When the 15-month wait-out period was introduced back in 2022, it was one of the biggest cooling measures for the HDB resale market.
Its goal was simple: To slow the influx of private property owners entering the HDB resale market, giving genuine HDB buyers a fairer chance.
Fast forward to today, 28 July 2026, and that rule has officially been removed.
But before everyone starts saying “HDB prices are going to shoot up again” or “Now is the best time to buy!”, HANG ON.
Take a chill pill, let’s look at what this really means.
Why did the Government remove it?
This wasn’t a random policy change.
It’s a response to how the market has evolved.
Over the past year, we’ve seen the HDB resale market cool significantly.
Instead of the double-digit growth we experienced after COVID, resale prices have now recorded two consecutive quarters of slight decline.
At the same time, supply is improving, dramatically if I may add.
More flats are reaching their Minimum Occupation Period (MOP), which means thousands more resale flats will enter the market over the next few years.
When supply improves and demand stabilises, there’s less need for restrictive cooling measures.
So who actually benefits?
This policy mainly helps private homeowners who want to right-size.
For example:
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Retirees cashing out of a condo.
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Empty nesters who no longer need a large apartment.
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Families who want to unlock equity for retirement.
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Homeowners looking for a simpler lifestyle.
Previously, they had to:
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Sell their condo.
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Rent somewhere for 15 months.
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Then buy an HDB resale flat.
That meant paying rent, moving twice, and living in uncertainty.
Now, they can purchase a non-subsidised HDB resale flat immediately, provided they are not taking an HDB loan.
^ don’t miss out on this key criteria!
They’ll still need to dispose of their private property within six months after completing the HDB purchase.
So while the process becomes smoother, safeguards remain in place.
Does this mean HDB prices will increase again?
Personally, I don’t think it’s that straightforward.
Yes, there will probably be more private homeowners entering the resale market.
But demand is only one side of the equation.
Supply matters too.
The Government is expecting almost 20,000 MOP flats to enter the resale market annually by 2028—more than double what we saw in 2025.
More choices generally help reduce excessive price pressure.
So while some mature estates with limited supply could see stronger competition, I don’t expect this policy alone to reverse the overall market trend.
The Government has shown repeatedly that it is willing to intervene whenever prices move too aggressively.
A few important things people often miss
The removal of the 15-month wait-out period does not mean every restriction has disappeared.
Some key rules still remain:
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You still need an HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter before buying.
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You still need to sell your private property within six months after completing your HDB purchase.
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If you’re buying a subsidised HDB flat (such as a BTO) or intend to use an HDB housing loan, the existing 30-month wait-out period still applies.
This policy mainly affects buyers purchasing non-subsidised resale HDB flats using non-HDB financing.
The bigger picture
One thing I’ve learnt in real estate is this:
Policies are introduced for a reason.
And when they’re removed, there’s usually a reason too.
The Government isn’t simply making homes easier or harder to buy.
It’s constantly adjusting policies based on where the market is today.
As buyers, it’s easy to focus on headlines.
But what’s more important is understanding how a policy affects your own situation.
The “best” property decision is rarely the same for everyone.
The right move depends on your finances, timeline, long-term plans, and exit strategy.
That’s why I always encourage clients to understand the “why” behind every policy—not just the headline.
Because when you understand the market, you make decisions with confidence instead of reacting to fear or hype.
What are your thoughts?
Do you think removing the wait-out period will have a significant impact on the HDB resale market, or will the increase in supply keep prices relatively stable?
I’d love to hear your perspective!
Rach, 9233 6690
