A 10-Step Guide to Buying

A Resale HDB Flat

Updated May 2024

Following is a 10-step guide outlining the ​purchasing process to help you understand ​what to anticipate.


If you find yourself confused during your buying ​process , feel free to revisit this guide. ​Remember, stick to the fundamentals! 😊

Step 1: Apply for HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) ​Letter

The application is done on the HDB website ​and the validity for the HFE letter is 90 ​days.


The HFE will state your eligibility for,

1) the purchase of a resale HDB flat,

2) HDB housing loan amount,

3) housing grants.


If you intend to take your home loan from a ​bank instead of HDB, please indicate so in ​the application and you will receive an In-​Principal Approval (IPA) from the bank.

Step 2: Search, Shortlist, Go for Viewings

If you have engaged a real estate agent, ​he/she will locate suitable properties ​according to your criteria and schedule ​viewings for you.


If you are handling this independently, you ​can explore property listings on HDB Portal, ​online platforms such as Property Guru and ​99.co, where only verified agents can list ​properties.

Step 3: Negotiation

  • To prepare yourself, check out past ​transaction values in the vicinity which ​are available to the public on the ​government portals: HDB Portal


  • Various terms may also be brought in, ​for instance, the handover date, request ​to reinstate a wall that was removed ​etc.

Step 4: Secure Option to Purchase & ​Pay Option Fee

  • Secure the Option to Purchase (OTP) ​and pay the Option Fee.
  • This Option Fee ranges from $1 to ​$1000 (depending on what the seller ​and buyer have agreed on).


It is a part of your purchase price and not ​something in addition to your purchase price.

Step 5: Submit Request for Valuation

  • Submit the Request for Valuation to ​HDB within the next working day.

Step 6: Exercise OTP

& Pay Option Exercise Fee

  • Exercise the OTP before the deadline ​and pay the Option Exercise Fee.
  • This is also an amount to be mutually ​agreed upon by the seller and buyer.


  • Do note that the sum of the Option Fee ​and Option Exercise Fee must not ​exceed $5,000.


i.e. Option Fee + Option Exercise Fee ≤ $5,000


  • This Option Exercise Fee is also a part ​of your purchase price and not ​something in addition to your purchase ​price.

Step 7: Submit Resale Application to HDB

  • This is done online at HDB website. An ​SMS notification will be sent to you to ​proceed onto the next step.

Step 8: Endorse Documents Online

& Pay Downpayment

  • Upon receiving an SMS notification from ​HDB, endorse the documents on HDB’s ​website.


  • Pay the necessary fees eg. conveyancing ​fees and buyer‘s stamp duty.


  • This is also the stage when the ​downpayment is paid. The portion that ​is to be paid using CPF or cash varies ​depending if you have taken a HDB loan ​or a bank loan.

Step 9: Receive Resale Approval from ​HDB & Inspection of Flat

Receive the resale approval from HDB and ​conduct a walk through of the flat to ​ensure everything is in accordance to the ​contract.

Step 10: Completion Appointment at HDB

  • Attend the Completion Appointment ​at HDB.
  • Make payment of the balance ​purchase price via the home loan, ​CPF, or cash.


Congratulations on your new home!

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