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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 194 (from laksa070)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa194.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/","crawl_time":1775825298,"first_indexed_time":1588655997,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"sg,bluenest!blog,\/hdb-resale-procedure\/ s443","src_root_hash":"14693394921335141194","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"HDB Resale Procedure 2022 [The Buyer's Step-by-Step Guide] - Bluenest Blog","meta_descriptions":["We’ll walk you through exactly how to buy a HDB resale flat – and all the traps to watch out for along the way in the HDB resale procedure."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Resale HDB flats have\nseveral advantages\nover BTO flats.\nFor one, you won’t have to wait 3-5 years and with the\ncurrent BTO projects delay\n, you are likely to face an extended timeline of 6-12 months. Plus, older flats tend to be\na lot\nmore spacious.\nAnd with the generous HDB grants subsidizing the higher costs, buying a resale HDB flat is a very appealing option for the eligible homeowner.\nBut before you start looking up listings, you want to make sure you’re\nwell-prepared for every trick in the book.\nI mean, you don’t want to fork out the downpayment on your dream home only to find out it’s\nwaay\noverpriced and you can’t afford the cash over valuation.\nSo we’ll walk you through\nexactly how to buy an HDB resale flat\n– and all the traps to watch out for along the way.\nStep 1: Calculate Your Finances\nStep 2: Register Your Intent to Buy\nStep 3: Source for Home Loans\nStep 4: Check Out Your Preferred Areas\nStep 5: Decide Whether to DIY or Hire an Agent\nStep 6: Go for House Viewings\nStep 7: Get Option to Purchase (OTP)\nStep 8: Request for Valuation\nStep 9: Exercise Option\nStep 10: Submit Resale Application\nStep 11: Endorse Resale Documents & Pay Fees\nStep 12: Inspect the Flat\nStep 13: Wait for HDB’s Confirm-Chop-Stamp\nStep 14: Attend Resale Completion Appointment\nStep 1: Calculate Your Finances\nTo figure out\nwhat kind of HDB flat you can afford,\nbegin by\ndoing a financial health check\n.\nSpecifically, you’ll want to know things like:\nHow much you currently have in savings \/ CPF\nHow much of your take-home pay you currently save per month\nHow much of your income you can reasonably give up to pay off a home loan\nHow much debt you currently have (credit card bills, car loans, etc.)\nHow much in\nHDB grants\nyou’re entitled to\nYou probably already know that it’s not just about covering the purchase price of the property. You\nalso need to account for costs like legal fees, stamp duty, home insurance, renovation costs, and so on.\n(\nRead also\n:\nThe REAL Costs of Buying Property in Singapore\n)\nFor example, HDB homeowners spend an average of $44,000 – $67,000 renovating a resale flat – definitely not a small sum if you’re already cash-strapped from the purchase.\nOnce you know all of the necessary figures,\nlook into how much money you can borrow.\nHDB has\na free tool\nto help you estimate the maximum home loan amount, but this is only a guide – the actual number may be much lower depending on your other financial obligations.\nMany banks like DBS and OCBC also have online loan calculators so you can estimate how much you’d get. Just bear in mind that with bank loans, you’ll need to pay a\nlot more in cash upfront\n.\nStep 2: Register Your Intent to Buy\nRegistering your\nIntent to Buy\nwith HDB serves a few purposes.\nOne, it tells you whether you’re eligible to buy a resale flat in the first place.\nTwo – and more importantly – it tells you\nthe HDB grants you qualify for\n.\nYou could potentially get up to $160,000 in subsidies for a resale flat,\nwhich shaves a good chunk off the purchase price.\nThe Intent to Buy is valid for up to 12 months, which should give you more than enough time to find a suitable flat. (You can always reapply if you need more time though!)\nIt’s free, instant, and available via\nthe HDB Resale Portal here\n.\nStep 3: Source for Home Loans\nHere’s where a bit of research goes a loooong way.\nWe have another resource on\nhow to decide between an HDB vs bank loan\n, but in short:\nHDB loans are more predictable, fuss-free, and have lower legal fees\nBank loans typically offer lower interest rates, but require you to be a lot more involved\nBut there’s one other important note:\nmake sure you get the\nHDB Loan Eligibility Letter (HLE)\nor the bank’s Approval In-Principle (AIP)\nbefore\nyou put down any money for the flat.\nWhy? Because you don’t want to be\nkiasu\nand end up making\none of the most common buyer mistakes:\npaying the seller the non-refundable Option Fee and then realizing afterwards that you can’t get a big enough loan to cover the purchase price.\nThe HLE and AIP both tell you the max loan you can take out\nand\nthe monthly instalments you’ll have to make. They’re also\nfree and non-binding,\nso you can always switch to a different financier or reapply if the documents expire before you find the right HDB.\n(\nRelated Reading:\nFreelancers – Here’s How to Secure a Larger Housing Loan.\n)\nStep 4: Check Out Your Preferred Areas\nYou probably already have familiar haunts you’d prefer to live in, or perhaps certain preferences (e.g., staying near your aging parents, getting a flat with a long-enough lease). So this is where you start\nchecking out the prices for your preferred areas\n:\nCheck on the prices for\nrecently transacted flats in\nthe area\n.\nThis helps you get an idea of the real prices at which the units changed hands.\nLook up current listings on marketplaces such as SRX or 99.co.\nJust note that unlike the recently transacted units above, these are usually marked up as sellers expect you to negotiate on the price.\nGet a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)\nfrom a real estate agent. This gives you a free and highly accurate price estimate based on a detailed analysis of past transactions, current listings, removed listings, and the unique characteristics of the unit(s) being sold.\nGet property value estimates\nusing free tools such as\nMyHomeValue\n. Like the CMA above, this gives you an accurate price estimate on the property you’re looking at, so you’ll know whether or not it’s overpriced.\nYou’ll also want to check up on the\nethnic and SPR quotas\nof the block(s) you’re looking at. HDB has\na handy tool\nfor this.