What are the HDB MOP rules?
HDB's Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) is the time you must live in your flat before you can sell it or rent out the whole unit. Standard flats have a 5-year MOP. Plus and Prime flats have a 10-year MOP, cannot have the whole flat rented out at any time, and face a subsidy clawback on first resale.
The full rules
HDB Minimum Occupation Period (MOP)
The MOP is the number of years you must physically occupy your flat before you can sell it or rent out the entire unit. It is counted from the date you collect your keys, excluding any period you do not live in the flat.
| Flat type | MOP | Whole-flat rental | First resale |
| Standard | 5 years | Allowed after MOP | No clawback |
| Plus | 10 years | Not allowed at any time | Subsidy clawback applies |
| Prime | 10 years | Not allowed at any time | Subsidy clawback applies |
Plus and Prime flats fall under the New Flat Classification Framework, which applies from the October 2024 BTO exercises. PLH (Prime Location Public Housing) flats, launched from 2021, also carry the 10-year MOP.
Confirm your flat's classification and exact MOP completion date with HDB.
Worked example
Worked example
Suppose you collect the keys to a Standard BTO flat in 2026. Your 5-year MOP runs until 2031. During this time you may rent out individual rooms but not the whole flat. From 2031 onward you may sell the flat or rent out the entire unit.
If instead you bought a Plus or Prime flat, your MOP would be 10 years, running until 2036. You could not rent out the whole flat at any point, and if you sell for the first time after the MOP, a share of the housing subsidy would be clawed back.
What this means for you
Which rule applies to you
Buying a Standard BTO or resale flat
You must occupy the flat for 5 years before selling or renting it out in full. Room rental is permitted during this time.
Buying a Plus or Prime flat (Oct 2024 framework)
You face a 10-year MOP, cannot rent out the whole flat at any point, and a portion of your subsidy is recovered when you first resell.
Buying a PLH flat (launched from 2021)
Same as Plus and Prime: a 10-year MOP with the stricter rental and resale conditions.
Related questions
How long is the standard HDB MOP?
Standard flats have a 5-year MOP. You must live in the flat for five years before you can sell it or rent out the whole unit.
Why do Plus and Prime flats have a longer MOP?
Plus and Prime flats carry a 10-year MOP under the New Flat Classification Framework, which applies from the October 2024 BTO exercises. They also cannot have the whole flat rented out at any time.
Can I rent out my whole flat during the MOP?
No. For all flat types you cannot rent out the entire flat before completing the MOP. Plus and Prime flats can never have the whole flat rented out, even after the MOP.
What is the subsidy clawback?
For Plus and Prime flats, a share of the housing subsidy is recovered by HDB when you sell for the first time. Check the exact percentage with HDB before you commit.
When does my MOP start?
The MOP is generally counted from when you collect your keys, excluding any period you do not occupy the flat. Confirm your exact completion date with HDB.
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 2026-10-19