Singapore HDB Ethnic Integration Policy Guide 2026: EIP Quotas, Resale Impact and Buyer Strategy

Singapore HDB Ethnic Integration Policy Guide 2026: EIP Quotas, Resale Impact and Buyer Strategy

Quick Answer: HDB EIP Singapore 2026 — Key Takeaways

  • The Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) was introduced by HDB in 1989 to prevent racial enclaves from forming in Singapore’s public housing estates.
  • EIP sets neighbourhood and block quotas for each ethnic group: Chinese 84%/87%, Malay 22%/25%, Indian & Others 12%/15%.
  • EIP applies only to HDB resale flats — it does not apply to new BTO flats, private property, or HDB rental flats.
  • If a block or neighbourhood has already reached the quota for your ethnic group, you cannot buy a resale flat there — regardless of any other eligibility criteria.
  • Sellers in over-quota blocks face a restricted buyer pool: they can only sell to buyers whose ethnic group still has quota headroom, which can affect pricing and time on market.
  • Always check the HDB Resale Portal before making any offer — EIP status is block-specific and changes as transactions are registered.
  • EIP constraints are tightening in mature estates such as Bishan, Bukit Timah, Marine Parade, and Toa Payoh as proportions converge.
  • Indian & Others buyers face the tightest cap (12% neighbourhood / 15% block) and are most frequently constrained in desirable central-region towns.
  • Understanding EIP before shortlisting flats can save weeks of wasted negotiation and prevent abortive OTP costs.

What Is the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) and Why Does It Exist?

Singapore’s HDB towns are not only housing estates — they are, by deliberate government design, microcosms of the nation’s multiracial society. The Ethnic Integration Policy, administered by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) since 1 March 1989, is the mechanism that ensures Singapore’s public housing estates remain ethnically diverse rather than gradually concentrating into racial enclaves.

Before EIP, Singapore had begun to experience informal ethnic clustering in older estates. Certain mature towns developed notably higher concentrations of particular ethnic groups through natural social networks and community preferences. The government, recognising that segregated neighbourhoods could erode social cohesion — a cornerstone of Singapore’s national identity — introduced EIP to cap each ethnic group’s share at both the block and neighbourhood level, locking in a composition broadly reflective of Singapore’s national demographic make-up.

The rationale is straightforward: when neighbours share staircases, lifts, and void decks with people of different backgrounds, cross-cultural interaction occurs organically. EIP is the structural guarantee of that interaction. It operates not through direct regulation of individual choice — Singaporeans can still prefer certain towns, floor levels, or orientations — but by imposing a ceiling on the cumulative ethnic composition of any given block or neighbourhood.

How EIP Quotas Work: Neighbourhood and Block Levels

EIP operates at two simultaneous levels, and both must be satisfied for any resale transaction to proceed.

HDB EIP neighbourhood and block quota table by ethnicity Singapore 2026
Figure 1: HDB EIP Neighbourhood and Block Quota Summary — as of June 2026. Source: HDB.

The neighbourhood quota reflects the ethnic composition of an entire planning area or neighbourhood zone (typically a cluster of several blocks). The block quota is more granular — it governs the ethnic proportion within a single HDB block. Because ethnic distributions are rarely uniform across a neighbourhood, a specific block may hit its ethnic ceiling even when the surrounding neighbourhood still has headroom. This means a buyer can be blocked at the block level even if the neighbourhood quota is technically not yet exhausted.

Crucially, these quotas are based on the resident population, not floor area. Each time a resale transaction is completed and a new household registers with HDB, the ethnic composition of that block and neighbourhood is recalculated. The thresholds — Chinese 84%/87%, Malay 22%/25%, Indian & Others 12%/15% — were originally calibrated to Singapore’s 1989 census ethnic composition and have remained substantially unchanged, though HDB reviews them periodically.

One important clarification: these quotas apply to the buyer’s ethnicity as declared on their NRIC, not to the seller’s ethnicity. A Chinese seller in a block that has reached its Chinese quota can only sell to a non-Chinese buyer — specifically, a Malay or Indian & Others buyer whose group still has remaining quota in that block. This restriction flips the usual power dynamic: in some over-quota blocks, sellers effectively have a constrained buyer pool regardless of the flat’s quality or market price.

EIP and Buyers: What to Check Before You Bid

For buyers, EIP is the first filter to apply — before engaging any conveyancer, before negotiating price, and certainly before exercising an Option to Purchase (OTP). The HDB Resale Portal (resale.hdb.gov.sg) provides a real-time EIP check for any block address. Buyers enter the block address and their NRIC ethnicity, and the system returns a pass or fail result. This check takes under a minute and is freely available to the public.

HDB EIP block quota constraint trend 2021 to Q1 2026 rising pressure by ethnicity
Figure 2: Rising EIP Block-Quota Constraints Across HDB Towns (2021–Q1 2026). More towns now have over-quota blocks in every ethnic category.

The trend in Figure 2 is instructive: the proportion of HDB towns with at least one over-quota block has risen steadily across all three ethnic categories since 2021. This is partly a function of natural demographic equilibration — as resale market activity in mature estates normalises ethnic proportions toward the cap — and partly driven by the prolonged resale boom since 2021. Higher transaction volumes accelerate quota convergence. Indian & Others buyers, working with the tightest caps, face the fastest-tightening constraints in central-region towns.

The practical implication is that buyers from minority groups should widen their shortlist geographically or be prepared to act quickly when a suitable flat in a quota-compliant block appears. It also means that a flat you viewed and loved on a Saturday may no longer be accessible by the following Wednesday if another transaction in that block tips it over the quota.

EIP and Sellers: Restricted Pools and Pricing Implications

For sellers, the EIP dynamic is less immediately visible but equally significant. If the block has reached or is near its quota for the seller’s ethnic group, the universe of eligible buyers shrinks to only those whose ethnic group still has headroom. In practice, this means a Chinese owner in a block already at 87% Chinese cannot sell to another Chinese buyer. The flat must be sold to a Malay or Indian & Others purchaser — and their demand in that specific block, at that price point, may be materially thinner.

HDB EIP quota pressure by town in Singapore Q1 2026 highest constraint towns
Figure 3: HDB Towns with Highest Estimated EIP Block Quota Pressure (Q1 2026). Mature central-region estates face the greatest constraint burden.

Towns with the highest EIP pressure (Figure 3) — including Bishan, Bukit Timah, Marine Parade, and Toa Payoh — are, notably, some of Singapore’s most sought-after mature estates with strong historical price appreciation. Sellers in these towns who happen to own flats in over-quota blocks may find that a smaller buyer pool translates to longer time-on-market and a need to price more competitively to attract the eligible ethnic minority. This can depress achieved prices relative to neighbouring quota-compliant blocks in the same town.

Conversely, sellers in blocks that remain quota-compliant — particularly in estates with robust Chinese demand — face no restriction on their buyer pool and can generally command fuller market prices. This creates an intra-town pricing differential that is sometimes overlooked by buyers and sellers alike.

EIP Rules at a Glance: Summary Table

Rule / Parameter Details
Administered by Housing and Development Board (HDB)
Introduced 1 March 1989
Applies to HDB resale flat transactions (not BTO launches, not private property)
Chinese quota 84% (neighbourhood) / 87% (block)
Malay quota 22% (neighbourhood) / 25% (block)
Indian & Others quota 12% (neighbourhood) / 15% (block)
Determined by Buyer’s declared ethnicity on NRIC
Both levels must pass Yes — neighbourhood AND block quota checked simultaneously
How to check HDB Resale Portal (resale.hdb.gov.sg) — free, real-time, block-specific
Consequence of breach Transaction cannot proceed; no OTP can be exercised
Applies to SPR buyers Yes — Singapore Permanent Residents declared on their Blue IC are subject to EIP

Worked Example: The Tan Family’s EIP Navigation

Scenario: SC Indian couple upgrading to a 4-room resale flat in Queenstown

Mr and Mrs Selvam are Singapore Citizens (Indian ethnicity, NRIC declared). They have completed their HDB MOP on their 3-room Yishun flat and wish to upgrade to a 4-room resale flat in Queenstown (Queen’s Close / Tanglin Halt area) for the schools and proximity to work. Budget: S$700,000–S$750,000.

Step 1 — EIP Pre-check: They identify three blocks in the area. Using the HDB Resale Portal, they check each block against their Indian & Others ethnicity:

  • Block A, Tanglin Halt Road — FAIL: Indian & Others block quota at 15% (over-quota). Cannot proceed.
  • Block B, Commonwealth Drive — PASS: Indian & Others at 11%, headroom remains. Can proceed.
  • Block C, Holland Avenue — FAIL: Neighbourhood quota at 12% ceiling. Cannot proceed.

Step 2 — Focus on Block B: A 4-room flat in Block B is listed at S$730,000. Valuation commissioned by HDB: S$718,000. Cash Over Valuation (COV): S$12,000 (must be paid in cash, cannot use CPF).

