Your search results

What You Need to Know About Residential En Bloc Sales in 2025

Posted by Jayson Ang on October 28, 2025

| 0

TLDR

En bloc sales in Singapore involve selling entire buildings to developers for redevelopment, with most owners needing to agree. This process helps maximize land use in a land-scarce country and can offer owners significant financial gains, though it often takes 18–24 months and can bring challenges like needing to find a new home quickly and coping with moving costs. Both private and public housing can be affected, with different rules—private en bloc needs 80–90% owner consent, while public HDB flats rely on government-led SERS. Old, well-located buildings are most likely targets. The process is complex, involving committees, legal steps, and potential objections. Before agreeing to an en bloc sale, weigh the financial benefits against the time, uncertainty, and emotional costs. Stay informed and seek advice to make the best decision for your situation.

En bloc sales are reshaping Singapore’s housing scene. As old buildings make way for new ones, homeowners face both chances and challenges. Let’s break down what you should know about this process.

What Is En Bloc?

En bloc means selling an entire building at once. Most owners must agree to sell their units to one buyer, usually a developer. This happens most often with older buildings that could use an update.

Why Singapore Needs En Bloc

Land is scarce in Singapore. We need to use every bit wisely. Taking down old buildings to build new ones helps us do this. New buildings can house more people and offer better facilities.

Private vs Public Housing

Private properties need owner agreement for en bloc – 80% for buildings over 10 years old, 90% for newer ones. For HDB flats, it’s different. The government runs SERS (Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme), and residents must move when chosen.

Freehold Properties Can Go En Bloc Too

Even if you own a freehold unit, you might have to sell if most owners agree to en bloc. Developers often prefer leasehold properties now, but freehold isn’t safe from en bloc.

Good Things About En Bloc

Money is the big draw. Owners usually get more from en bloc than selling alone. Developers pay extra for the chance to rebuild, especially if they bought their homes when prices were lower.

Things To Think About

En bloc isn’t all good news. It takes time – sometimes years. You’ll need to find a new home fast when it happens. The money might not buy you something as good nearby. Moving costs add up too.

Some owners feel lost in the process. They don’t know what questions to ask at meetings. Getting legal help to fight an en bloc can be hard. Plus, leaving a home where you’ve lived for years isn’t easy.

What Makes A Building Likely For En Bloc?

Old buildings with outdated facilities often get picked. Big land plots where more units could fit are attractive to developers. Good locations near MRT stations or shopping areas catch developers’ eyes too.

The Time It Takes

From start to finish, en bloc usually takes 18 to 24 months. It could be longer if things get complicated or the market isn’t right.

Remember, en bloc can mean big changes in your life. Know your rights, stay informed, and think carefully about what’s best for you and your family.

2 months	Developers reach out to individuals to spark interest, or homeowners who are already considering en bloc sale can initiate discussions with neighbours.
1-2 months	The Collective Sales Committee (CSC) is elected at a general meeting, which can only be called if at least 20% of the development’s total share value or 25% of all unit owners are in favour.
6 months	The CSC should then seek professional advice from property consultants and lawyers to draft the Collective Sales Agreement (CSA).
3-12 months	Residents who agree to the en bloc proposal can sign the CSA. As we have mentioned, the en bloc process can only continue with consent from the majority of owners, at least 80% for condos older than 10 years and at least 90% for newer condos.
3 months	After gaining majority consent, the CSC needs to initiate a public tender to attract potential developers. Interested developers will then submit bids for the property. The CSC will then evaluate these bids accordingly, proceed with the negotiation process and announce the winning bidder.
3-6 months	The CSC can then submit a sale application to the Strata Titles Board (STB), a government authority which acts as a mediator for en bloc sales. Do note that there is an application fee of $5,000. At this point, residents who oppose the sale can file their objections and STB will assist the parties to resolve the dispute. However, if there are no objections, STB will schedule a hearing to review the en bloc application and ensure it’s fair and legitimate. They will then either reject the application or issue a sale order, which will legally authorise the sale.
Up to 6 months	Once a sale order has been granted and all legal and administrative requirements have been fulfilled, the sale is complete. The developer will take over the property and residents will receive their share of the proceeds at the agreed time.

Final thoughts

Although the possibility of financial rewards is appealing, it’s important to keep in mind the disadvantages of en bloc. Therefore, prior to agreeing to part with your beloved home, ensure you evaluate the possible advantages alongside the time investment and intricacies involved in en bloc. If you require assistance with this, we are here to offer our support and expertise.

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.

You May Also Like …

All Buying Tips Opinion

Singapore Distressed Property Market in 2025: Separating Fact from Fiction

Jayson Ang – June 23, 2025 –

TLDR Mortgagee sale listings in Singapore rose in Q1 2025, mainly due to higher interest rates in recent years. Despite...