\nBonus Tip:\nResale flats are also eligible for the Proximity Housing Grant if you’re staying within 4km of your parents\/children. You can use\nthis Distance Enquiry tool\nto check if your desired area is eligible for the extra subsidy. (Read also:\nThe Complete Guide to CPF Housing Grants\n)\nStep 5: Decide Whether to DIY or Hire an Agent\nGetting an agent for the purchase isn’t a must, but it does help with things like:\nGoing through your finances to calculate exactly what you can afford\nUncovering “hidden gems” based on your criteria\nGetting a CMA on shortlisted properties so you won’t be taken for a ride\nConducting background checks on the property\/seller\nChecking for potentially costly defects in units you’re interested in\nNegotiating with the seller to structure a winning offer\nIf you’re confident and willing to put in the time to handle everything on your own, then you can save quite a bit:\nthe typical agent commissions for resale HDBs is 2% of the purchase price\n(i.e., $10,000 on a 500k flat!)\nStep 6: Go for House Viewings\nThis is the fun part, but it also requires a fair bit of attention to detail.\nYou’re not just looking at the amount of space you’ll have or the various amenities in the area.\nRather, you’re checking out how livable the unit is.\nThat means making sure the facing is right (tip: Southeast-facing units get the morning sun, but are shielded from the heat of the afternoon), that there are no signs of loan sharks hounding the unit, and that the flat is well-maintained.\nYou might even want to\nschedule the house viewing sometime in the afternoon.\nThat way, you can check on the noise level during the day and make sure that the unit isn’t a giant oven in the midday heat.\nYou’ll also want to check for the following, since\nthese will cost you a small fortune in renovation expenses:\nBuilt-in furniture that may need to be torn out\nDamaged tiles or flooring that will cost a ton to replace\nPeeling paint (may indicate water seepage)\nWet patches of flooring (may indicate leaky pipes)\nRotten or termite-ridden wood (furniture, flooring, doorframes, etc.)\nPoor toilet flushing power (may indicate clogged drains)\nRust-colored or “bloodstained” streaks on the walls (may indicate bedbugs)\nOddly shaped corners\/rooms where standard furniture may not fit\nDon’t feel\npaiseh\nto poke around and look beneath the surface. Better safe than sorry – you don’t want to end up paying hundreds of thousands for a bug-infested nightmare of a home!\nStep 7: Get Option to Purchase (OTP)\nFound your diamond in the rough? Great! With your HLE or AIP in hand, it’s time to get the OTP from the seller. (Note: HLE’s are valid for 6 months, while AIP’s are typically only valid for 2-4 weeks.)\nYou’ll have to\npay an Option Fee\nin exchange for the OTP. The exact amount is determined by the seller, but it can be anywhere from $1 to $1,000.\nYou can still back out after getting the OTP (but before exercising it), so if you want to do a thorough inspection of the flat, this is the time.\nStep 8: Request for Valuation\nYou now have\n21 days to confirm the purchase.\nBut it isn’t just idle time: this is when you sort out exactly how you’ll be financing the purchase.\nIf you’re getting an HDB loan, the HLE will suffice.\nIf you’re getting a bank loan, you’ll need a Letter of Offer (LO).\nBut whether you’re going for a bank or an HDB loan, you’ll still need to submit a Request for Value so that the loan institutions have a number to work with. You’ll have to\ndo this by the next working day\nafter the Option Date in the OTP, so don’t dilly dally!\nThere’s a non-refundable $120 processing fee for the Request for Value. You can submit it at the\nHDB Resale Portal here\n.\nHopefully, you’ve done your homework and looked up past transactions in the area, so the valuation figure won’t come as a shock. You want the price to be\neither at or below the property valuation:\nanything above, and you’ll have to pay the difference in cash.\n(That is, unless you’re looking for a move-in ready home. Expect to pay a premium if so!)\nStep 9: Exercise Option\nOnce you’ve got the HLE or LO, you can go ahead and exercise the OTP. This time, you’ll have to pay an Option Exercise Fee.\nThe amount depends on the seller, but the Option Fee + Option Exercise Fee shouldn’t go beyond $5,000. These make up your official deposit for the flat.\nStep 10: Submit Resale Application\nAfter that, it’s time to put in the paperwork to HDB. Hop on to the HDB Resale Portal and submit the buyer’s\nResale Application\n.\nThe seller will also have to submit a Resale Application on their end.\nMake sure you both submit it within 7 days of each other\n– otherwise, the application will be cancelled and you’ll lose the $40-80 admin fee!\nYou’ll need the following details:\nAddress of the flat you’re buying\nOTP details\nParticulars of sellers\nYour own particulars + those of any occupiers\nManner of holding (e.g.,\njoint tenancy, tenancy-in-common\n)\nAny housing grants you’re applying for\nWhere you’re getting your home loan, if at all\nWhether you’re engaging HDB solicitors or private lawyers\nNow, if the seller needs more than 2 months to move out completely, they may ask you for a\nTemporary Extension of Stay\nhere. It’s completely up to you whether you want to give it to them though, and they should reimburse you for the extra costs incurred.\nStep 11: Endorse Resale Documents & Pay Fees\nOnce HDB accepts your application, they’ll review the paperwork to make sure everything is OK.\nWithin 6 days, you’ll get an SMS from HDB telling you to log on to the Resale Portal and endorse the documents. You’ll have to\npay the HDB resale Fees at the same time,\nso have your credit card ready.\nDuring this time, you’ll also have to book appointments with HDB or your bank of choice (whichever one you got the loan from). These appointments are to formalize the terms of the loan and check on the grant money you’re entitled to.\nStep 12: Inspect the Flat\nNow it’s mostly a waiting game – for HDB and for the seller to move out.\nAt some point, HDB will arrange for technical executives to head over and inspect your newly-purchased flat. Their\nonly\njob is to make sure that the seller hasn’t made any illegal alterations to the structure.\nBut that also means that you’re on your own when it comes to the rest of the inspection. HDB won’t help you with the condition of the flat, so\nideally you’d have done a thorough inspection waaaay before this point.\nAfter the seller moves out, you’ll need to\ninspect the flat and confirm that it’s vacant.\nThis is also when you can check that everything listed in the valuation report is intact (built-in wardrobes and such).\nStep 13: Wait for HDB’s Confirm-Chop-Stamp\nFrom the time HDB confirms receipt of your Resale Application, it takes\nabout 8 weeks\nfor the application to be processed.\nMeanwhile, you’ll need to buy the\nmandatory fire insurance policy\nand\nbring the Certificate of Insurance to the final appointment.