Step 3 — Cost breakdown:
BSD on S$730,000: First S$180,000 @ 1% = S$1,800 + Next S$180,000 @ 2% = S$3,600 + Remaining S$370,000 @ 3% = S$11,100 = S$16,500
ABSD: S$0 (SC couple buying first property as Indian & Others is not subject to ABSD on 1st purchase)
HDB resale admin fee: S$80 (for flat application)
Legal conveyancing: ~S$2,500
COV: S$12,000 (cash)
Total cash outlay (excluding down payment and loan): ~S$31,080

Outcome: By running the EIP check before negotiating, the Selvams avoided two abortive OTP exercises and focused their offer on the only compliant block. They secured the flat and received the HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter confirming they meet all requirements including EIP.

Why EIP Matters: Social Engineering That Shapes Your Investment

EIP is one of the most distinctive features of Singapore’s housing system — a policy with no direct parallel in Hong Kong, South Korea, or Australia’s public housing sectors, all of which have faced varying degrees of ethnic concentration in social housing. Singapore’s approach is deliberately top-down: rather than leaving ethnic integration to market forces or individual goodwill, the government mandated it structurally.

From an investment standpoint, EIP creates a two-tier reality within the resale market. Quota-compliant blocks command the full market price because the buyer pool is unrestricted. Over-quota blocks may see price suppression — not because the flat is inferior, but because the eligible buyer pool is structurally smaller. Buyers who can only consider certain ethnic-group quotas must be particularly attentive to this dynamic, as it affects not only their own purchase but their eventual exit when they resell.

For upgraders from HDB to private property, EIP does not apply to the private transaction. However, the HDB flat they sell must comply with EIP — if they are selling from an over-quota block, they must find a buyer from the eligible ethnic group, which can extend the sale timeline and affect whether they can meet the 6-month window for ABSD remission on their subsequent private purchase.

What Might Come Next: The EIP in a Tightening Market

EIP quotas have remained largely static since 1989, calibrated to demographic proportions that have since shifted — Singapore’s Indian and Other Minority population share has grown modestly, while the Malay share has remained relatively stable. There is periodic academic and policy debate about whether the thresholds should be recalibrated to reflect updated census data, but HDB has not announced any revision as of June 2026.

As the resale market continues to transact at elevated volumes — driven by BTO supply shortfalls and strong demand from upgraders — EIP constraints in mature estates are likely to tighten further before any policy adjustment. Buyers in minority ethnic groups planning purchases in desirable central-region towns should factor in longer search timelines and a readiness to move quickly when compliant blocks become available. Those in the Chinese majority group face less immediate concern but should remain aware of the policy’s seller-side implications when they eventually exit their flats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does EIP apply when I buy a new BTO flat directly from HDB?

No. EIP applies only to HDB resale transactions between private parties in the open market. When you purchase a new BTO flat directly from HDB at a launch exercise, HDB controls the allocation and manages ethnic integration through its own internal allocation criteria. You do not need to check EIP quotas for BTO applications. EIP becomes relevant only if you later sell your flat on the resale market, or if you are buying a resale flat from another owner.

Can I appeal to HDB if I fail the EIP check for a block I want?

There is no formal appeal mechanism to override an EIP failure for a specific block. The quotas are administered by HDB as hard limits — if the block or neighbourhood is over-quota for your ethnic group, the transaction simply cannot proceed in that block. Your practical options are: (a) search for another flat in a different block in the same town that is quota-compliant; (b) expand your search to a different town where quota headroom exists for your ethnic group; or (c) wait for an existing household in the over-quota block to sell and move out, which marginally reduces the ethnic proportion and may eventually restore headroom. HDB does not grant exceptions to EIP quotas for individual buyers.

Does EIP affect Singapore Permanent Residents (SPRs) buying HDB resale flats?

Yes. Singapore Permanent Residents are subject to the same EIP quotas as Singapore Citizens. HDB uses the ethnicity declared on the SPR’s Blue Identity Card (NRIC) to assess which ethnic group the buyer falls under for quota purposes. SPR buyers must satisfy both neighbourhood and block EIP quotas, in addition to the separate SPR eligibility rules for HDB resale flats (SPRs must form a family nucleus, must have held SPR status for at least 3 years, and are subject to their own resale eligibility conditions). Foreigners without SPR status cannot purchase HDB resale flats at all and are therefore unaffected by EIP.

What happens if EIP is breached after a sale — for example, if I make an error in my ethnicity declaration?

Making a false ethnic declaration to circumvent EIP is a serious offence under HDB’s framework and can constitute fraud. If HDB discovers that a buyer misrepresented their ethnicity — for example, declaring a different ethnic identity than that shown on their NRIC — HDB has the power to compulsorily acquire the flat at a price lower than market value, cancel the resale approval, or take other enforcement action. Buyers should use only the ethnicity as declared on their NRIC, even if they are mixed-race or identify differently culturally. Mixed-race buyers typically use the ethnicity registered with ICA on their NRIC, which may be either parent’s ethnicity depending on the registration at birth.

I am an Indian buyer. Can I buy a resale flat in a block where the Chinese quota is not yet reached, even if the Indian quota is full?

No. Your EIP eligibility is assessed based on your own ethnic group’s quota, not other groups’ quotas. If the Indian & Others block quota has been reached (15%), you cannot purchase that flat — regardless of whether the Chinese or Malay quotas still have headroom. The quotas function independently: each ethnic group’s proportion is measured against its own ceiling. The fact that another ethnic group still has room in the block does not create eligibility for an Indian & Others buyer whose group’s quota is full.

Does the EIP restriction affect landed HDB housing, such as terrace or semi-detached HDB properties?

HDB landed housing (such as the older HDB terrace houses in estates like Toa Payoh and Queenstown) is subject to EIP in the same way as HDB flats, as they are resale transactions on the open market. However, there is very limited HDB landed stock, and most of it is in mature estates where quota pressures can be acute. If you are considering an HDB landed property, you must run the same EIP check on the HDB Resale Portal. Note that HDB landed housing transactions are subject to all the usual HDB resale eligibility rules, MOP requirements, and HFE letter requirements in addition to EIP.

If I am selling an HDB flat in an over-quota block, how do I find eligible buyers efficiently?

The most effective approach is to advertise the listing with the EIP status disclosed upfront — noting which ethnic group(s) can purchase the flat — so that only eligible buyers engage with your listing. This saves time for both parties and reduces abortive OTP risks. Because the eligible buyer pool is smaller, you may need to price the flat more competitively or allow a longer marketing period. Note that while CEA-registered salespersons can help you market the flat, you remain responsible for ensuring EIP compliance — the HDB system will reject a resale application that fails the EIP check regardless of what has been agreed between buyer and seller. Always verify the buyer’s ethnicity against the current EIP status on the Resale Portal before exercising the OTP.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or property advice. EIP quotas are subject to change by HDB and should be verified directly at the HDB Resale Portal (resale.hdb.gov.sg) before any transaction. Always consult a licensed conveyancer, HDB-registered salesperson, or qualified financial adviser before making any property purchase or sale decision. Figures and estimates in this article are based on publicly available HDB data as of June 2026.

Singapore EC Resale Guide 2026: Complete Guide to Buying an Executive Condominium Resale

Singapore EC Resale Guide 2026: Complete Guide to Buying an Executive Condominium Resale

Quick Answer: Singapore EC Resale 2026

  • ECs are a hybrid housing class — built by private developers but subject to HDB eligibility rules for the first 10 years. After 10 years from completion, they are fully privatised and open to all buyers including foreigners.
  • 5-year MOP before you can sell in the open market (to Singapore Citizens and PRs only). 10 years before foreigners may buy.
  • No HDB loan for EC resale — bank loan only, regardless of citizenship. CPF OA funds are available for SC and SPR buyers.
  • EC resale prices averaged S$1,200–S$1,240 per square foot (PSF) in Q1 2026, up from S$760 PSF in 2019 — a 63% increase over 7 years.
  • ABSD applies to EC resale purchases for 2nd-and-above properties; SC first-property buyers pay 0% ABSD even within the 5-to-10-year window.
  • No income ceiling for resale EC buyers — income limits only apply to new EC applications.
  • The Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) applies to EC resale within the 5-to-10-year window (before full privatisation).
  • CPF withdrawal limits and the Withdrawal Limit (WL) / Valuation Limit (VL) framework apply to EC resale purchases the same way they do for private condos.

What Is an Executive Condominium and Who Administers EC Resale?

The Executive Condominium (EC) is a uniquely Singaporean housing class — sometimes called a “sandwich-class” product — built by private developers on land sold by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) at subsidised prices. ECs look identical to private condominiums from the outside, with full condo facilities (swimming pool, gymnasium, BBQ pits, guard house), but they carry a set of HDB-derived restrictions during the first decade of their existence.

HDB administers EC eligibility rules under the Housing and Development (Executive Condominium Housing Scheme) Act 1996 (Cap 129A). The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) tracks EC transaction data and publishes quarterly resale price statistics. The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) administers stamp duties on EC resale transactions — Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD), Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), and Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD where applicable). This guide reflects rules as at June 2026.

Singapore EC executive condominium lifecycle from launch to full privatisation 5 year MOP 10 year
Figure 1: The EC lifecycle — from HDB-controlled launch to full privatisation at year 10. The resale window opens at the 5-year MOP mark.

