Stuck in Property Limbo? The 15-Month Wait-Out Rule Might Be Ending Sooner Than You Think!
If you’re a private property owner planning to right-size into a resale HDB flat, you’ve probably felt the frustration firsthand.
Since 2022, you’ve been subject to a 15-month wait-out period before being allowed to purchase a resale HDB flat — even if you’ve already sold your private property. Whether you're looking to move closer to family, free up funds for retirement, or downsize to a more manageable home, this rule has left many in a state of limbo.
A Rule That Solved One Problem… But Created Many Others
When the Government introduced the 15-month wait-out rule in September 2022, the goal was to cool the red-hot resale HDB market. Private property owners were seen as adding pressure to flat prices, especially for larger units, outbidding first-time buyers and genuine homeowners.
And in the short term, it worked. Price growth began to moderate. But as with any market intervention, the ripple effects quickly surfaced:
Families who genuinely needed to downgrade were caught off guard and forced to rent temporarily — adding costs and inconvenience.
Retirees who wanted to monetise their private property and enjoy their golden years in a comfortable HDB unit had to delay their plans.
HDB upgraders found it harder to sell their flats because a significant group of buyers (private owners) were removed from the equation.
What was meant to be a cooling measure ended up becoming a bottleneck in the property market — one that affected both sides of the transaction chain.
A Light at the End of the Tunnel
Fast forward to 2025, and we’re starting to see early signs of a policy reversal.
In a recent statement, National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat announced that the Government is actively reviewing the wait-out rule and may relax or remove it before 2027 — a move that could re-balance the market in a meaningful way.
Why now?
Here’s what’s changing:
Over 50,000 new flats are set to be launched between 2025 to 2027 — increasing supply and easing demand.
A wave of MOP (Minimum Occupation Period) flats from COVID-delayed BTOs will hit the resale market starting 2026 — further boosting supply.
The HDB resale price index grew by just 1.6% in Q1 2025, the lowest in five quarters — suggesting that prices are finally stabilising.
With more supply and softer demand pressure, the original reasons for the rule may no longer be as relevant. The Government has indicated that they are open to shortening or scrapping the rule altogether if current trends continue.
Source: Straits Times
What Should You Do Next?
This potential policy change is not just news — it’s a strategic window of opportunity.
If you’re a private homeowner, this could mean:
Being able to enter the HDB resale market immediately after selling your property, instead of waiting 15 months.
Unlocking cash tied up in your current home for retirement, children's education, or reinvestment.
Avoiding rising rental costs and moving straight into a resale unit that fits your needs.
If you’re a HDB owner, it means:
A larger pool of potential buyers will return to the resale market, potentially helping you sell faster and at a better price.
Increased liquidity in the market may help restart the upgrading cycle, benefiting both resale and private segments.
And if you’re an investor or planning to upgrade?
You’ll want to stay ahead of this curve — because once the restriction is lifted, we could see a temporary surge in demand, especially for well-located resale units.
Why This Matters to You
In real estate, timing is everything. Policy changes like this don’t just affect eligibility — they shift market sentiment, buyer demand, and property prices.
By planning ahead:
You can strategically time your exit from your private property or HDB flat.
You’ll avoid the rush when the restriction is removed and competition returns to the resale market.
You can position yourself to capitalise on market movement, not react to it.
Ready to Plan Your Next Move?
If you’ve been affected by the wait-out rule and aren’t sure when or how to act, I’m here to help.
✅ Let’s do a financial review
✅ Work out the timeline and loan strategy
✅ Explore right-sizing or reinvestment plans
✅ Position you for success before the market shifts again
Reach out today for a non-obligatory consultation — the best time to plan is before the rest of the market does.
