Singapore’s Best Kept Real Estate Secrets: 5 Insider Tips for Savvy Investors
Singapore's Best Kept Real Estate Secrets: 5 Insider Tips for Savvy Investors Here are 5 insider tips for those looking...
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TLDR
Selling your HDB resale flat involves a structured 14-step process. Start by registering your Intent to Sell on the HDB portal and checking your eligibility. Next, determine your flat’s value and create an attractive listing to draw buyers. Arrange viewings and negotiate offers, then grant an Option to Purchase (OTP) after verifying the buyer’s eligibility. If needed, discuss a Temporary Extension of Stay. Once the buyer exercises the OTP, both parties submit the HDB resale application and engage a conveyancing lawyer for legal matters. Sign all necessary documents, settle legal fees, and prepare for the resale completion appointment at HDB Hub, where you hand over keys and receive sale proceeds. Good planning and understanding each step ensure a smooth transaction. Consider consulting a property expert for strategic advice tailored to your needs.
Selling your HDB resale flat can mark an important milestone, whether you’re looking to upgrade, downsize, or relocate to a different area. Although the process is organised, it entails multiple steps that demand careful consideration. From notifying your intention to sell to finalising the transaction, each phase is vital for achieving a seamless and successful sale.
In this guide, we will guide you through the key steps involved in selling your HDB resale flat, equipping you with the knowledge and resources necessary to approach the process with confidence.
Step 1: Register Intent to Sell
To begin the process, the first step is to Register your Intent to Sell through the HDB Flat Portal:
- Go to the HDB Flat Portal
- Click “I am a Seller”
- Login with your Singpass
Upon registration, you will receive:
- An assessment of your eligibility to sell
- The Ethnic Integration Policy/Singapore Permanent Resident (EIP/SPR) Quota for your block
- The status of upgrading and billing of upgrading costs
- Recent transacted prices of nearby HDB flats
IMPORTANT: This is valid for 12 months, so you need to submit the HDB resale application within that time frame. Otherwise, you will have to submit a new application.
Step 2: Know how much to sell your HDB Flat for
- Use the Property Value Tool to get the best estimated amount
- If you want to know how much cash proceeds you will have after you sell, you may use the HDB Resale Cash Proceeds Calculator
If you are purchasing a new property, you may use our Affordability Calculator to plan your finances.
Step 3: Listing your HDB for sale
Once you have registered your Intent to Sell with HDB, the next step is to craft an appealing listing for your HDB flat.
You can choose to list it with me and the goal is to develop a listing that successfully draws in potential buyers by showcasing the distinctive features of the flat and guaranteeing visibility on Listing Portals.
Step 4: Arranging viewings and negotiations
Once you have listed your HDB flat, the following step is to organise viewings and start negotiations with prospective buyers.
Arranging all viewings on the same day can instil a sense of urgency in potential buyers, potentially leading to higher offers. Proficient negotiation is essential at this point to guarantee you achieve the best price for your property.
I can guide you through a hassle-free selling experience and manage all negotiation and paperwork processes on your behalf.
Step 5: Securing the sale
Before granting the Option to Purchase (OTP) to your buyer, remember these 3 important things:
- You need to complete the Intent to Sell at least 7 days before granting the OTP.
- The buyer must have a valid HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter before you can grant the OTP.
- If the buyer intends to get a bank loan, they must have a Letter of Offer before they can exercise the OTP.
Step 6: Grant Option to Purchase (OTP) to HDB buyer
Throughout this time, buyers are required to provide a deposit to you, which includes the Option Fee and the Option Exercise Fee. You have the flexibility to negotiate the deposit amount with the buyers, and this will be included in the sale proceeds.
The Option to Purchase (OTP) can be granted to a buyer after a 7-day cooling-off period that follows the registration of the Intent to Sell. This document is essential in the resale process as it confirms the buyer’s intention to acquire the flat. Once the OTP is issued, the seller is unable to accept any other offers for 21 days, allowing the buyer ample time to make a decision.
| Payment | When to make payment | Amount to pay (in cash) |
| Option fee | Granting of OTP | S$1 to S$1,000 |
| Option Exercise fee | Exercising of OTP | Does not exceed S$5,000 (when including the Option Fee) |
Step 7: Discuss Temporary Extension of Stay with HDB buyer
A Temporary Extension of Stay permits sellers to continue residing in the flat for a maximum of three months following the completion of the sale to aid in the moving process. If you would like to request this extension, it is recommended that you and the buyers address it during the negotiation of the flat’s sale.