EC Resale: The Two Distinct Windows

Understanding the timeline is essential because EC resale operates under fundamentally different rules depending on when you buy:

Window 1 — After 5-Year MOP, Before 10-Year Full Privatisation

Once the EC’s 5-year MOP has been served (calculated from the date of the Temporary Occupation Permit, not key collection), the original HDB-scheme owner may sell to Singapore Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents in the open market. During this window, HDB eligibility restrictions still apply:

  • Eligible buyers: Singapore Citizens and Singapore PRs only (foreigners cannot buy).
  • The Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) applies — buyers must comply with the ethnic quota for the block and neighbourhood.
  • No income ceiling applies to resale buyers (income limits are only for new EC applicants).
  • Bank loan only — HDB loans are not available for any EC purchase, new or resale.

Window 2 — After 10-Year Full Privatisation

After 10 years from the EC’s completion (TOP date), the development is fully privatised and HDB restrictions are lifted entirely. From this point, the EC is treated identically to any private condominium for all purposes:

  • Eligible buyers: Singapore Citizens, Singapore PRs, foreigners, and companies.
  • No EIP applies.
  • ABSD at full private condo rates applies to foreigners (60% from February 2023).
  • Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD) obligations for original buyers were served under private-condo rules.

EC Resale Price Trends 2019–2026

Singapore EC resale price trends median PSF 2019 to Q1 2026
Figure 2: EC resale median transacted price per square foot (PSF) 2019–Q1 2026. Prices rose 63% from S$760 PSF to S$1,240 PSF over seven years.

EC resale prices have outperformed many market segments over the post-COVID recovery and tightening cycle. The key drivers of EC resale price appreciation include:

  • Supply scarcity: EC launches are far fewer in number than HDB BTO launches, and the total stock of ECs is limited. With only a handful of projects entering the resale window each year, demand consistently outpaces supply.
  • Upgrader demand: ECs appeal primarily to HDB upgraders — households who have served their HDB MOP and are looking to move into condo-style living at a price point below new private launches. This demand is structural and persistent.
  • Location quality: Most ECs are sited in mature or established towns (Tampines, Sengkang, Jurong, Woodlands) with good MRT and bus connectivity, making them attractive as primary residences rather than pure investment plays.
  • No income ceiling at resale: Resale buyers face no income ceiling, unlike new EC applicants who are capped at S$16,000/month household income. This broadens the resale buyer pool considerably.

As at Q1 2026, industry figures show median EC resale prices at approximately S$1,200–S$1,240 PSF, with some mature-estate ECs transacting above S$1,400 PSF. This compares to typical new EC launch prices of S$1,350–S$1,500 PSF — meaning a well-located resale EC is often priced comparably to a new launch, but with the benefit of knowing the actual unit and finished state.

Eligibility, Restrictions and Stamp Duties

Singapore EC resale eligibility who can buy SC SPR foreigner MOP rules 2026
Figure 3: EC resale eligibility by buyer category and timing window — from MOP to full privatisation.
Buyer Profile 5–10 Yr Window After 10 Yrs ABSD (1st Property SC) ABSD (2nd Property SC)
SC only household Eligible Eligible 0% 20%
SC + SPR household Eligible Eligible 5% (on full purchase price) 20%+ (SC rate applies)
Full SPR household Eligible Eligible 5% 30%
Foreigner Not eligible Eligible 60% 60%
Singapore company Not eligible Eligible 35% 35%

Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD)

BSD applies to all EC resale purchases at the standard residential rates: 1% on the first S$180,000, 2% on the next S$180,000, 3% on the next S$640,000, 4% on the next S$500,000, 5% on the next S$1,500,000, and 6% on the remainder above S$3,000,000. BSD is administered by IRAS and must be paid within 14 days of the date of acceptance of the Option to Purchase (OTP).

CPF and Loan Rules

Bank loan only — HDB loans are not available for any EC purchase, including resale. The maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio is 75% of the property value (or purchase price, whichever is lower) for a first housing loan from a bank, subject to the Mortgage Servicing Ratio (MSR) of 30% of gross monthly income and the Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) of 55%, both administered by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

CPF Ordinary Account (OA) funds may be used to service the loan and pay the downpayment for SC and SPR buyers, subject to the CPF Withdrawal Limit (WL) and Valuation Limit (VL) rules. Once CPF withdrawals hit the VL (equal to the lower of the purchase price or valuation), further withdrawal requires the property’s remaining lease to cover the youngest buyer to age 95.

The Resale Process: From OTP to Keys

The EC resale process is broadly similar to a private condominium resale and is governed by the Conveyancing and Law of Property Act (Cap 61) and standard Law Society of Singapore conditions of sale. Key milestones include:

Step Timeline Key Actions
1. Option to Purchase (OTP) Day 0 Seller grants OTP; buyer pays 1% option fee (typically). OTP is valid 14 days.
2. Exercise OTP Day 7–14 Buyer exercises OTP, pays 4% exercise fee (cash); BSD due within 14 days of exercise.
3. HDB resale checklist (if applicable) Day 7–14 Required if seller is an original HDB-scheme EC owner within the 5–10 year window.
4. Engage solicitors Day 7–21 Both parties engage conveyancing solicitors (same firm only with conflict-of-interest waiver).
5. Secure bank loan & CPF approval Week 2–6 Letter of Offer from bank; CPF OA withdrawal letter of authority.
6. Completion Week 8–12 Balance purchase price paid; keys handed over; SLA caveat registered.

Worked Example: The Lim Family, EC Resale in Sengkang

Mr and Mrs Lim are Singapore Citizens with a combined gross income of S$14,000/month. They are currently in HDB MOP (completed in March 2026) and are looking to upgrade to a 4-bedroom EC resale unit in Sengkang priced at S$1,480,000. The EC obtained its TOP in 2019 and has been in its resale window since 2024.

Stamp duties:

  • BSD: 1% x S$180,000 = S$1,800 + 2% x S$180,000 = S$3,600 + 3% x S$640,000 = S$19,200 + 4% x S$480,000 = S$19,200 = S$43,800
  • ABSD: 0% — SC household, first property (HDB sold simultaneously with EC purchase, remission applied)
  • Total stamp duties: S$43,800

Financing:

  • Bank loan: 75% LTV = S$1,110,000 (bank offers S$1,110,000 at 3.1% for 25 years)
  • Monthly instalment: approximately S$5,324/month; MSR = 38.0% — EXCEEDS 30% MSR cap
  • MSR adjustment: Maximum loan at 30% MSR = S$4,200/month. Reverse-engineer loan: approximately S$878,500 at 3.1% for 25 years.
  • Revised LTV: S$878,500 / S$1,480,000 = 59.4%. Downpayment: S$601,500 (5% cash S$74,000 + 20% CPF/cash S$226,000 + additional S$301,500).

Note: The Lims should explore a 30-year tenure — at 3.1% for 30 years, S$1,110,000 = approximately S$4,740/month (MSR 33.9%, still above cap). Even at 30 years, the MSR constraint limits their borrowing. The EC at S$1,480,000 may be at the upper end of their budget. A S$1,300,000 unit would produce MSR of ~30.0% (just within cap) at 30 years, making it the comfortable maximum.

Why ECs Represent a Compelling Upgrader Proposition

From a financial-planning perspective, ECs offer something private condominiums typically do not: the ability to tap CPF housing grants at the new-launch stage (up to S$30,000 for first-timer families), combined with private condo facilities and a historically strong resale trajectory. The “wait and see” option that many HDB upgraders exercise — waiting for EC resale after MOP rather than committing to new private — reflects the consensus that EC resale offers better value-for-money than a new private launch of comparable size and location.

For investors buying a fully privatised EC (post-10-year window), the product trades essentially as a private condominium with a slightly lower absolute price. Rental yields on mature ECs have ranged from 3.0% to 4.5% gross as at early 2026, broadly comparable to the OCR private condominium market.

What Might Come Next: EC Policy and Supply Outlook

This section is editorial speculation and does not constitute confirmed government policy.

The government has signalled its intent to calibrate EC supply to demand, with the 2H2026 Government Land Sales (GLS) programme including two EC sites. With approximately 5,000–6,000 new EC units expected to enter the market annually over 2026–2029 from recent launches, supply in the resale window should gradually increase. This may exert some moderation on the near-term price trajectory, though structural upgrader demand is expected to remain supportive. Any change to the income ceiling for new EC applicants (currently S$16,000/month) could affect the buyer pool for new launches without directly impacting resale eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my CPF to buy an EC resale unit?

Yes, Singapore Citizens may use their CPF Ordinary Account (OA) savings to pay for the downpayment and service the mortgage on an EC resale purchase, subject to the CPF Withdrawal Limit (WL) and Valuation Limit (VL). The VL is equal to the lower of the purchase price or the property’s valuation at the time of purchase. Once CPF withdrawals reach the VL, you may only continue withdrawing if the property’s remaining lease covers the youngest buyer to at least age 95. Singapore PRs may use their CPF OA too, but the rules on VL and lease coverage apply equally to them.

Is ABSD payable on an EC resale purchase?

It depends on your profile and property count. For a Singapore Citizen purchasing their first residential property (i.e., the HDB flat has been or will be sold), ABSD is 0%. For a Singapore Citizen purchasing a second property, ABSD is 20% on the full purchase price. SC + SPR joint buyers pay 5% ABSD on any purchase. PRs purchasing their first property pay 5%; second property 30%. Foreigners pay 60% regardless of property count. ABSD is administered by IRAS and must be paid within 14 days of the OTP exercise date.