\nThey’ll send you an SMS to arrange for this final appointment, at which point you…\nStep 14: Attend the Resale Completion Appointment\nAlmost there!\nPrint out a copy of the\npayment advice from the HDB Resale Portal:\nyou’ll need this to pay off the remaining balance for the flat.\nIt’s best to head over earlier and settle the bill at the Payment Office (level 3 of the HDB Hub). Afterwards, you’ll meet the Customer Relations Manager to sign a few documents and collect the keys from the seller.\nAaand you’ve successfully purchased your very own resale flat! Well done!","attrs_markdown":"[![Bluenest](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/wp-includes\/images\/logo.png)](http:\/\/www.bluenest.sg\/)\n\n- [sellers]()\n  - [Sell Your HDB](https:\/\/www.bluenest.sg\/sellers\/hdb)\n  - [HDB Selling Guide](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-timeline-2019\/)\n  - [Sell Your Condo](https:\/\/www.bluenest.sg\/sellers\/condo)\n  - [Condo Selling Guide](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/how-to-sell-private-property\/)\n  - [Sold in 2 Days](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/how-we-sold-a-resale-hdb-flat-in-just-2-days\/)\n  - [Sold at Record High](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/success-story-how-we-sold-at-highest-transacted-price\/)\n- [PROPERTIES](https:\/\/www.bluenest.sg\/properties)\n- [landlords]()\n  - [Rent with Bluenest](https:\/\/www.bluenest.sg\/landlords)\n  - [HDB Rental Guide](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/rent-out-hdb-flat\/)\n  - [Condo Rental Guide](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/how-to-rent-out-condo\/)\n- [MyHomeValue™](https:\/\/www.bluenest.sg\/myhomevalue)\n- [Blog](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/)\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.bluenest.sg\/about)\n- [Contact us](https:\/\/www.bluenest.sg\/contact)\n\n[\\+65 3138 2554](tel:+65%203138%202554)\n\nAugust 16, 2019\n\n## [HDB Resale Procedure 2022 \\[The Buyer’s Step-by-Step Guide\\]](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/)\n[Buying Guide](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/tag\/buying-guide\/ \"Buying Guide Tag\")[hdb resale process](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/tag\/hdb-resale-process\/ \"hdb resale process Tag\")\n\n![step by step guide to buy a resale flat](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/1.png)\n\nResale HDB flats have [several advantages](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/bto-vs-resale) over BTO flats.\n\nFor one, you won’t have to wait 3-5 years and with the [current BTO projects delay](https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/housing\/bto-projects-delayed-by-6-months-or-longer-reduced-from-74-last-year-to-58-this-year-desmond-lee), you are likely to face an extended timeline of 6-12 months. Plus, older flats tend to be *a lot* more spacious.\n\nAnd with the generous HDB grants subsidizing the higher costs, buying a resale HDB flat is a very appealing option for the eligible homeowner.\n\nBut before you start looking up listings, you want to make sure you’re **well-prepared for every trick in the book.**\n\nI mean, you don’t want to fork out the downpayment on your dream home only to find out it’s *waay* overpriced and you can’t afford the cash over valuation.\n\nSo we’ll walk you through **exactly how to buy an HDB resale flat** – and all the traps to watch out for along the way.\n\n## **HDB Resale Procedure**\n- [Step 1: Calculate Your Finances](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/#step1)\n- [Step 2: Register Your Intent to Buy](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/#step2)\n- [Step 3: Source for Home Loans](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/#step3)\n- [Step 4: Check Out Your Preferred Areas](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/#step4)\n- [Step 5: Decide Whether to DIY or Hire an Agent](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/#step5)\n- [Step 6: Go for House Viewings](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/#step6)\n- [Step 7: Get Option to Purchase (OTP)](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/#step7)\n- [Step 8: Request for Valuation](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/#step8)\n- [Step 9: Exercise Option](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/#step9)\n- [Step 10: Submit Resale Application](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/#step10)\n- [Step 11: Endorse Resale Documents & Pay Fees](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/#step11)\n- [Step 12: Inspect the Flat](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/#step12)\n- [Step 13: Wait for HDB’s Confirm-Chop-Stamp](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/#step13)\n- [Step 14: Attend Resale Completion Appointment](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/#step14)\n## **Step 1: Calculate Your Finances**\nTo figure out **what kind of HDB flat you can afford,** begin by [doing a financial health check](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/buying-first-home-singapore).\n\nSpecifically, you’ll want to know things like:\n\n- How much you currently have in savings \/ CPF\n- How much of your take-home pay you currently save per month\n- How much of your income you can reasonably give up to pay off a home loan\n- How much debt you currently have (credit card bills, car loans, etc.)\n- How much in [HDB grants](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/housing-grants) you’re entitled to\n\nYou probably already know that it’s not just about covering the purchase price of the property. You **also need to account for costs like legal fees, stamp duty, home insurance, renovation costs, and so on.** (*Read also*: [The REAL Costs of Buying Property in Singapore](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/costs-of-buying-property-singapore))\n\nFor example, HDB homeowners spend an average of \\$44,000 – \\$67,000 renovating a resale flat – definitely not a small sum if you’re already cash-strapped from the purchase.\n\nOnce you know all of the necessary figures, **look into how much money you can borrow.**\n\nHDB has [a free tool](https:\/\/services2.hdb.gov.sg\/webapp\/BP27MaxLoan\/BP27PMax1.jsp) to help you estimate the maximum home loan amount, but this is only a guide – the actual number may be much lower depending on your other financial obligations.\n\nMany banks like DBS and OCBC also have online loan calculators so you can estimate how much you’d get. Just bear in mind that with bank loans, you’ll need to pay a [lot more in cash upfront](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-loan-vs-bank-loan).