Step 8: Buyer will exercise the OTP and pay the Option Exercise Fee
After reaching an agreement on the price with the buyer and the conditions of the Temporary Extension of Stay (if required), the buyer can proceed to exercise the OTP and remit the payment for the Option Exercise Fee to you.
IMPORTANT: The OTP is only valid for 21 days and must be exercised within that period. Buyers have up to 4 p.m. on the 22nd day after the date of OTP issuance to exercise the OTP.
Step 9: Submit HDB Resale Application
Both you and the purchaser will need to fill out the resale application on the HDB Flat Portal. You can establish a deadline for submission, as both parties (the seller and the buyer) are required to submit their applications individually within a span of 7 days from one another. Here is a list of information you will need to include when completing the HDB resale application form:
- Resale flat address
- OTP details
- Soft copy of OTP
- Your personal particulars
- Application for Temporary Extension of Stay (if applicable)
- Application for Enhanced Contra Facility (if applicable)
- Others (refer to HDB Resale Application)
To submit your HDB resale application, you’ll need to pay an administrative fee: S$40 for 1- and 2-room flats, and S$80 for 3-room and larger flats. You can check the status of your application on the HDB Flat Portal.
Step 10: Engaging a conveyancing lawyer
To ensure a seamless transfer of ownership, it is advisable to engage a conveyancing solicitor. The solicitor will handle the legal elements of the sale, including verifying any existing mortgages or legal claims on the property. Whether you opt for HDB’s Legal Fees Enquiry Facility service or employ a private solicitor, this step is crucial for completing the sale.
Step 11: Acknowledge HDB Resale documents
After you submit the HDB resale application, you will get an SMS from HDB within 10 working days, notifying you of when you can agree to the terms and conditions for all documents prepared for you via the HDB Flat Portal. You are required to sign all the HDB resale documents within 6 days of receiving the SMS notification. Once you have signed, you will receive an in-principle approval for your HDB resale flat.
Step 12: Payment of legal fees and other HDB Resale costs
It is essential to clear any legal expenses and costs related to HDB resale, including administrative charges for the HDB resale process. If you have hired a private lawyer, they will inform you about the fees you need to pay. On the other hand, if you opt for HDB’s legal services, you can utilise their Legal Fees Enquiry Facility to gather details about the fees.
Step 13: Preparing for the Resale Completion Appointment
As we wrap up the HDB Resale process, it is crucial to ensure that all necessary preparations are in place for the resale completion appointment. This involves clearing any outstanding payments and cancelling all GIRO arrangements associated with the flat. Please check the resale completion letter from HDB for the documents and items you need to bring to the appointment.
Step 14: Attending the Resale Completion Appointment
At this point, you are one step nearer to successfully selling your property. You must attend the HDB Resale Completion Appointment alongside the buyer at the HDB Hub, where you will:
- Sign the transfer document for the resale flat
- Sign the mortgage document/agreement (only applicable for HDB loans)
- Hand over the keys (if the buyer has opted for a bank loan, the bank’s lawyer can be authorised to collect the keys on the buyer’s behalf)
During this appointment, you will obtain your net sale proceeds. HDB will return any CPF funds to your CPF account within 10 to 14 working days from the completion appointment date.
If you need help in understanding your property needs, you can book a free consultation me here
Post Sales Considerations with ‘Transitioning to your New Home’
To ensure a smooth transition, it is crucial to verify that appropriate arrangements have been established for the purchase of your new home and to plan your move accordingly. If you have applied for the Enhanced Contra Facility (ECF), you can use the sale proceeds (which include the CPF refund and cash) to acquire a resale HDB flat. If a Temporary Extension of Stay has been organised, this time can be used to settle into your new home at a comfortable pace.
Conclusion
Selling an HDB flat entails several important steps, but with adequate preparation and a solid grasp of the process, you can facilitate a seamless and successful transaction. Whether you decide to collaborate with a real estate agent or handle the sale independently, this guide will assist in ensuring a smooth and rewarding experience.
Should You Buy, Sell or Wait?
If you’re reading this, you must be trying to figure out the best course of action right now: is it the right time to buy or sell?
It’s difficult to give an exact answer since everyone’s situation is unique and what works for one person may not necessarily work for you.
I can bring you a wealth of on-the-ground experience and a data-driven approach to provide clarity and direction. From beginners to experienced investors, our top-down, objective approach will help you on your real estate journey.
I can help you by:
- Offering Strategic Real Estate Advice – I can help create a comprehensive plan to guide you through your property journey.
- Connecting Your Home with the Perfect Buyers – Through stunning visuals, an effective communication strategy, and an in-depth knowledge of the market, we’ll ensure your home is presented in the best possible way to fulfill your goals.
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