things: photos, description, and reach.

Photos: Take at least 10-15 photos covering every room, the kitchen, bathrooms, the view from your windows, and common areas (corridor, lift lobby). Shoot during the day with natural light. Wide-angle shots make rooms look more spacious. Declutter everything before photographing.

Description: Include the flat type, storey range, approximate floor area, facing direction, remaining lease, notable renovations, and nearby amenities (MRT stations, schools, markets, parks). Be honest — buyers will discover any misrepresentation during viewings.

Where to list: List on ixNest for free as a property owner. You should also consider other property portals for maximum exposure. Share your listing on social media and community groups relevant to your estate.

Viewings: Be available on weekends and evenings when most buyers are free. Keep the flat clean and well-lit for every viewing. Be prepared to answer questions about maintenance fees, neighbours, noise levels, and nearby construction.

Step 5: Receiving and evaluating offers

Timeline: Varies

When offers come in, evaluate them carefully. Price is important, but it is not the only factor.

• Buyer eligibility: Is the buyer eligible to purchase your flat under HDB rules (citizenship, EIP quota, etc.)? An ineligible buyer means a wasted transaction.
• Financing: Has the buyer secured an Approval-in-Principle (AIP) for their loan? Cash buyers or pre-approved buyers are lower-risk.
• Timeline: Does the buyer need a quick completion or a longer timeline? Match this against your own plans.
• Cash Over Valuation (COV): If your asking price is above HDB's valuation, the buyer must pay the difference in cash. Understand whether the buyer can afford this.

Do not rush to accept the first offer. If your flat is well-priced and well-marketed, you should receive multiple enquiries. Take time to compare and negotiate.

Step 6: Exercising the Option to Purchase

Timeline: 21 calendar days for buyer to exercise

Once you agree on terms with a buyer, you grant them an Option to Purchase (OTP). This is the first legally binding document in the transaction.

• The buyer pays you an option fee (between $1 and $1,000 for HDB resale). This is non-refundable if the buyer decides not to exercise the option.
• The OTP must be registered on the HDB Resale Portal by logging in with Singpass.
• The buyer has 21 calendar days from the OTP date to exercise the option. During this period, you cannot sell to anyone else.
• To exercise the option, the buyer pays you an exercise fee (the option fee and exercise fee together must be between $1 and $5,000 for HDB resale).
• Once the option is exercised, both parties are committed. Backing out at this stage has legal and financial consequences.

Step 7: HDB resale portal submission

Timeline: Both parties submit within 7 days of option exercise

After the buyer exercises the option, both parties must submit their resale applications through the HDB Resale Portal.

• The seller submits first, followed by the buyer within 7 days.
• Documents needed (seller): NRIC of all owners, signed OTP, proof of any outstanding upgrading costs payment, and any other documents requested by HDB.
• Documents needed (buyer): NRIC, income documents for HDB loan eligibility (if applicable), and CPF usage forms.
• Both parties can engage a lawyer for conveyancing at this stage, though it is not mandatory for HDB resale.

Step 8: Approval and completion

Timeline: Approximately 8 weeks

After both parties submit their applications, HDB processes the transaction. During this period:

• HDB conducts a valuation of the flat (if not already done).
• HDB verifies buyer eligibility and approves the buyer's HDB loan (if applicable).
• CPF Board processes the CPF refund for the seller and CPF usage request for the buyer.
• HDB schedules the resale completion appointment — this can be done in person at an HDB Hub branch or via video conference.
• Both parties sign the necessary documents at the completion appointment, and the transaction is officially completed.

Step 9: Key collection and handover

Timeline: On completion day

On the resale completion date, you hand over the keys to the buyer. Here is your final checklist:

• Clear all personal belongings from the flat.
• Settle any outstanding utility bills (SP Group) and town council charges.
• Cancel or transfer your HDB season parking (if applicable).
• Hand over all keys, access cards, and remote controls to the buyer.
• Take final meter readings for water and electricity.
• Ensure the flat is in the condition agreed upon in the OTP (broom-clean unless otherwise specified).

The sale proceeds will be disbursed according to the completion statement — your outstanding HDB loan is repaid, CPF funds are refunded to your CPF accounts, and the net cash proceeds are transferred to your bank account.