What is the difference between the EC MOP and the HDB MOP?

Both are 5-year periods, but they are measured from different dates. The HDB MOP for BTO flats is measured from the date of flat possession (key collection). The EC MOP is measured from the date the Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) is issued for the development — not from when individual buyers receive their keys, and not from the Sales & Purchase agreement date. This means that if you purchased an EC before TOP was issued (i.e. at launch), your MOP countdown does not start until the building physically completes and receives its TOP.

Can an EC resale buyer get an HDB loan?

No. HDB concessionary loans are not available for any EC purchase — new or resale, within or outside the MOP window. This is a hard rule under the EC scheme: all EC financing must be through a licensed financial institution (bank or finance company). The absence of the HDB loan option means EC buyers must have at least 5% of the purchase price in cash (the minimum bank downpayment) and must qualify under the bank’s credit assessment, MSR, and TDSR criteria.

Does the Ethnic Integration Policy apply to EC resale?

Yes, but only within the 5-to-10-year window (before full privatisation). During this period, EC resale transactions are subject to the EIP quotas administered by HDB — the buyer’s ethnicity must not cause the EC block or neighbourhood to exceed its allocated proportion for that ethnic group. After full privatisation (10 years from TOP), the EIP ceases to apply and the EC trades as a fully private development with no ethnic quota restrictions. You can check EIP quota availability for a specific EC on the HDB e-Service portal.

What is the Seller’s Stamp Duty situation for EC resale sellers?

Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD) for residential properties, administered by IRAS, applies when you sell within 3 years of purchase: 12% if sold in year 1, 8% in year 2, and 4% in year 3. For EC original owners, SSD is assessed from the date the Sales & Purchase agreement was signed (i.e. the launch purchase date). Since ECs typically have a 5-year MOP, any sale after MOP will be at least 5 years after purchase, well past the 3-year SSD window. For resale buyers who subsequently re-sell, the SSD clock restarts from their own purchase date.

Is there any income ceiling for buying an EC in the resale market?

No. The S$16,000/month household income ceiling only applies to applicants for new EC launches (where the developer applies HDB eligibility criteria at point of sale). It does not apply to EC resale buyers at any stage. A household earning S$50,000/month could freely purchase an EC resale unit after MOP without any income-related restriction. This is one of the key attractions of EC resale compared to applying for a new EC launch.

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Disclaimer

This article is produced by the LovelyHomes Editorial Team for general information purposes only. It is not legal, tax, or financial advice. EC eligibility rules, stamp duty rates, and CPF withdrawal limits are subject to change; always verify current requirements with hdb.gov.sg, iras.gov.sg, and mas.gov.sg before committing to any property transaction. Consult a licensed financial adviser and conveyancing solicitor for advice tailored to your circumstances.

Singapore HDB Room Rental Guide 2026: Complete Guide to Renting Out Your HDB Room

Singapore HDB Room Rental Guide 2026: Complete Guide to Renting Out Your HDB Room

Quick Answer: HDB Room Rental Singapore 2026

  • No MOP required — you can rent out a room in your HDB flat immediately after taking possession; the Minimum Occupation Period applies only to whole-flat subletting.
  • HDB portal approval is required before any tenancy starts, including room rentals to non-citizens.
  • Non-Citizen Quota (NCQ): only 8% of flats in a neighbourhood and 11% in any block may house non-citizen, non-Malaysian tenants at any one time.
  • Malaysian citizens are NCQ-exempt — they may rent from any eligible HDB flat owner regardless of the quota.
  • Minimum tenancy is 6 months; maximum is 2 years per tenancy agreement (renewable).
  • Maximum occupancy for a 4-room or larger flat is 6 unrelated persons across all rooms.
  • All rental income is taxable under the Income Tax Act 1947; deductible expenses include mortgage interest, property tax, and maintenance fees.
  • IRAS filing deadline is 15 April each year for the preceding year’s rental income.

What Is HDB Room Rental and Who Administers It?

Renting out a room in your Housing Development Board (HDB) flat is one of the most tax-efficient ways to generate supplementary income in Singapore. Unlike renting out the entire flat — which requires the flat to have cleared its Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) — room rental has no MOP prerequisite. You can begin renting a spare bedroom the day after you collect your keys, provided you register the tenancy through the HDB e-Service portal and comply with the occupancy and quota rules administered by HDB.

HDB oversees room rental under the Housing and Development Act 1959 (Cap 129) and associated policies. The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) governs the tax treatment of rental income under the Income Tax Act 1947. Both agencies updated their guidelines in 2024–2025; this guide reflects the rules as at June 2026.

Room rental is distinct from whole-flat subletting, which requires MOP clearance and a distinct approval process. For subletting of the entire flat, refer to our HDB Subletting Guide 2026.

HDB room rental eligibility matrix Singapore 2026 who can rent to whom
Figure 1: HDB room rental eligibility and tenant rules across citizenship categories — including the NCQ.

HDB Room Rental Eligibility Rules

To rent out a room in your HDB flat, you must be a registered owner who satisfies all of the following conditions:

  • Flat ownership: You must be a registered owner of the flat (joint or sole). Tenants of HDB flats cannot sublet rooms.
  • Residency: At least one owner must continue to reside in the flat during the rental period. You cannot rent out all bedrooms and vacate — that constitutes whole-flat subletting and requires separate approval.
  • No MOP restriction for room rental: Unlike whole-flat subletting, there is no MOP period to serve before renting a room. This applies to BTO, resale, and DBSS flats.
  • Citizen/PR ownership: Only Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents may own HDB flats.

Who Can Be Your Tenant?

Eligible tenants include Singapore Citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents, and non-citizens holding long-term passes such as Employment Passes (EP), S Passes, Work Permits (WP), Long-Term Visit Passes (LTVP), Student Passes, and Dependent’s Passes. Short-term visitors and tourists are not eligible. Non-citizens are subject to the Non-Citizen Quota (NCQ) — with the important exception that Malaysian citizens are NCQ-exempt.

Before commencing any tenancy with a non-citizen tenant, verify that NCQ slots are available for your block and neighbourhood, then register the tenancy on the HDB e-Service portal. Tenancies with Citizens and PRs do not require quota checks but must still be registered.

The Non-Citizen Quota (NCQ): How It Works

Non-Citizen Quota NCQ HDB room rental Singapore 8 percent neighbourhood 11 percent block
Figure 2: The NCQ caps — 8% neighbourhood, 11% block — apply to all non-citizen, non-Malaysian tenants in HDB room rentals.

The Non-Citizen Quota was introduced by HDB to maintain social integration in public housing estates and prevent over-concentration of foreign nationals in any single block or neighbourhood. Under the NCQ:

  • No more than 8% of all HDB flats in a neighbourhood may be occupied by non-citizen, non-Malaysian tenants at the same time.
  • No more than 11% of all HDB flats in any single block may be occupied by non-citizen, non-Malaysian tenants at the same time.

If either limit is reached, no new tenancy with a non-citizen, non-Malaysian tenant may commence in that neighbourhood or block until an existing occupancy clears. Malaysian citizens are entirely exempt from the NCQ. You can check real-time NCQ availability using the HDB NCQ portal.

Tenancy Duration and Registration

Each room rental tenancy must have a minimum duration of 6 months and a maximum of 2 years per agreement. Tenancies of less than 6 months — including Airbnb-style arrangements — are strictly prohibited and may result in compounding or flat confiscation. Registration is completed online via the HDB e-Service portal within 7 days of the tenancy start date.

Maximum Occupancy Limits

Flat Type Max. Occupants (All Rooms Combined) Notes
1-Room / 2-Room 4 unrelated persons Including the flat owner(s)
3-Room 6 unrelated persons Including the flat owner(s)
4-Room and above 6 unrelated persons Including the flat owner(s)
Executive / DBSS 6 unrelated persons Including the flat owner(s)
Studio Apartment Not eligible for room rental Intended for elderly residents only

The occupancy cap includes the flat owner(s) and all residents. A 4-room flat with two owner-occupiers can therefore accommodate at most 4 additional persons as tenants across all rooms.

Rental Income Tax: What You Must Declare to IRAS

All rental income from HDB room rental is assessable income under the Income Tax Act 1947 administered by IRAS. There are no exemptions for small amounts or casual arrangements. IRAS allows a range of deductible expenses that significantly reduce your net taxable rental income.

HDB room rental income tax deductibles net taxable Singapore 2026
Figure 3: Gross rental income versus allowable deductibles and the net taxable position at three common rent levels.

What Is Taxable?

Your gross rental income includes all amounts received from tenants: monthly rent, any lump-sum advance payment, and reimbursements for utilities or services. Security deposits are not income when received but become income if forfeited.

Allowable Deductions

Deductible Expense Basis Notes
Mortgage interest Actual interest portion of HDB or bank loan payments Principal repayment is NOT deductible
Property tax Annual property tax paid to IRAS Deductible in full as a cost of letting
Maintenance and conservancy charges Monthly S&CC paid to Town Council Pro-rated to rental period if flat was partly vacant
Repairs and maintenance Revenue repairs to restore lettable condition Capital improvements are NOT deductible
Insurance premiums Fire/content insurance attributable to the rental Home Protection Scheme premiums are NOT deductible
Agent commission Fees to a licensed estate agent for securing the tenancy Deductible in full in the year paid

The net rental income is added to your other income and taxed at Singapore’s progressive personal income tax rates (0% on the first S$20,000 of chargeable income, up to 24% above S$1,000,000 effective from YA 2024).