\n\n## **Step 2: Register Your Intent to Buy**\nRegistering your [Intent to Buy](https:\/\/www.hdb.gov.sg\/cs\/infoweb\/residential\/buying-a-flat\/resale\/procedures\/register-intent-to-buy) with HDB serves a few purposes.\n\nOne, it tells you whether you’re eligible to buy a resale flat in the first place.\n\nTwo – and more importantly – it tells you [the HDB grants you qualify for](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/housing-grants). **You could potentially get up to \\$160,000 in subsidies for a resale flat,** which shaves a good chunk off the purchase price.\n\nThe Intent to Buy is valid for up to 12 months, which should give you more than enough time to find a suitable flat. (You can always reapply if you need more time though!)\n\nIt’s free, instant, and available via [the HDB Resale Portal here](https:\/\/services2.hdb.gov.sg\/webapp\/BB31AWDashboardWeb\/BB31PLogin.jsp).\n\n## **Step 3: Source for Home Loans**\nHere’s where a bit of research goes a loooong way.\n\nWe have another resource on [how to decide between an HDB vs bank loan](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-loan-vs-bank-loan), but in short:\n\n- HDB loans are more predictable, fuss-free, and have lower legal fees\n- Bank loans typically offer lower interest rates, but require you to be a lot more involved\n\n**But there’s one other important note:** make sure you get the [HDB Loan Eligibility Letter (HLE)](https:\/\/www.hdb.gov.sg\/cs\/infoweb\/residential\/financing-a-flat-purchase\/housing-loan-from-hdb\/eligibility-conditions) or the bank’s Approval In-Principle (AIP) before you put down any money for the flat.\n\nWhy? Because you don’t want to be *kiasu* and end up making **one of the most common buyer mistakes:** paying the seller the non-refundable Option Fee and then realizing afterwards that you can’t get a big enough loan to cover the purchase price.\n\nThe HLE and AIP both tell you the max loan you can take out *and* the monthly instalments you’ll have to make. They’re also **free and non-binding,** so you can always switch to a different financier or reapply if the documents expire before you find the right HDB.\n\n(*Related Reading:* [Freelancers – Here’s How to Secure a Larger Housing Loan.](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/home-loan-for-freelancers))\n\n## **Step 4: Check Out Your Preferred Areas**\nYou probably already have familiar haunts you’d prefer to live in, or perhaps certain preferences (e.g., staying near your aging parents, getting a flat with a long-enough lease). So this is where you start [checking out the prices for your preferred areas](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/how-to-get-property-valuation):\n\n- **Check on the prices for** [**recently transacted flats in**](https:\/\/services2.hdb.gov.sg\/webapp\/BB33RTIS\/BB33PReslTrans.jsp) **the area****.** This helps you get an idea of the real prices at which the units changed hands.\n- **Look up current listings on marketplaces such as SRX or 99.co.** Just note that unlike the recently transacted units above, these are usually marked up as sellers expect you to negotiate on the price.\n- **Get a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)** from a real estate agent. This gives you a free and highly accurate price estimate based on a detailed analysis of past transactions, current listings, removed listings, and the unique characteristics of the unit(s) being sold.\n- **Get property value estimates** using free tools such as [MyHomeValue](https:\/\/www.bluenest.sg\/myhomevalue). Like the CMA above, this gives you an accurate price estimate on the property you’re looking at, so you’ll know whether or not it’s overpriced.\n\nYou’ll also want to check up on the **ethnic and SPR quotas** of the block(s) you’re looking at. HDB has [a handy tool](https:\/\/services2.hdb.gov.sg\/webapp\/BB29ETHN\/BB29STREET) for this.\n\n**Bonus Tip:** Resale flats are also eligible for the Proximity Housing Grant if you’re staying within 4km of your parents\/children. You can use [this Distance Enquiry tool](https:\/\/services2.hdb.gov.sg\/webapp\/BB292KM\/BB292KM_ENQ) to check if your desired area is eligible for the extra subsidy. (Read also: [The Complete Guide to CPF Housing Grants](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/housing-grants))\n\n## **Step 5: Decide Whether to DIY or Hire an Agent**\nGetting an agent for the purchase isn’t a must, but it does help with things like:\n\n- Going through your finances to calculate exactly what you can afford\n- Uncovering “hidden gems” based on your criteria\n- Getting a CMA on shortlisted properties so you won’t be taken for a ride\n- Conducting background checks on the property\/seller\n- Checking for potentially costly defects in units you’re interested in\n- Negotiating with the seller to structure a winning offer\n\nIf you’re confident and willing to put in the time to handle everything on your own, then you can save quite a bit: **the typical agent commissions for resale HDBs is 2% of the purchase price** (i.e., \\$10,000 on a 500k flat!)\n\n## **Step 6: Go for House Viewings**\nThis is the fun part, but it also requires a fair bit of attention to detail.\n\nYou’re not just looking at the amount of space you’ll have or the various amenities in the area. **Rather, you’re checking out how livable the unit is.**\n\nThat means making sure the facing is right (tip: Southeast-facing units get the morning sun, but are shielded from the heat of the afternoon), that there are no signs of loan sharks hounding the unit, and that the flat is well-maintained.\n\nYou might even want to **schedule the house viewing sometime in the afternoon.** That way, you can check on the noise level during the day and make sure that the unit isn’t a giant oven in the midday heat.\n\nYou’ll also want to check for the following, since **these will cost you a small fortune in renovation expenses:**\n\n- Built-in furniture that may need to be torn out\n- Damaged tiles or flooring that will cost a ton to replace\n- Peeling paint (may indicate water seepage)\n- Wet patches of flooring (may indicate leaky pipes)\n- Rotten or termite-ridden wood (furniture, flooring, doorframes, etc.)\n- Poor toilet flushing power (may indicate clogged drains)\n- Rust-colored or “bloodstained” streaks on the walls (may indicate bedbugs)\n- Oddly shaped corners\/rooms where standard furniture may not fit\n\nDon’t feel *paiseh* to poke around and look beneath the surface. Better safe than sorry – you don’t want to end up paying hundreds of thousands for a bug-infested nightmare of a home\\!\n\n## **Step 7: Get Option to Purchase (OTP)**\nFound your diamond in the rough? Great! With your HLE or AIP in hand, it’s time to get the OTP from the seller. (Note: HLE’s are valid for 6 months, while AIP’s are typically only valid for 2-4 weeks.)