What are the HDB MOP rules?
Most HDB flats have a 5-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP), counted from key collection, during which you cannot sell or rent out the whole flat. Plus and Prime flats — under the New Flat Classification Framework from October 2024 BTO exercises (and PLH flats from 2021) — carry a longer 10-year MOP, with no whole-flat rental allowed and a subsidy clawback on first resale.
The full rules
HDB Minimum Occupation Period (MOP)
The MOP is the period you must physically occupy your flat before you may sell it or rent out the whole flat. It is calculated from the date you collect your keys.
| Flat type | MOP | Whole-flat rental during MOP | Subsidy clawback on first resale |
| Standard flats | 5 years | Not allowed | Not applicable |
| Plus flats | 10 years | Not allowed at any time | Applies |
| Prime flats | 10 years | Not allowed at any time | Applies |
Notes
- The Plus and Prime categories come from the New Flat Classification Framework, applying from the October 2024 BTO exercises. PLH (Prime Location Public Housing) flats have applied the 10-year MOP since 2021.
- Data effective from 1 October 2024.
- The provided data does not specify other rules such as early sale under exceptional circumstances; check with HDB directly for those cases.
Worked example
Worked example
Rafael collects the keys to a Standard BTO flat on 1 March 2026.
- His MOP is 5 years, counted from key collection.
- MOP ends on 1 March 2031.
- Before that date, he cannot sell the flat or rent out the whole flat.
Had Rafael instead bought a Prime flat from an October 2024 BTO exercise, his MOP would be 10 years, whole-flat rental would not be allowed at any time, and a subsidy clawback would apply on his first resale.
What this means for you
Which rule applies to you
Buying a Standard BTO or resale flat
You face a 5-year MOP from key collection. You cannot sell or rent the whole flat during this time.
Buying a Plus or Prime flat (Oct 2024 framework)
Expect a 10-year MOP, no whole-flat rental at any point, and a subsidy clawback when you first resell.
Bought a PLH flat since 2021
The 10-year MOP already applies to you, along with the same rental and clawback conditions as Plus/Prime flats.
Related questions
How long is the standard HDB MOP?
Standard flats have a 5-year MOP, counted from the date you collect your keys. During this period you cannot sell the flat or rent out the whole flat.
Why do Plus and Prime flats have a longer MOP?
Under the New Flat Classification Framework from October 2024 BTO exercises, Plus and Prime flats carry a 10-year MOP, with no whole-flat rental at any time and a subsidy clawback on first resale.
When is the MOP counted from?
The MOP is calculated from the date you collect your keys, not from your application or booking date.
Can I rent out my whole flat during the MOP?
No. Whole-flat rental is not allowed during the MOP. For Plus and Prime flats, whole-flat rental is not allowed at any time.
Do PLH flats follow the same rules as Plus and Prime flats?
Yes. PLH flats, which have applied since 2021, carry the same 10-year MOP, no whole-flat rental, and subsidy clawback on first resale.
More answers: Can I buy a condo while owning an HDB flat? · Can I buy an EC while owning an HDB flat? · Can I keep my HDB and buy a second property? · What are the HDB eligibility rules after divorce?
Sources: HDB — selling eligibility / Minimum Occupation Period · Last verified 2026-09-05