What is the timeline to sell an HDB and buy a condo?
You must meet your flat's Minimum Occupation Period before selling — 5 years for standard flats, or 10 years for Plus and Prime flats. Buying a condo first means paying Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty of 20% (citizens) on the second property, which you can only claim back if you sell your flat within the required window. Most sellers sell first to avoid this.
The full rules
Key rules before you move
| Step | Rule |
| Minimum Occupation Period (standard flat) | 5 years before you can sell |
| Minimum Occupation Period (Plus / Prime flat) | 10 years before you can sell |
| ABSD if you buy the condo first (citizen, 2nd property) | 20% |
| ABSD if you buy the condo first (PR, 2nd property) | 30% |
| Total Debt Servicing Ratio on the condo loan | Up to 55% of gross monthly income |
Two possible sequences
| Approach | What happens |
| Sell flat first, then buy | No second-property ABSD, since the condo becomes your only home. Cleaner, but you may need interim housing. |
| Buy condo first, then sell flat | You pay ABSD upfront on the condo. A remission may apply if you sell your flat within the allowed window — confirm the exact timeframe and conditions with IRAS before you commit. |
Plus and Prime flats also carry a subsidy clawback on first resale and cannot be rented out as a whole flat at any time.
Worked example
Worked example
Sarah is a Singapore citizen who bought a standard BTO flat. She wants to upgrade to a $1.5 million condo.
- She reached her 5-year Minimum Occupation Period, so she is now free to sell.
- If she buys the condo before selling her flat, it counts as her second property, so she pays 20% ABSD = $300,000 on the $1.5m purchase.
- If she sells her flat first, the condo is her only property and no second-property ABSD applies.
- Her condo loan must keep total monthly debt repayments within 55% of her gross monthly income.
Selling first saves Sarah the upfront $300,000 outlay, at the cost of arranging temporary housing between homes.
What this means for you
If you own a standard flat
You can sell once you have lived there for 5 years. Selling before buying avoids any second-property ABSD.
If you own a Plus or Prime flat
You must wait 10 years before selling. You also face a subsidy clawback on first resale and cannot rent out the whole flat. Plan your condo move around this longer timeline.
If you want to buy the condo first
As a citizen you pay 20% ABSD upfront (PRs pay 30%). You may recover it if you sell your flat in time — check the exact deadline and conditions with IRAS first.
Related questions
How long must I live in my flat before selling?
Standard flats require a 5-year Minimum Occupation Period. Plus and Prime flats require 10 years. Confirm which category your flat falls under with HDB before planning your sale.
Do I pay extra tax if I buy the condo before selling my flat?
Yes. As a citizen you pay 20% ABSD on the condo as a second property (PRs pay 30%). A remission may apply if you sell your flat in time — check with IRAS.
Can I avoid the second-property ABSD?
Selling your flat before buying the condo means it is your only property, so no second-property ABSD applies. This is the simplest way to avoid the upfront charge.
How much can I borrow for the condo?
Your total monthly debt repayments, including the new condo loan, must stay within 55% of your gross monthly income under the Total Debt Servicing Ratio rule.
Can I rent out my Plus or Prime flat while I decide?
No. Plus and Prime flats cannot be rented out as a whole flat at any time, and a subsidy clawback applies on first resale. Confirm the details with HDB.
More answers: Can a foreigner buy a condo in Singapore? · Can a PR buy a condo in Singapore? · Can a PR buy a resale HDB flat? · Can I buy a condo while owning an HDB flat?
Sources: HDB — selling eligibility / Minimum Occupation Period · IRAS — Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty · MAS — Total Debt Servicing Ratio · Last verified 2026-10-19