\n\nYou’ll have to **pay an Option Fee** in exchange for the OTP. The exact amount is determined by the seller, but it can be anywhere from \\$1 to \\$1,000.\n\nYou can still back out after getting the OTP (but before exercising it), so if you want to do a thorough inspection of the flat, this is the time.\n\n## **Step 8: Request for Valuation**\nYou now have **21 days to confirm the purchase.** But it isn’t just idle time: this is when you sort out exactly how you’ll be financing the purchase.\n\nIf you’re getting an HDB loan, the HLE will suffice.\n\nIf you’re getting a bank loan, you’ll need a Letter of Offer (LO).\n\nBut whether you’re going for a bank or an HDB loan, you’ll still need to submit a Request for Value so that the loan institutions have a number to work with. You’ll have to **do this by the next working day** after the Option Date in the OTP, so don’t dilly dally\\!\n\nThere’s a non-refundable \\$120 processing fee for the Request for Value. You can submit it at the [HDB Resale Portal here](https:\/\/services2.hdb.gov.sg\/webapp\/BB31ERESALE3\/BB31SMain).\n\nHopefully, you’ve done your homework and looked up past transactions in the area, so the valuation figure won’t come as a shock. You want the price to be **either at or below the property valuation:** anything above, and you’ll have to pay the difference in cash.\n\n(That is, unless you’re looking for a move-in ready home. Expect to pay a premium if so!)\n\n## **Step 9: Exercise Option**\nOnce you’ve got the HLE or LO, you can go ahead and exercise the OTP. This time, you’ll have to pay an Option Exercise Fee.\n\nThe amount depends on the seller, but the Option Fee + Option Exercise Fee shouldn’t go beyond \\$5,000. These make up your official deposit for the flat.\n\n## **Step 10: Submit Resale Application**\nAfter that, it’s time to put in the paperwork to HDB. Hop on to the HDB Resale Portal and submit the buyer’s [Resale Application](https:\/\/www.hdb.gov.sg\/cs\/infoweb\/residential\/buying-a-flat\/resale\/buying-process\/application-procedure\/resale-application).\n\nThe seller will also have to submit a Resale Application on their end. **Make sure you both submit it within 7 days of each other** – otherwise, the application will be cancelled and you’ll lose the \\$40-80 admin fee\\!\n\nYou’ll need the following details:\n\n- Address of the flat you’re buying\n- OTP details\n- Particulars of sellers\n- Your own particulars + those of any occupiers\n- Manner of holding (e.g., [joint tenancy, tenancy-in-common](https:\/\/www.hdb.gov.sg\/cs\/infoweb\/residential\/buying-a-flat\/resale\/procedures\/resale-application\/additional-information-))\n- Any housing grants you’re applying for\n- Where you’re getting your home loan, if at all\n- Whether you’re engaging HDB solicitors or private lawyers\n\nNow, if the seller needs more than 2 months to move out completely, they may ask you for a [Temporary Extension of Stay](https:\/\/www.hdb.gov.sg\/cs\/infoweb\/residential\/selling-a-flat\/procedures\/temporary-extension-of-stay-for-sellers) here. It’s completely up to you whether you want to give it to them though, and they should reimburse you for the extra costs incurred.\n\n## **Step 11: Endorse Resale Documents & Pay Fees**\nOnce HDB accepts your application, they’ll review the paperwork to make sure everything is OK.\n\nWithin 6 days, you’ll get an SMS from HDB telling you to log on to the Resale Portal and endorse the documents. You’ll have to **pay the HDB resale Fees at the same time,** so have your credit card ready.\n\nDuring this time, you’ll also have to book appointments with HDB or your bank of choice (whichever one you got the loan from). These appointments are to formalize the terms of the loan and check on the grant money you’re entitled to.\n\n## **Step 12: Inspect the Flat**\nNow it’s mostly a waiting game – for HDB and for the seller to move out.\n\nAt some point, HDB will arrange for technical executives to head over and inspect your newly-purchased flat. Their *only* job is to make sure that the seller hasn’t made any illegal alterations to the structure.\n\nBut that also means that you’re on your own when it comes to the rest of the inspection. HDB won’t help you with the condition of the flat, so **ideally you’d have done a thorough inspection waaaay before this point.**\n\nAfter the seller moves out, you’ll need to **inspect the flat and confirm that it’s vacant.** This is also when you can check that everything listed in the valuation report is intact (built-in wardrobes and such).\n\n## **Step 13: Wait for HDB’s Confirm-Chop-Stamp**\nFrom the time HDB confirms receipt of your Resale Application, it takes **about 8 weeks** for the application to be processed.\n\nMeanwhile, you’ll need to buy the [mandatory fire insurance policy](https:\/\/www.etiqa.com.sg\/personal\/general-insurance\/property\/eprotect-home\/) and **bring the Certificate of Insurance to the final appointment.**\n\nThey’ll send you an SMS to arrange for this final appointment, at which point you…\n\n## **Step 14: Attend the Resale Completion Appointment**\nAlmost there\\!\n\nPrint out a copy of the **payment advice from the HDB Resale Portal:** you’ll need this to pay off the remaining balance for the flat.\n\nIt’s best to head over earlier and settle the bill at the Payment Office (level 3 of the HDB Hub). Afterwards, you’ll meet the Customer Relations Manager to sign a few documents and collect the keys from the seller.\n\nAaand you’ve successfully purchased your very own resale flat! Well done\\!\n\n[![New call-to-action](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/650e77af-569c-4e08-989a-a6ae5cd725fe.jpg)](https:\/\/www.bluenest.sg\/sellers\/singaporeproperty?hsCtaTracking=650e77af-569c-4e08-989a-a6ae5cd725fe%7C53e10e4c-b9e8-477c-9df1-82b6665be64d)\n\n[![](https:\/\/blog_prod.bluenest.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/MeilingBluenestWriter-300x300.jpg)](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/author\/tanmeiling\/)\n\nBy Tan Meiling\n\nMeiling is an American-born Chinese living in Singapore. As a property owner herself, she enjoys doing research into the local real estate market and making highly technical topics easy to understand for readers. In her spare time, Meiling enjoys going for a long run or snuggling into her armchair with a good book.\n\n## 1 thought on “HDB Resale Procedure 2022 \\[The Buyer’s Step-by-Step Guide\\]”\n1. ![](https:\/\/www.gravatar.com\/avatar.php?gravatar_id=927c8b70d7bfa13dbfe168d15f5e9bd1&size=40)\n   \n   **Praveen Kumar**\n   \n   [March 26, 2021 at 3:48 pm](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/#comment-1419)\n   \n   Informative and insightful post on HDB resale procedure. Thanks for writing and sharing this post with us.