HDB sale timeline planner
Selling your flat to upgrade? See when each step of the sale happens, when your sale money and CPF refund come in, and when to sign for your next home.
Typical timings I plan with. Actual dates depend on your buyer, the banks and HDB.
The steps in an HDB resale, and how long each takes
These are the typical timings I plan with when a client sells an HDB flat. Day 0 is the day you register your intent to sell with HDB.
| Step | Typically | Around day |
|---|---|---|
| Register your intent to sell | You must wait 7 days before granting an option | 0 |
| Find a buyer and grant the option to purchase | About a month | 37 |
| Valuation request | Within about 10 days of the option | 47 |
| Buyer exercises the option | Within 21 days of the option | 58 |
| Resale application submitted | About 2 weeks later | 72 |
| HDB accepts the application | About a month later | 102 |
| Completion | About 8 weeks after acceptance | 158 |
| CPF refund | About 3 weeks after completion | 179 |
| End of extension of stay, if agreed | Up to 3 months after completion | 248 |
So from deciding to sell to completion is usually about five months, and up to about eight months if your buyer agrees to let you stay on.
Questions people ask me
How long does it take to sell an HDB flat?
About five months from registering your intent to sell to completion, if you find a buyer within a month. It can be quicker or slower depending on your buyer, the banks and HDB.
Can I stay in my flat after selling it?
Yes, if your buyer agrees to an extension of stay, for up to three months after completion. It gives you time to move into your next home.
When should I buy my next home?
It depends on what you're buying. Buying a private home before your flat is sold means paying ABSD first (refundable for married couples who sell within 6 months), so many upgraders time the purchase around the sale. The planner shows the dates for both.
When can I sell my HDB flat?
After your minimum occupation period: 5 years for most flats, 10 years for Plus and Prime flats. See how Plus and Prime rules change who can buy your flat.
Typical timings from my own planning sheet; your dates depend on your buyer, the banks and HDB. This is general information.