Good News for Downsizers: 15-Month Wait-Out Period Is Gone

On 28 July 2026, National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat announced that the 15-month wait-out period for private property owners buying non-subsidised HDB resale flats has been removed — with immediate effect.

What changed

Previously, private property owners (and ex-owners) had to wait 15 months after selling their private property before buying a non-subsidised HDB resale flat without an HDB loan. That rule is gone — no matter your age or the flat size you’re after.

Why now?

The rule was introduced in September 2022 to cool demand and protect affordability for first-time buyers. It worked: HDB resale price growth slowed from double digits in 2022 to under 3% in 2025, with prices falling for two straight quarters. Supply is also improving — flats reaching their Minimum Occupation Period will rise from ~13,500 units in 2026 to 19,500 by 2028, giving the market more room to absorb demand.

What this means for you

• Faster transitions — sell your private property and move into an HDB resale flat right away (as long as no HDB loan is involved)
• No more age/size limits — previously only citizens 55+ buying smaller flats were exempt; now it’s open to everyone
• Other rules still apply — this only covers non-subsidised resale flats; a separate, longer wait-out period for subsidised housing remains

Bottom line

If you’ve been holding off on right-sizing from private property into an HDB flat, this removes one of the biggest hurdles. Good time to speak with an agent about your options.