\n\nComments are closed.\n\n### Popular Stories\n- [![](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/inherit-parents-hdb-flat-1-150x150.jpg)](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/inherit-my-parents-hdb\/)\n  ###### [What Happens to the HDB Flat If My Parents Pass Away Without a Will?](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/inherit-my-parents-hdb\/)\n  February 26, 2020\n  \n  By [poojakhandelwal](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/author\/poojakhandelwal\/) \\| 70 Comments\n  \n  The conversation that no one wants to have — what happens to the HDB flat after your parents pass away?...\n- [![step by step guide to buy a resale flat](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/1-150x150.png)](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/)\n  ###### [HDB Resale Procedure 2022 \\[The Buyer’s Step-by-Step Guide\\]](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/)\n  August 16, 2019\n  \n  By [tanmeiling](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/author\/tanmeiling\/) \\| 1 Comment\n  \n  Resale HDB flats have several advantages over BTO flats. 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All rights reserved.","attrs_readable_markdown":"Resale HDB flats have [several advantages](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/bto-vs-resale) over BTO flats.\n\nFor one, you won’t have to wait 3-5 years and with the [current BTO projects delay](https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/housing\/bto-projects-delayed-by-6-months-or-longer-reduced-from-74-last-year-to-58-this-year-desmond-lee), you are likely to face an extended timeline of 6-12 months. Plus, older flats tend to be *a lot* more spacious.\n\nAnd with the generous HDB grants subsidizing the higher costs, buying a resale HDB flat is a very appealing option for the eligible homeowner.\n\nBut before you start looking up listings, you want to make sure you’re **well-prepared for every trick in the book.**\n\nI mean, you don’t want to fork out the downpayment on your dream home only to find out it’s *waay* overpriced and you can’t afford the cash over valuation.\n\nSo we’ll walk you through **exactly how to buy an HDB resale flat** – and all the traps to watch out for along the way.\n\n- [Step 1: Calculate Your Finances](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/#step1)\n- [Step 2: Register Your Intent to Buy](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/#step2)\n- [Step 3: Source for Home Loans](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/#step3)\n- [Step 4: Check Out Your Preferred Areas](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/#step4)\n- [Step 5: Decide Whether to DIY or Hire an Agent](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/#step5)\n- [Step 6: Go for House Viewings](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/#step6)\n- [Step 7: Get Option to Purchase (OTP)](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/#step7)\n- [Step 8: Request for Valuation](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/#step8)\n- [Step 9: Exercise Option](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/#step9)\n- [Step 10: Submit Resale Application](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/#step10)\n- [Step 11: Endorse Resale Documents & Pay Fees](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/#step11)\n- [Step 12: Inspect the Flat](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/#step12)\n- [Step 13: Wait for HDB’s Confirm-Chop-Stamp](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/#step13)\n- [Step 14: Attend Resale Completion Appointment](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-resale-procedure\/#step14)\n## **Step 1: Calculate Your Finances**\nTo figure out **what kind of HDB flat you can afford,** begin by [doing a financial health check](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/buying-first-home-singapore).\n\nSpecifically, you’ll want to know things like:\n\n- How much you currently have in savings \/ CPF\n- How much of your take-home pay you currently save per month\n- How much of your income you can reasonably give up to pay off a home loan\n- How much debt you currently have (credit card bills, car loans, etc.)\n- How much in [HDB grants](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/housing-grants) you’re entitled to\n\nYou probably already know that it’s not just about covering the purchase price of the property. You **also need to account for costs like legal fees, stamp duty, home insurance, renovation costs, and so on.** (*Read also*: [The REAL Costs of Buying Property in Singapore](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/costs-of-buying-property-singapore))\n\nFor example, HDB homeowners spend an average of \\$44,000 – \\$67,000 renovating a resale flat – definitely not a small sum if you’re already cash-strapped from the purchase.\n\nOnce you know all of the necessary figures, **look into how much money you can borrow.**\n\nHDB has [a free tool](https:\/\/services2.hdb.gov.sg\/webapp\/BP27MaxLoan\/BP27PMax1.jsp) to help you estimate the maximum home loan amount, but this is only a guide – the actual number may be much lower depending on your other financial obligations.\n\nMany banks like DBS and OCBC also have online loan calculators so you can estimate how much you’d get. Just bear in mind that with bank loans, you’ll need to pay a [lot more in cash upfront](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-loan-vs-bank-loan).\n\n## **Step 2: Register Your Intent to Buy**\nRegistering your [Intent to Buy](https:\/\/www.hdb.gov.sg\/cs\/infoweb\/residential\/buying-a-flat\/resale\/procedures\/register-intent-to-buy) with HDB serves a few purposes.\n\nOne, it tells you whether you’re eligible to buy a resale flat in the first place.\n\nTwo – and more importantly – it tells you [the HDB grants you qualify for](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/housing-grants). **You could potentially get up to \\$160,000 in subsidies for a resale flat,** which shaves a good chunk off the purchase price.\n\nThe Intent to Buy is valid for up to 12 months, which should give you more than enough time to find a suitable flat. (You can always reapply if you need more time though!)\n\nIt’s free, instant, and available via [the HDB Resale Portal here](https:\/\/services2.hdb.gov.sg\/webapp\/BB31AWDashboardWeb\/BB31PLogin.jsp).\n\n## **Step 3: Source for Home Loans**\nHere’s where a bit of research goes a loooong way.