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The Ultimate HDB Resale Payment Timeline for Buyers and Sellers in SG (2026)

Published 20 January 2026

HDB Resale Payment Timeline 2026

Buyers must have a valid HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter before an Option to Purchase (OTP) can be granted.
A maximum of $5,000 in cash is required for the Option Fee (up to $1,000) and Exercise Fee (up to $4,000).
The standard process takes approximately 8 weeks from HDB’s acceptance of the resale application to the final completion appointment.
CPF Ordinary Account (OA) savings can be used for stamp duties and conveyancing fees, but the initial $5,000 deposit and any Cash Over Valuation must be paid in cash.

Whether you’re selling your current HDB flat or buying your next home, staying on top of your cash flow is key. From option fees to stamp duties, knowing exactly what to pay and when can help you avoid surprises — and even maximise your returns. Here’s your 2026 step-by-step guide to the HDB resale payment timeline, updated with the latest fees, policy changes, and cost-saving tips. We’ve also included pro tips from Ohmyhome’s Super Agents and smart tools like HomerAI to make your home journey smoother.

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What is the HDB resale payment timeline?

Timeline

Journey

Person in Charge

Payment

Seller

Post listing on Ohmyhome and start marketing

Seller

Start home viewings & conduct negotiations

Buyer & Seller

Grant OTP to Buyer

(needs to be exercised within 21 days)

Seller

Receive OTP from Seller

(needs to be exercised within 21 days)

Buyer

$1-1,000 Option Fee

Request for Valuation of flat & valid HLE letter or Accept Letter of Offer from the bank

Buyer

$120 Request for Valuation Fee

Within 21 days

Buyer exercises OTP

Seller

Exercise OTP

Buyer

$1-4,000 Exercise Fee

Within an agreed number of days between seller and buyer

Submit Resale Application

Buyer & Seller

Resale Application Fee

1- and 2-room: $40
3-room and bigger: $80

Approx. 4 weeks later

Receive Acceptance of the resale application from HDB & endorse HDB documents

Seller

– $300-$500 HDB Legal conveyancing fees
– Refund of Deposit to CPF (in case of negative CPF sale)

Buyer

– Downpayment via CPF
– $800-$1,000 HDB Legal Conveyancing Fee, if applicable
– From $1,800 Conveyancing Fee (with Ohmyhome Legal Conveyancing Services)
– Stamp fees where applicable
– $20 HDB Admin Fee, in case Extension of Stay is granted to Seller

Within 14 days of endorsing documents

Receive Approval of HDB Resale Application

Buyer

– Buyer’s Stamp Duty
– Cash Balance of Purchase Price to cover any part of the purchase not covered by the home loan or CPF

In 8 weeks

HDB Resale Completion Appointment

Seller

Incoming:
– Cash Proceeds
– CPF Refund (within 2 weeks from completion date)

Outgoing:
– OutstandingProperty Tax, if any
– Town Council Service and Conservancy Fee (balance payment up to completion date)
– Mortgage Discharge fee, where applicable)
– From $1,800 Conveyancing Fee (with Ohmyhome Legal Conveyancing Services)
– 1% of the sale price (Ohmyhome Agent Fee)
– Refund of $20 HDB admin fee if there is a request for Extension of Stay

8 weeks upon receiving Acceptance notice

HDB Resale Completion Appointment

Buyer

Outgoing:
– Balance of Purchase Price to be paid by cash (for amount not covered by the home loan or CPF)
– Cash over Valuation, if any (HDB doesn’t provide the valuation up-front; it is requested after the OTP is granted, only after the price is locked in)
– Apportioned Property Tax to be paid to Seller (pro-rated based on the portion of the year for which you own the property)
– 1% of the sale price (Ohmyhome Agent Fee)

Incoming:
– $20 HDB admin fee for Extension of Stay

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FAQs about HDB resale payment timeline

How long does HDB resale timeline take?

The HDB resale payment timeline typically takes about 8 to 12 weeks from the submission of the resale application to the completion of the transaction.

What factors could cause delays in the resale process?

Delays in the resale process can be caused by incomplete documentation, disputes over valuation, loan approval issues, and scheduling conflicts for the inspection and final appointments.

Is it possible to fast-track the resale timeline?

Fast-tracking the resale timeline is generally not possible due to the standard procedures and checks HDB requires to ensure compliance and accuracy.

How long does it take for HDB to approve a resale application?

HDB usually takes around 2 weeks to approve a resale application after all required documents have been submitted.

What is the waiting period for resale HDB?

The resale HDB payment schedule follows the transaction timeline and generally unfolds over 8 to 12 weeks, from application submission to completion.

What is the submission period for HDB resale?

The submission period for HDB resale refers to the time taken from submitting the resale application to receiving approval, typically about 2 weeks.

When is the best time to apply for the HFE letter?

You should apply for the HFE letter as soon as you begin your home search. It is mandatory for both the grant of an OTP and for formalizing your financial plan.

Can I use CPF to pay the $5,000 HDB deposit?

No. Both the Option Fee and the Exercise Fee must be paid in cash. CPF can only be applied to the down payment and subsequent costs handled by HDB or your lawyer.

How long does it take to get the sale proceeds when selling HDB?

Sellers typically receive their cash proceeds at the Completion Appointment, provided all CPF refunds and outstanding loans are cleared. The entire timeline from application to cash-in-hand is roughly 8 weeks

What are the current HDB resale application fees?

They range from $40 to $80 depending on the flat size.

Is a lawyer required for HDB resale?

While not strictly mandatory for sellers, having a conveyancing lawyer ensures the transaction is “legally watertight” and manages the transfer of funds securely.