When and How to File

Rental income must be declared annually in your income tax return via IRAS’s myTax Portal. The filing deadline is 15 April of the following year. Retain receipts and tenancy agreements for at least 5 years as IRAS may audit rental declarations.

Worked Example: The Tan Family, Tampines 4-Room

Mr and Mrs Tan are Singapore Citizens who own a 4-room HDB flat in Tampines. They have one spare room and decide to rent it to a Malaysian work-pass holder at S$1,500 per month from 1 April 2026.

Step 1 — Eligibility: No MOP required. NCQ check: Malaysian citizens are NCQ-exempt. HDB portal registration completed 29 March 2026.

Income calculation (Year of Assessment 2027, calendar year 2026):

  • Gross rental income: S$1,500 x 9 months (Apr–Dec 2026) = S$13,500
  • Mortgage interest (annual S$8,400, pro-rated 9/12): S$6,300
  • Property tax (annual S$720, pro-rated 9/12): S$540
  • Maintenance fees (S&CC S$56 x 9 months): S$504
  • Total allowable deductions: S$7,344
  • Net taxable rental income: S$13,500 minus S$7,344 = S$6,156

Tax impact: Mr Tan earns S$72,000/yr. Adding S$6,156 raises chargeable income to approximately S$78,156. Marginal rate: 7% (S$40K–S$80K band). Incremental tax: approximately S$431. Net monthly cash after all costs and taxes: approximately S$1,014/month.

Why HDB Room Rental Matters for Flat Owners

Singapore has one of the highest rates of homeownership in the world — roughly 90% of residents live in public housing. Room rental offers a way to monetise a spare bedroom without the complexity of selling or refinancing. Industry figures show median room rents ranging from S$900/month in non-mature estates to S$2,200/month in central areas as at early 2026. With Singapore’s economy drawing a continued influx of international professionals, demand for affordable HDB rooms is expected to remain resilient.

For retirees, room rental income can supplement CPF LIFE payouts and reduce dependence on drawing down CPF savings. The Silver Housing Bonus (SHB) scheme, administered by HDB, provides additional cash bonuses of up to S$30,000 for elderly flat owners who right-size to smaller flats.

What Might Come Next: Future Policy Considerations

This section is editorial speculation and does not constitute confirmed government policy.

Short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb remain prohibited in HDB flats, and HDB is expected to continue enforcing this restriction. IRAS is rolling out auto-assessment for rental income by 2027, cross-checking declared rental income against HDB portal tenancy registrations. Flat owners who have not been filing rental income should consider voluntary disclosure via IRAS’s myTax Portal before automated enforcement begins. The NCQ thresholds of 8% and 11% have remained unchanged since 2012 and selective adjustments in newer estates with lower foreign-national density remain a possibility, though no change has been signalled as at June 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent out my HDB room before completing the Minimum Occupation Period?

Yes. The MOP restriction applies only to renting out the entire flat (whole-flat subletting), not to individual rooms. Room rental may commence immediately after the flat is handed over to you, subject to HDB portal registration and compliance with tenant eligibility and NCQ rules. If you are in the MOP period, you must continue to reside in the flat.

My block’s Non-Citizen Quota is full. Can I still rent to my Malaysian colleague?

Yes. Malaysian citizens are entirely exempt from the Non-Citizen Quota. The NCQ applies only to non-citizens who are not Malaysian. Your Malaysian colleague does not count toward the 8% neighbourhood or 11% block quota regardless of the pass type they hold. You can proceed with registration on the HDB portal without a quota check for Malaysian tenants.

Does HDB rental income affect my CPF contributions?

No. Rental income from HDB room rental is not employment income and is not subject to CPF contributions. It is, however, assessable income under the Income Tax Act and must be declared to IRAS. CPF voluntary top-up contributions remain available regardless of whether you earn rental income.

What happens if I rent out my room without registering on the HDB portal?

Renting out a room without HDB portal registration is a breach of the HDB lease. Consequences include a formal warning and compounding fine of up to S$5,000 per breach. Repeated or serious violations can result in HDB compulsorily acquiring the flat at HDB’s assessed valuation, which may be below open-market value. HDB conducts enforcement raids and acts on complaints from neighbours and town councils.

Can I deduct renovation costs or furniture purchases against rental income?

Generally, no. IRAS distinguishes between capital expenditure (acquiring or improving an asset) and revenue expenditure (maintaining the asset in its existing condition). Only revenue repairs are deductible. Furniture purchases are capital in nature and are not deductible. For specific situations, seek advice from a qualified tax practitioner or consult IRAS’s e-Tax Guide on rental income at iras.gov.sg.

How do I calculate the deductible mortgage interest for a joint HDB loan?

For an HDB concessionary loan, your annual statement from HDB shows the principal and interest breakdown for each repayment. Add up the interest components paid during the calendar year — this is your deductible amount. For a bank loan, your bank provides an annual loan statement. If you jointly own the flat, each co-owner may only deduct interest in proportion to their ownership share.

Can I rent a room to a family member who is a foreigner?

Yes, provided the family member holds an eligible pass (EP, S Pass, WP, LTVP, DP, Student Pass) and the NCQ is not exhausted for your block and neighbourhood (unless the family member is Malaysian). You still need to register the tenancy on the HDB portal. Close family ties do not create any exemption from HDB’s room rental registration requirements, though there is no restriction on the commercial terms of the tenancy.

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Disclaimer

This article is produced by the LovelyHomes Editorial Team for general information purposes only. It is not legal, tax, or financial advice. HDB rules and IRAS tax regulations are updated periodically; always verify current requirements on hdb.gov.sg and iras.gov.sg before entering into any tenancy agreement. For personalised tax advice, consult a qualified tax practitioner.

HDB Resale Levy Singapore 2026: Complete Guide for Second-Timer Flat Buyers

HDB Resale Levy Singapore 2026: Complete Guide for Second-Timer Flat Buyers

Quick Answer — HDB Resale Levy at a Glance

  • The HDB Resale Levy applies when a second-timer household buys a new BTO flat or a new Executive Condominium (EC) from a developer after previously enjoying a housing subsidy.
  • Levy amounts range from S$15,000 (2-Room Flexi) to S$55,000 (Multi-Generation flat), based on the flat type you are selling.
  • The levy does not apply if you buy a resale HDB flat on the open market, or if you buy private property.
  • Payment comes from your sale proceeds (CPF refund + cash). If proceeds fall short, you must top up in cash.
  • The policy ensures those who already benefited from a large housing subsidy pay back a portion before receiving a second round of public housing support.
  • If your previous subsidised home was an Executive Condo (EC), the levy is calculated differently: 15% of your net EC resale proceeds, subject to a minimum of S$15,000.
  • Singles under the Single Singapore Citizen (SSC) scheme or Joint Singles Scheme may also be subject to the levy if buying a second subsidised flat.

What Is the HDB Resale Levy?

The HDB Resale Levy is a financial charge levied by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) on households who apply to purchase a second new subsidised flat — either a Build-to-Order (BTO) flat or a new Executive Condominium (EC) sold directly by a developer — after having previously benefited from a public housing subsidy.

The policy exists to uphold the principle of equity in Singapore’s public housing system. New BTO flats and ECs are sold at prices significantly below open-market value, a subsidy funded by taxpayers. HDB’s view is that once a household has enjoyed this advantage, they should not receive the same full quantum of subsidy a second time without contributing back to the system. The resale levy is that contribution.

Introduced in its current fixed-amount form for households that sold their first subsidised flat on or after 3 March 2006, the levy has remained a cornerstone of Singapore’s housing mobility framework. HDB administers the levy directly, collecting it at the point when the second subsidised flat purchase is completed.

HDB Resale Levy amounts by flat type Singapore 2026 bar chart
Figure 1: HDB Resale Levy amounts by flat type — from S$15,000 (2-Room Flexi) to S$55,000 (Multi-Generation). Source: HDB, 2026.

Who Has to Pay the HDB Resale Levy?

The levy applies specifically to second-timer households. HDB classifies a household as a second-timer when at least one applicant has previously:

  • Received a housing subsidy from HDB — including the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG), the Central Provident Fund Housing Grant (CPF-HG), the Special CPF Housing Grant (SHG), or any earlier-generation grant — when buying a resale flat; or
  • Bought a new BTO, Build-to-Order Sales of Balance Flats (SBF), or EC flat directly from a developer.

If you are a first-timer — meaning you have never previously bought an HDB flat or EC, and have not received a CPF housing grant for a resale purchase — you do not pay the resale levy on your first BTO or EC purchase, regardless of price or flat type.

The levy also applies to Singles buying under the Single Singapore Citizen (SSC) scheme who have previously owned a subsidised flat, and to non-citizen spouses in joint applications where the Singapore Citizen applicant is a second-timer.