\n\nWe have another resource on [how to decide between an HDB vs bank loan](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/hdb-loan-vs-bank-loan), but in short:\n\n- HDB loans are more predictable, fuss-free, and have lower legal fees\n- Bank loans typically offer lower interest rates, but require you to be a lot more involved\n\n**But there’s one other important note:** make sure you get the [HDB Loan Eligibility Letter (HLE)](https:\/\/www.hdb.gov.sg\/cs\/infoweb\/residential\/financing-a-flat-purchase\/housing-loan-from-hdb\/eligibility-conditions) or the bank’s Approval In-Principle (AIP) before you put down any money for the flat.\n\nWhy? Because you don’t want to be *kiasu* and end up making **one of the most common buyer mistakes:** paying the seller the non-refundable Option Fee and then realizing afterwards that you can’t get a big enough loan to cover the purchase price.\n\nThe HLE and AIP both tell you the max loan you can take out *and* the monthly instalments you’ll have to make. They’re also **free and non-binding,** so you can always switch to a different financier or reapply if the documents expire before you find the right HDB.\n\n(*Related Reading:* [Freelancers – Here’s How to Secure a Larger Housing Loan.](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/home-loan-for-freelancers))\n\n## **Step 4: Check Out Your Preferred Areas**\nYou probably already have familiar haunts you’d prefer to live in, or perhaps certain preferences (e.g., staying near your aging parents, getting a flat with a long-enough lease). So this is where you start [checking out the prices for your preferred areas](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/how-to-get-property-valuation):\n\n- **Check on the prices for** [**recently transacted flats in**](https:\/\/services2.hdb.gov.sg\/webapp\/BB33RTIS\/BB33PReslTrans.jsp) **the area****.** This helps you get an idea of the real prices at which the units changed hands.\n- **Look up current listings on marketplaces such as SRX or 99.co.** Just note that unlike the recently transacted units above, these are usually marked up as sellers expect you to negotiate on the price.\n- **Get a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)** from a real estate agent. This gives you a free and highly accurate price estimate based on a detailed analysis of past transactions, current listings, removed listings, and the unique characteristics of the unit(s) being sold.\n- **Get property value estimates** using free tools such as [MyHomeValue](https:\/\/www.bluenest.sg\/myhomevalue). Like the CMA above, this gives you an accurate price estimate on the property you’re looking at, so you’ll know whether or not it’s overpriced.\n\nYou’ll also want to check up on the **ethnic and SPR quotas** of the block(s) you’re looking at. HDB has [a handy tool](https:\/\/services2.hdb.gov.sg\/webapp\/BB29ETHN\/BB29STREET) for this.\n\n**Bonus Tip:** Resale flats are also eligible for the Proximity Housing Grant if you’re staying within 4km of your parents\/children. You can use [this Distance Enquiry tool](https:\/\/services2.hdb.gov.sg\/webapp\/BB292KM\/BB292KM_ENQ) to check if your desired area is eligible for the extra subsidy. (Read also: [The Complete Guide to CPF Housing Grants](https:\/\/blog.bluenest.sg\/housing-grants))\n\n## **Step 5: Decide Whether to DIY or Hire an Agent**\nGetting an agent for the purchase isn’t a must, but it does help with things like:\n\n- Going through your finances to calculate exactly what you can afford\n- Uncovering “hidden gems” based on your criteria\n- Getting a CMA on shortlisted properties so you won’t be taken for a ride\n- Conducting background checks on the property\/seller\n- Checking for potentially costly defects in units you’re interested in\n- Negotiating with the seller to structure a winning offer\n\nIf you’re confident and willing to put in the time to handle everything on your own, then you can save quite a bit: **the typical agent commissions for resale HDBs is 2% of the purchase price** (i.e., \\$10,000 on a 500k flat!)\n\n## **Step 6: Go for House Viewings**\nThis is the fun part, but it also requires a fair bit of attention to detail.\n\nYou’re not just looking at the amount of space you’ll have or the various amenities in the area. **Rather, you’re checking out how livable the unit is.**\n\nThat means making sure the facing is right (tip: Southeast-facing units get the morning sun, but are shielded from the heat of the afternoon), that there are no signs of loan sharks hounding the unit, and that the flat is well-maintained.\n\nYou might even want to **schedule the house viewing sometime in the afternoon.** That way, you can check on the noise level during the day and make sure that the unit isn’t a giant oven in the midday heat.\n\nYou’ll also want to check for the following, since **these will cost you a small fortune in renovation expenses:**\n\n- Built-in furniture that may need to be torn out\n- Damaged tiles or flooring that will cost a ton to replace\n- Peeling paint (may indicate water seepage)\n- Wet patches of flooring (may indicate leaky pipes)\n- Rotten or termite-ridden wood (furniture, flooring, doorframes, etc.)\n- Poor toilet flushing power (may indicate clogged drains)\n- Rust-colored or “bloodstained” streaks on the walls (may indicate bedbugs)\n- Oddly shaped corners\/rooms where standard furniture may not fit\n\nDon’t feel *paiseh* to poke around and look beneath the surface. Better safe than sorry – you don’t want to end up paying hundreds of thousands for a bug-infested nightmare of a home\\!\n\n## **Step 7: Get Option to Purchase (OTP)**\nFound your diamond in the rough? Great! With your HLE or AIP in hand, it’s time to get the OTP from the seller. (Note: HLE’s are valid for 6 months, while AIP’s are typically only valid for 2-4 weeks.)\n\nYou’ll have to **pay an Option Fee** in exchange for the OTP. The exact amount is determined by the seller, but it can be anywhere from \\$1 to \\$1,000.\n\nYou can still back out after getting the OTP (but before exercising it), so if you want to do a thorough inspection of the flat, this is the time.\n\n## **Step 8: Request for Valuation**\nYou now have **21 days to confirm the purchase.** But it isn’t just idle time: this is when you sort out exactly how you’ll be financing the purchase.\n\nIf you’re getting an HDB loan, the HLE will suffice.\n\nIf you’re getting a bank loan, you’ll need a Letter of Offer (LO).\n\nBut whether you’re going for a bank or an HDB loan, you’ll still need to submit a Request for Value so that the loan institutions have a number to work with. You’ll have to **do this by the next working day** after the Option Date in the OTP, so don’t dilly dally\\!\n\nThere’s a non-refundable \\$120 processing fee for the Request for Value. You can submit it at the [HDB Resale Portal here](https:\/\/services2.hdb.gov.sg\/webapp\/BB31ERESALE3\/BB31SMain).