haioThe 15-Month Wait-Out Period Is Removed
From 28 July 2026, private property owners buying a non-subsidised HDB resale flat without an HDB housing loan face no wait-out period, provided both conditions hold.
Introduced on 30 September 2022 to prioritise first-time buyers, the Government says the cooling measure can go.
Who This Actually Helps
Citizens 55+ were already exempt for 4-room or smaller flats. What's new: with a valid HFE letter, they can cancel and re-apply for 5-room or larger.
Gainers: under-55 owners (previously 15 months), and 55+ owners wanting 5-room or larger (previously uncovered).
The Market Data Behind the Decision
HDB pointed to the official Resale Price Index, which fell two straight quarters in H1 2026: 203.6 → 203.4 → 202.8 (−0.1% Q1, −0.3% Q2).
HDB Resale Price Index across the life of the 15-month wait-out period