Resale Levy Amounts by Flat Type (2026)

The levy is fixed and based on the type of HDB flat you are selling, not on the purchase price of your next flat. This table shows the 2026 schedule:

Flat Type Sold Resale Levy (Fixed) Notes
2-Room Flexi S$15,000 Lowest levy; applies to Type 1 and Type 2 2-room flats
3-Room S$30,000 Applies to 3-room BTO and resale-with-grant flats sold
4-Room S$40,000 Most common flat type; levy payable on proceeds
5-Room S$45,000 Includes 5-room improved and 5-room model A flats
Executive Flat S$50,000 Applies to executive maisonettes and executive apartments
Multi-Generation (Multi-Gen) Flat S$55,000 Highest fixed levy; Multi-Gen flats are rare and targeted at three-generation families
DBSS Flat By flat type equivalent A DBSS 4-room incurs S$40,000; 5-room incurs S$45,000
Executive Condominium (EC) 15% of net resale proceeds (min. S$15,000) Only applies if you previously bought an EC directly from a developer and are now buying a new BTO/EC

Key point on DBSS flats: Design, Build and Sell Scheme (DBSS) flats are treated equivalently to standard HDB flats of the same flat type for levy purposes. The levy on a 4-room DBSS flat sold is S$40,000 — the same as a standard 4-room HDB.

Key point on ECs: Executive Condominiums sold before their 5-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) are treated differently. If you sold your EC at the 5-year MOP mark (when it is still classified as an HDB property for resale purposes) and wish to buy another subsidised flat, your levy is calculated at 15% of the net resale price of the EC, not a fixed sum. The minimum levy is S$15,000.

When HDB Resale Levy applies decision matrix Singapore 2026
Figure 2: HDB Resale Levy decision matrix — when the levy applies and when it does not. Source: HDB, 2026.

When Does the Resale Levy Apply?

The trigger for the levy is narrow and precise: it applies only when a second-timer household purchases a new subsidised flat from HDB directly (BTO or SBF exercise) or a new EC from a developer. It does not apply in any of the following scenarios:

  • Buying a resale HDB flat on the open market — even if you are a second-timer, no levy is charged when you buy a resale flat (though you will also receive no EHG or CPF housing grants).
  • Buying private property — the levy is exclusively a feature of the subsidised public housing system.
  • Transferring ownership within the family — an intra-family transfer is not a new subsidised purchase and does not trigger the levy.
  • First-timers — by definition, if you have not previously received a housing subsidy, the levy does not apply.

One nuance worth noting: if you buy a resale HDB flat with a CPF housing grant (making you a subsidised buyer of a resale flat), you become a second-timer for future subsidised flat purchases. Should you later apply for a BTO or new EC, the resale levy will apply at that stage, calculated on the flat you had originally bought with the grant.

How Is the Resale Levy Paid?

The levy is deducted from the proceeds of your flat sale. In practice, HDB coordinates the payment as part of the resale transaction. The sequence is:

  1. You agree to sell your existing flat and apply for a new BTO flat or EC concurrently.
  2. At the point of your existing flat’s resale completion, HDB retains the levy amount from the sale proceeds.
  3. The retained amount is credited to HDB’s account — it is not returned to your CPF Ordinary Account.
  4. If your sale proceeds (after CPF refund) are insufficient to cover the levy, you must make up the shortfall in cash.

Unlike CPF principal and accrued interest (which are refunded to your CPF OA and can be redeployed for the next flat), the resale levy is gone once deducted. It is a one-time levy and cannot be offset against BSD, legal fees, or any other cost of the new purchase.

There is no option to defer the levy or to split it across multiple payment dates. It must be settled in full at the point of sale completion of the existing flat. HDB does not currently offer any hardship waiver or instalment arrangement for the levy.

Net Proceeds After the Levy

Understanding your effective net proceeds after the levy is deducted helps with financial planning for your next purchase. The chart below illustrates how the S$40,000 levy on a 4-room flat affects gross sale proceeds at five common price points:

HDB resale proceeds after levy deduction 4-room flat Singapore 2026
Figure 3: Gross resale proceeds vs after-levy amount for a 4-room flat at five price points. Levy of S$40,000 deducted at source. Source: HDB; LovelyHomes calculations, 2026.

Critically, the levy reduces the pool of funds available for your CPF Ordinary Account refund and cash portion. If you are relying on the proceeds to fund the downpayment on a new BTO flat, factor the levy deduction in from the outset. A 4-room flat sold at S$550,000 effectively becomes S$510,000 in terms of what flows back to you and HDB.

Resale Levy vs HDB Grants: The Netting Question

A common question from second-timers is whether HDB grants can offset the resale levy. The short answer is no. Grants and the levy operate entirely separately:

  • Second-timers who buy a new BTO flat receive reduced grants compared to first-timers. For example, a second-timer buying a new BTO flat under the Step-Up CPF Housing Grant may receive S$15,000 — far less than the S$80,000–S$120,000 available to first-timer families under the EHG.
  • The resale levy is charged in addition to the reduced grant quantum. It is not deducted from any grant or factored into the BTO price.
  • The combined effect is that second-timers face a higher effective cost of a new BTO purchase: less grant assistance AND an upfront levy payment.

This is the intended design. HDB’s rationale is that second-timers have already benefited significantly from the subsidised housing system and have had the opportunity to accumulate equity in their first flat. The reduced grants and levy together calibrate the subsidy quantum to reflect that prior benefit.

Worked Example: The Yip Family’s Resale Levy Calculation

Scenario: 4-Room Flat Sold, New 4-Room BTO Purchased

Mr and Mrs Yip, both Singapore Citizens, bought a 4-room BTO flat in Punggol in 2014 for S$390,000. They are now selling the flat (estimated market value S$610,000) and applying for a new 4-room BTO flat in Tengah under the Married Child Priority Scheme.

Item Amount
Gross resale price of Punggol 4-room flat S$610,000
CPF principal drawn + accrued interest (estimated) S$320,000 (refunded to CPF OA)
Outstanding HDB mortgage balance S$48,000 (repaid from proceeds)
HDB Resale Levy (4-room sold) S$40,000
Agent commission (1% + 9% GST) S$6,649
Legal fees (seller) S$2,500
Net cash proceeds to Mrs & Mr Yip S$192,851

New Tengah BTO (4-room, estimated S$480,000 — Plus model):

Item Amount
BTO price S$480,000
Step-Up CPF Housing Grant (2nd-timer) -S$15,000
Net payable S$465,000
HDB loan (80% LTV, 2nd-timer eligible) S$372,000 @2.60% 25yr = S$1,682/mth (MSR 18.7% of S$9,000/mth joint income)
Downpayment (20% — CPF OA) S$93,000 from CPF OA refund
BSD (S$480,000) S$8,700
Legal fees (buyer) S$2,500
Remaining CPF OA balance after DP S$227,000 (reserve for mortgage servicing)

MSR check: S$1,682 / S$9,000 = 18.7% — within 30% MSR limit. TDSR not applicable (HDB loan). The S$40,000 resale levy is a sunk cost; Mr and Mrs Yip’s CPF OA reserve of S$227,000 provides strong mortgage cover for the Tengah BTO.

What This Means for Second-Timers Planning to Upgrade

The resale levy is best understood as a built-in “subsidy recapture” mechanism. For households who bought a 3-room or 4-room BTO flat in the 2010s and have watched flat values rise substantially — Tampines 4-rooms regularly changing hands above S$600,000 in 2025–2026 — the S$30,000–S$40,000 levy is relatively modest relative to the capital gain they have made. In such cases, the levy is unlikely to derail the upgrade path.

The levy becomes more financially significant in two scenarios: (a) where the flat was held for a shorter period and appreciation is limited, or (b) where the household plans to buy a new EC priced at the upper end of the income ceiling — here, the reduced grant quantum combined with the levy can meaningfully increase the cash component required at completion.

From a policy perspective, Singapore’s resale levy is notably lighter than comparable mechanisms in other high-density housing markets. Hong Kong’s Home Ownership Scheme imposes resale restrictions rather than monetary levies; Taiwan’s affordable housing schemes cap resale gains outright. Singapore’s fixed-levy approach offers transparency and predictability — households know their exact levy exposure from the moment they decide to sell.

What Might Come Next

The following is editorial speculation based on observed policy trends and should not be relied upon for financial decisions.

HDB has not adjusted the fixed resale levy amounts since the current schedule took effect in 2006. Given that resale flat prices have increased substantially over the past two decades — the HDB Resale Price Index rose from a base of 100 in 1998 to approximately 183 in early 2026 — there is a reasonable argument that the S$15,000–S$55,000 range represents a declining proportion of the subsidy value enjoyed by second-timers.

Industry observers have periodically suggested that HDB may consider indexing levy amounts to flat values or the RPI. A levy pegged at, say, 7%–8% of the median resale price of the flat type sold would automatically adjust over time. Whether HDB will move in this direction is unknown; any change would likely be accompanied by an extended transition period given the direct impact on household finances.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m selling a 4-room flat but buying a 3-room BTO. Does the levy depend on what I buy or what I sell?

The levy is calculated based on the flat type you are selling, not the flat type you are buying. If you sell a 4-room flat, you pay S$40,000 regardless of whether you buy a 2-room, 3-room, or 5-room BTO next. The type of your next flat does not affect the levy amount.

My spouse is a first-timer but I am a second-timer. Do we pay the resale levy?

Yes. In a joint application, if any one applicant is classified as a second-timer, the household is treated as a second-timer application and the resale levy applies. The levy is calculated on the flat type sold by the second-timer applicant. This is a common scenario for couples where one partner previously owned a subsidised flat before the marriage.