All Blog Posts Opinion

How Will Singapore’s Development Influence The Real Estate Markets In Bedok, Changi, Pasir Ris, And Tampines : 2023

Jayson Ang – April 5, 2023 –

TLDR You will find detailed insights into upcoming housing developments in the East of Singapore, specifically in areas like Bayshore,...

All Blog Posts Buying Tips Opinion Reports

What Difference in One Year After the ABSD Hike in April 2023?

Jayson Ang – December 7, 2024 –

TLDR The recent hike in ABSD rates, especially the increase from 30% to 60% for foreign buyers, has dramatically affected...

All Buying Tips Opinion

Should You Pay Extra for a Private Condo When the EC Next Door Looks Identical?

Jayson Ang – April 16, 2026 –

TLDR Singapore’s executive condominiums (ECs) have improved significantly, now matching private condos in design and facilities but at lower prices....

All Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

Understanding Government Land Sales (GLS) and Their Influence on Singapore’s Property Market

Jayson Ang – July 23, 2026 –

TLDR Singapore’s Government Land Sales (GLS) Programme is a key tool used by the government to manage land supply and...

All Blog Posts Buying Tips

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Purchasing an Auction Property in Singapore

Jayson Ang – January 13, 2023 –

TLDR When considering purchasing a property through auction in Singapore, remember that you can potentially get a great deal below...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 : Singapore’s Most Desirable Properties: A Look at the City’s Most Coveted Real Estate

Jayson Ang – October 5, 2024 –

Singapore, a bustling city-state known for its impressive skyline and thriving economy, is home to some of the most desirable...

All Blog Posts Opinion

What is Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD) in Singapore and How Does It Work?

Jayson Ang – February 14, 2023 –

TLDR When it comes to navigating the Additional Buyers Stamp Duty (ABSD) in Singapore, legal strategies are available to overcome...

All Selling Tips

Selling Your Home for the First Time in Singapore: A Step-by-Step Guide

Jayson Ang – March 10, 2026 –

TLDR Selling your home in Singapore involves careful planning over several stages. Start 4-6 weeks before listing by consulting a...

All Buying Tips Reports Selling Tips

Breaking the New Launch Conflict: Leasehold or Freehold?

Jayson Ang – October 9, 2025 –

TLDR Freehold properties in Singapore offer indefinite ownership but come with a 15–25% premium over 99-year leasehold units. Despite common...

All Blog Posts Buying Tips Opinion

6 Compelling Reasons Why 3-Bedroom Condos Might Shrink Further

Jayson Ang – November 15, 2024 –

TLDR Three-bedroom units in Singapore have significantly downsized from 1,700-1,800 sq. ft. in the 1980s to around 1,000 sq. ft....

Mandarin Top 5

The Importance of Due Diligence in Property Investing in Singapore

Jayson Ang – April 22, 2024 –

Investing in property can be a lucrative venture, but it also comes with its own set of risks and challenges....

All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Are You Worried About Overpaying On Your Property? Here’s The Secret To Finding Out Its Perfect Purchase Price!

Jayson Ang – March 14, 2023 –

TLDR Understanding property valuations and their impact on mortgage loans is crucial in the Singapore real estate market. By considering...

All Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

Should You Buy An Older Resale HDB Flat If You Are In Your 20s/30s?

Jayson Ang – August 26, 2025 –

TLDR Younger Singaporeans are increasingly drawn to older resale HDB flats due to their larger size and central locations, without...

All Buying Tips

What is Your Next Step in the Property Market?

Jayson Ang – December 7, 2022 –

When you flip open the papers or turn on the news nowadays, the common buzzwords are "INFLATION", " INTEREST RATE...

All Blog Posts

Singapore Property Swapper

Jayson Ang – December 7, 2022 –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1NTnjxDPy4 Jayson Ang, also known as the Singapore Property Swapper, is a certified Propnex agent and top 1% producer who...

All Buying Tips

Superstitions in the Real Estate Market : How Does it Impact Resale Value?

Jayson Ang – June 20, 2023 –

TLDR When navigating the Singapore property market, it's crucial to consider various superstitious beliefs that can impact your decisions. From...

All Buying Tips Opinion

The Dilemma of Retaining Your HDB Flat While Owning a Condo in Singapore (2025)

Jayson Ang – June 23, 2026 –

TLDR Singaporean citizens can own both an HDB flat and a condominium if the HDB was purchased first and after...

All Buying Tips Opinion

2-Bedroom vs. 2+Study Units: A Decade of Performance Analysis

Jayson Ang – May 21, 2026 –

TLDR Over the past decade, 2+Study units (compact 3-bedroom layouts) consistently outperformed standard 2-bedroom units in resale gains across most...