Can I use CPF Ordinary Account funds to pay the resale levy?

No. The resale levy is not a property purchase cost that HDB allows to be paid from CPF. It is deducted from the proceeds of the sale of your existing flat — which includes CPF funds refunded from that sale — but the levy itself flows out of those proceeds before they are returned to your CPF OA. The practical effect is that the levy reduces the CPF amount credited back to your OA, and any shortfall must be topped up in cash. You cannot make a direct CPF OA withdrawal specifically for the levy.

Does the resale levy apply if I sell my HDB flat to buy a private condo?

No. The resale levy only applies when you are purchasing a new subsidised flat (BTO, SBF, or new EC from a developer). If you sell your HDB flat and purchase a private condominium, no resale levy is charged. You may, however, incur ABSD if you own or co-own any other residential property at the time of the private property purchase. The levy and ABSD are separate instruments with separate triggers.

What happens if my resale proceeds are not enough to cover the levy?

If the net proceeds from your flat sale (after repaying the HDB mortgage and refunding CPF principal + accrued interest to your CPF OA) are insufficient to cover the levy, you must pay the shortfall in cash before the resale transaction can be completed. HDB will not approve the new flat application until the levy is settled in full. There is no waiver, reduction, or instalment scheme for the levy, even in cases of genuine financial hardship.

I sold my 4-room flat in 2004. Does the current levy schedule apply to me?

No. The fixed-levy schedule described in this guide applies only to households who sold their first subsidised flat on or after 3 March 2006. If you sold your first subsidised flat before that date, the earlier levy framework applies, which was based on a percentage of the resale price (15% for 3-room and above). If you are uncertain which regime applies to you, contact HDB directly with your transaction details.

My previous flat was a DBSS flat I bought from a developer. Do I pay the levy?

Yes, if the DBSS flat was purchased directly from a developer under HDB’s Design, Build and Sell Scheme, you are considered to have purchased a subsidised flat. When you sell the DBSS flat and apply for a new BTO or EC, the resale levy applies based on the flat type of the DBSS flat sold. A 4-room DBSS attracts S$40,000; a 5-room DBSS attracts S$45,000. The levy is the same as for a standard HDB flat of the equivalent type.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or property advice. HDB policies, levy amounts, and grant quantum are subject to change. Readers should verify current rules directly with HDB at hdb.gov.sg, and with IRAS at iras.gov.sg for stamp duty matters and cpf.gov.sg for CPF withdrawal rules. Worked examples use estimated figures for illustration; actual financial outcomes will vary. Consult a licensed property professional and a qualified financial adviser before making any housing decision.

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HDB Resale Flat Prices Singapore 2026: Complete Guide to Trends, COV and Valuations

HDB Resale Flat Prices Singapore 2026: Complete Guide to Trends, COV and Valuations

Quick Answer: HDB Resale Flat Prices in Singapore 2026

  • 4-room flats transact at a national median of S$498,000 in Q1 2026, up from S$448,000 in 2024.
  • 5-room flats reached a median of S$610,000 in Q1 2026; Executive Maisonettes hit S$710,000.
  • Mature estates like Bukit Timah and Queenstown command 4-room premiums above S$700,000.
  • The HDB Resale Price Index (RPI) stood at 183.1 in Q1 2026, up 8.7 points from Q1 2020.
  • Cash Over Valuation (COV) is the amount paid above HDB’s assessed value — it must be paid in cash, not CPF.
  • HDB resale prices are moderated by the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP), lease decay, and proximity grants.
  • Prices are expected to grow modestly (1–3% annually) through 2026, supported by tight BTO supply and strong household formation.

What Are HDB Resale Flat Prices and How Are They Set?

When you purchase a Housing and Development Board (HDB) resale flat, you are buying from a private seller in the open market — not directly from HDB. The price is negotiated between buyer and seller, but must reflect market conditions and is informed by HDB’s Comparable Transaction data and the official valuation commissioned by the buyer’s bank or HDB loan officer.

Unlike BTO (Build-To-Order) flats, where HDB sets the selling price with subsidies applied, resale flat prices are driven by supply and demand. Factors include the flat’s lease remaining, floor level, renovation condition, proximity to MRT stations and top primary schools, estate amenities, and recent comparable transactions in the same block or vicinity.

HDB monitors and reports resale transaction data every quarter via the HDB Resale Price Index (RPI) and releases median transaction prices by flat type and town. This transparency helps buyers and sellers negotiate from an informed position.

HDB Resale Prices by Flat Type: 2024 vs Q1 2026

Resale prices have risen consistently across all flat types since 2020. The table below and Figure 1 compare median transacted prices in 2024 versus Q1 2026.

HDB resale median prices by flat type 2024 vs Q1 2026 Singapore bar chart
Figure 1: Median HDB resale prices by flat type — 2024 vs Q1 2026. Source: HDB Resale Statistics.
Flat Type 2024 Median Q1 2026 Median Change
2-Room Flexi S$285,000 S$295,000 +3.5%
3-Room S$315,000 S$348,000 +10.5%
4-Room S$448,000 S$498,000 +11.2%
5-Room S$570,000 S$610,000 +7.0%
Executive / Maisonette S$658,000 S$710,000 +7.9%

Source: HDB Resale Statistics. Figures are national medians; individual transactions vary by town, floor, and condition.

Understanding the HDB Resale Price Index (RPI)

The HDB Resale Price Index (RPI) is published by HDB every quarter. It tracks the overall movement of resale flat prices relative to a base period (Q1 2009 = 100). It is the closest equivalent to a benchmark price index for the HDB resale market — similar in concept to the URA Private Residential Property Index for the private market.

In Q1 2026, the RPI stood at 183.1, meaning resale prices are 83.1% higher in nominal terms than they were in Q1 2009. The rate of increase has slowed significantly since the sharp pandemic-era run-up of 2021–2022, when prices rose almost 25 points in two years. The market has since entered a plateau phase with modest quarterly gains of 0.2–0.4%.

HDB Resale Price Index trend Q1 2020 to Q1 2026 Singapore
Figure 2: HDB Resale Price Index (RPI), Q1 2020 – Q1 2026. Base: Q1 2009 = 100. Source: HDB Resale Statistics.

The RPI is a useful trend indicator but does not tell you what any specific flat will transact at. The HDB Resale Portal’s Check Past Resale Transactions tool gives block-level data, which is far more actionable for buyers negotiating a specific unit.

HDB Resale Prices by Town: Where Are Prices Highest?

Resale prices vary enormously by location. The same flat type can fetch more than double in a mature, well-connected estate versus a young non-mature town. Figure 3 shows indicative Q1 2026 median 4-room prices for the ten most actively transacted towns.

HDB resale 4-room flat median prices by town Q1 2026 Singapore
Figure 3: Indicative median 4-room HDB resale prices by town, Q1 2026. Source: HDB Resale Statistics and LovelyHomes analysis.

Bukit Timah (S$810,000), Queenstown (S$720,000), and Bishan (S$660,000) lead the premium tier, driven by central location, proximity to top primary schools (Nanyang, Henry Park, Raffles Girls’), and strong upgrader demand. At the other end, Sengkang (S$495,000) and Hougang (S$510,000) remain among the most affordable mature-ish estates with good MRT coverage.

What Drives HDB Resale Prices?

Understanding the key price drivers helps buyers estimate fair value and sellers price competitively. The main factors are:

1. Location and connectivity. Proximity to MRT stations (within 500 metres) adds a meaningful premium. Flats within 1 km of top primary schools command a further uplift due to the MOE P1 registration priority system — see our guide to buying near top schools.

2. Remaining lease. HDB flats are sold on 99-year leases from the date of construction. A flat with 70 years remaining is worth more than one with 50 years, because CPF usage is restricted for flats with shorter leases — specifically, if the flat’s remaining lease cannot cover the youngest buyer to age 95, CPF usage is prorated. Banks also apply stricter LTV ratios on short-lease flats. The HDB Lease Buyback Scheme and Lease Top-Up programme can extend some leases, but this remains a minority option.

3. Flat condition and renovation. Buyers frequently pay a S$20,000–S$80,000 premium for freshly renovated units with quality kitchen and bathroom fittings, versus an unrennovated unit in the same block. However, overbuilt or highly customised renovations do not recover their full cost at resale.

4. Floor level and orientation. High-floor units with unobstructed views or favourable orientations (e.g., north-south facing to minimise afternoon sun) attract 5–15% premiums over low-floor equivalents in the same block.

5. Flat size (actual square footage). HDB flat-type naming covers a range of actual sizes. A “4-room” flat can be anywhere from 80 to 110 square metres depending on the development era. Buyers should always divide the asking price by the actual size in square metres to compare on a per-square-metre basis.

6. HDB upgrading works. Flats that have completed the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) or Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) typically command a S$20,000–S$40,000 premium over pre-HIP equivalents, as buyers factor in avoided costs and improved common-area aesthetics.

Cash Over Valuation (COV) Explained

One of the most misunderstood concepts in HDB resale is Cash Over Valuation (COV). When a buyer agrees to pay a price higher than the official valuation of the flat (determined by an accredited valuer appointed by HDB, the buyer’s bank, or HDB’s own valuation office), the excess is the COV — and it must be paid entirely in cash. CPF Ordinary Account funds can only be used up to the officially assessed market value.

For example, if a flat is valued at S$550,000 but the negotiated transacted price is S$575,000, the COV is S$25,000. This S$25,000 must come from cash savings, not CPF. It is paid on top of the standard cash and CPF downpayments for the loan.

COV is common in popular estates and for well-renovated flats. Buyers should check the HDB Resale Portal at resale.hdb.gov.sg for recent transactions in the target block to gauge whether COV is likely and at what level before making an offer.

Worked Example: The Chew Family

Scenario: SC Couple Buying a 5-Room Flat in Tampines

Mr and Mrs Chew are Singapore Citizens. Mr Chew (34) earns S$6,200/month; Mrs Chew (33) earns S$5,100/month. Joint monthly income: S$11,300. They have S$120,000 in CPF Ordinary Account (combined) and S$60,000 in cash savings. They are first-time buyers and have never owned any property.

  • Target flat: 5-room HDB in Tampines, 92 sqm, lease commenced 2001 (remaining ~74 years), renovated 2022.
  • Negotiated price: S$640,000
  • Official valuation: S$618,000
  • COV: S$640,000 − S$618,000 = S$22,000 (cash, not CPF)
  • HDB loan (2.6% p.a., 25 years, LTV 80%): S$494,400 → monthly instalment S$2,240/month
  • MSR check: S$2,240 ÷ S$11,300 = 19.8% (below 30% MSR cap — PASS)
  • CPF downpayment: 20% × S$618,000 (valuation) = S$123,600 → covered by combined CPF OA of S$120,000 + S$3,600 top-up in cash
  • Cash required at exercise: COV S$22,000 + BSD S$12,950 + Legal S$2,800 + HDB admin fee S$80 + CPF shortfall S$3,600 = S$41,430
  • CPF Housing Grants applied: EHG S$50,000 (income S$11,300/mth, eligible) + Family Grant S$50,000 (resale 5-room) = S$100,000 total grants applied against purchase price via CPF OA

Result: The Chews’ effective net price after grants is S$540,000. Monthly instalment of S$2,240 is comfortably within the MSR. Their cash outlay of S$41,430 is manageable given their S$60,000 in savings. They retain approximately S$18,570 in liquid cash after the purchase.

Why HDB Resale Values Hold Up — and When They Don’t

Singapore’s public housing market has historically been resilient because HDB flats serve a fundamental shelter function for the majority of the population. Several structural factors support resale values:

Eligibility restrictions keep demand concentrated. Only Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents may purchase HDB flats. This excludes the largest category of buyers (foreigners) who are entirely channelled into the private market. Within the eligible pool, demand is strong: household formation rates remain high, BTO supply takes 3–5 years to deliver, and the resale market is the only avenue for those needing a home now.

CPF integration creates a floor price. For most HDB buyers, CPF Ordinary Account savings constitute a large part of the downpayment. This effectively creates a price floor, as buyers are willing to commit CPF savings they might otherwise lose access to if they do not purchase a property. The CPF accrued interest mechanism means sellers must refund CPF usage plus accrued interest on sale, which effectively anchors the minimum sale price needed to recover the seller’s CPF commitment.

When values can soften. Short-lease flats (below 60 years remaining) face structural headwinds: CPF usage restrictions, tighter bank LTV, and lower pool of eligible buyers. Estates where residents have grown older without sufficient HIP investment, or where population resettlement has reduced catchment size, may also see below-average growth. A flat approaching 40–50 years of lease expiry may see steep valuation discounts.

What Might Come Next for HDB Resale Prices?

This section represents editorial analysis and forward-looking opinion, not a guarantee of future price performance.

The HDB resale market is likely to grow at a modest 1–3% annualised rate through 2026 and into 2027, based on the following dynamics. BTO supply delivered in 2023–2024 (from launches in 2020–2021) will start reaching MOP from 2025 onwards, gradually increasing resale supply. However, the June 2026 BTO exercise offering 6,900 flats in popular towns (Bishan, Bukit Merah, Ang Mo Kio) will only arrive on the resale market in 2031–2033 at the earliest.

Interest rate trends matter too. If the Singapore Overnight Rate Average (SORA) continues declining through 2026, bank loan attractiveness relative to the HDB loan (fixed at 2.6% p.a.) shifts. A sustained decline in SORA could bring more buyers back to the market, supporting demand for resale flats, particularly among those who prefer immediate occupation over the 3–5 year BTO wait.

Prime Location Public Housing (PLH) flats with 10-year MOPs, and any further cooling measures, could dampen speculative demand at the top end. However, the entry-level and mid-tier resale segments (3-room and 4-room in non-mature estates) appear structurally well-supported.

Summary Table: HDB Resale Prices at a Glance (Q1 2026)

Flat Type National Median Premium Town Range Affordable Town Range
2-Room Flexi S$295,000 S$380,000–S$450,000 S$220,000–S$270,000
3-Room S$348,000 S$480,000–S$650,000 S$280,000–S$330,000
4-Room S$498,000 S$650,000–S$900,000+ S$400,000–S$480,000
5-Room S$610,000 S$750,000–S$1,000,000+ S$490,000–S$570,000
Executive / Maisonette S$710,000 S$850,000–S$1,100,000+ S$580,000–S$660,000

Frequently Asked Questions: HDB Resale Flat Prices

How do I find out the recent transacted prices for a specific HDB block?

Use the HDB Resale Flat Prices tool on the official HDB website at resale.hdb.gov.sg. You can filter by town, flat type, street name, and period. The tool shows every registered resale transaction, including the transacted price, floor area, storey range, and flat model. This is the most reliable data source for gauging fair value for a specific unit. The URA Real Estate Information System (REALIS) also contains HDB transaction data for subscribers.

Are HDB million-dollar flats common, and what drives them?

HDB resale flats transacting above S$1,000,000 (colloquially called “million-dollar flats”) have become more frequent since 2022. They are overwhelmingly concentrated in mature central estates (Queenstown, Bishan, Toa Payoh, Ang Mo Kio) for large flat types (5-room, Executive Maisonette) on high floors with long remaining leases. In Q1 2026, approximately 80–120 units per quarter transact above S$1,000,000 — this represents less than 2% of total quarterly transactions and is not representative of the broader market. Most resale flats transact between S$300,000 and S$700,000.

Can I use CPF to pay COV?

No. Cash Over Valuation must be paid entirely in cash. CPF Ordinary Account funds can only be applied towards the purchase price up to the officially assessed valuation. If you agree to pay S$560,000 for a flat valued at S$540,000, the S$20,000 COV must come from your cash savings. This is an important planning point — buyers who have substantial CPF balances but limited cash savings may be unable to purchase a flat with a high COV without additional cash top-ups.

How does the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) affect resale prices?

The Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) sets racial proportion limits for each HDB block and neighbourhood. If a block has already reached its Chinese, Malay, or Indian/Other quota for a given ethnic group, buyers of that ethnicity cannot purchase in that block — effectively reducing the pool of eligible buyers. When a block is at or near quota for a popular ethnic group, this can exert downward pressure on transacted prices because fewer buyers qualify. Conversely, a block with open quota availability across all ethnic groups attracts the widest buyer pool and tends to transact at or above comparable blocks with restricted quotas.

Does a shorter lease always mean a lower price?

Generally yes, but the discount is non-linear and depends on specific thresholds. Flats with more than 60 years remaining trade relatively normally. Once a flat’s remaining lease falls below 60 years, CPF restrictions begin to phase in — the amount of CPF that can be used is prorated based on how long the flat’s lease can cover the youngest buyer to age 95. Below 30 years remaining, the flat becomes effectively cash-only, dramatically reducing the buyer pool. Short-lease flats in desirable locations (e.g., Queenstown or Toa Payoh) may still trade at substantial absolute prices due to location premium, but will not appreciate at the same rate as longer-lease counterparts.

What happens to a flat’s price after HDB’s Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS)?

When HDB announces a SERS for a block, the announcement itself typically causes an immediate uplift in nearby comparable flat prices as the market anticipates compensation plus new-flat allocation. However, SERS is administered selectively by HDB and cannot be applied for by residents — it is announced by HDB when redevelopment is deemed appropriate for planning reasons. Fewer than 5% of HDB estates have ever been selected for SERS, so it is not a reliable investment thesis for most buyers.

How do HDB resale prices compare internationally?

HDB resale flats remain remarkably affordable relative to comparable housing in global cities despite recent price growth. A national median 4-room flat at S$498,000 represents approximately 4–5 years of median household income for a dual-income SC couple — a price-to-income ratio that is far more favourable than Hong Kong, Sydney, or London. The key enabler is Singapore’s CPF-linked savings system, which channels mandatory pension contributions directly into housing affordability, and the Ethnic Integration Policy, which distributes demand across the island rather than concentrating it in a few prime postcodes.

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Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. HDB resale flat prices, Resale Price Index figures, grant amounts, and loan parameters are subject to change. Always verify current data directly with the Housing and Development Board (hdb.gov.sg), CPF Board (cpf.gov.sg), IRAS (iras.gov.sg), and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (mas.gov.sg). Property transactions involve significant sums — engage a licensed housing agent accredited by the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) and a solicitor for conveyancing before committing to any purchase.

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