\n\nHopefully, you’ve done your homework and looked up past transactions in the area, so the valuation figure won’t come as a shock. You want the price to be **either at or below the property valuation:** anything above, and you’ll have to pay the difference in cash.\n\n(That is, unless you’re looking for a move-in ready home. Expect to pay a premium if so!)\n\n## **Step 9: Exercise Option**\nOnce you’ve got the HLE or LO, you can go ahead and exercise the OTP. This time, you’ll have to pay an Option Exercise Fee.\n\nThe amount depends on the seller, but the Option Fee + Option Exercise Fee shouldn’t go beyond \\$5,000. These make up your official deposit for the flat.\n\n## **Step 10: Submit Resale Application**\nAfter that, it’s time to put in the paperwork to HDB. Hop on to the HDB Resale Portal and submit the buyer’s [Resale Application](https:\/\/www.hdb.gov.sg\/cs\/infoweb\/residential\/buying-a-flat\/resale\/buying-process\/application-procedure\/resale-application).\n\nThe seller will also have to submit a Resale Application on their end. **Make sure you both submit it within 7 days of each other** – otherwise, the application will be cancelled and you’ll lose the \\$40-80 admin fee\\!\n\nYou’ll need the following details:\n\n- Address of the flat you’re buying\n- OTP details\n- Particulars of sellers\n- Your own particulars + those of any occupiers\n- Manner of holding (e.g., [joint tenancy, tenancy-in-common](https:\/\/www.hdb.gov.sg\/cs\/infoweb\/residential\/buying-a-flat\/resale\/procedures\/resale-application\/additional-information-))\n- Any housing grants you’re applying for\n- Where you’re getting your home loan, if at all\n- Whether you’re engaging HDB solicitors or private lawyers\n\nNow, if the seller needs more than 2 months to move out completely, they may ask you for a [Temporary Extension of Stay](https:\/\/www.hdb.gov.sg\/cs\/infoweb\/residential\/selling-a-flat\/procedures\/temporary-extension-of-stay-for-sellers) here. It’s completely up to you whether you want to give it to them though, and they should reimburse you for the extra costs incurred.\n\n## **Step 11: Endorse Resale Documents & Pay Fees**\nOnce HDB accepts your application, they’ll review the paperwork to make sure everything is OK.\n\nWithin 6 days, you’ll get an SMS from HDB telling you to log on to the Resale Portal and endorse the documents. You’ll have to **pay the HDB resale Fees at the same time,** so have your credit card ready.\n\nDuring this time, you’ll also have to book appointments with HDB or your bank of choice (whichever one you got the loan from). These appointments are to formalize the terms of the loan and check on the grant money you’re entitled to.\n\n## **Step 12: Inspect the Flat**\nNow it’s mostly a waiting game – for HDB and for the seller to move out.\n\nAt some point, HDB will arrange for technical executives to head over and inspect your newly-purchased flat. Their *only* job is to make sure that the seller hasn’t made any illegal alterations to the structure.\n\nBut that also means that you’re on your own when it comes to the rest of the inspection. HDB won’t help you with the condition of the flat, so **ideally you’d have done a thorough inspection waaaay before this point.**\n\nAfter the seller moves out, you’ll need to **inspect the flat and confirm that it’s vacant.** This is also when you can check that everything listed in the valuation report is intact (built-in wardrobes and such).\n\n## **Step 13: Wait for HDB’s Confirm-Chop-Stamp**\nFrom the time HDB confirms receipt of your Resale Application, it takes **about 8 weeks** for the application to be processed.\n\nMeanwhile, you’ll need to buy the [mandatory fire insurance policy](https:\/\/www.etiqa.com.sg\/personal\/general-insurance\/property\/eprotect-home\/) and **bring the Certificate of Insurance to the final appointment.**\n\nThey’ll send you an SMS to arrange for this final appointment, at which point you…\n\n## **Step 14: Attend the Resale Completion Appointment**\nAlmost there\\!\n\nPrint out a copy of the **payment advice from the HDB Resale Portal:** you’ll need this to pay off the remaining balance for the flat.\n\nIt’s best to head over earlier and settle the bill at the Payment Office (level 3 of the HDB Hub). Afterwards, you’ll meet the Customer Relations Manager to sign a few documents and collect the keys from the seller.\n\nAaand you’ve successfully purchased your very own resale flat! Well done\\!","meta_canonical":null}

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URL	https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/
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Meta Title	HDB Resale Procedure 2022 [The Buyer's Step-by-Step Guide] - Bluenest Blog
Meta Description	We’ll walk you through exactly how to buy a HDB resale flat – and all the traps to watch out for along the way in the HDB resale procedure.
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Boilerpipe Text	Resale HDB flats have several advantages over BTO flats. For one, you won’t have to wait 3-5 years and with the current BTO projects delay , you are likely to face an extended timeline of 6-12 months. Plus, older flats tend to be a lot more spacious. And with the generous HDB grants subsidizing the higher costs, buying a resale HDB flat is a very appealing option for the eligible homeowner. But before you start looking up listings, you want to make sure you’re well-prepared for every trick in the book. I mean, you don’t want to fork out the downpayment on your dream home only to find out it’s waay overpriced and you can’t afford the cash over valuation. So we’ll walk you through exactly how to buy an HDB resale flat – and all the traps to watch out for along the way. Step 1: Calculate Your Finances Step 2: Register Your Intent to Buy Step 3: Source for Home Loans Step 4: Check Out Your Preferred Areas Step 5: Decide Whether to DIY or Hire an Agent Step 6: Go for House Viewings Step 7: Get Option to Purchase (OTP) Step 8: Request for Valuation Step 9: Exercise Option Step 10: Submit Resale Application Step 11: Endorse Resale Documents & Pay Fees Step 12: Inspect the Flat Step 13: Wait for HDB’s Confirm-Chop-Stamp Step 14: Attend Resale Completion Appointment Step 1: Calculate Your Finances To figure out what kind of HDB flat you can afford, begin by doing a financial health check . Specifically, you’ll want to know things like: How much you currently have in savings / CPF How much of your take-home pay you currently save per month How much of your income you can reasonably give up to pay off a home loan How much debt you currently have (credit card bills, car loans, etc.) How much in HDB grants you’re entitled to You probably already know that it’s not just about covering the purchase price of the property. You also need to account for costs like legal fees, stamp duty, home insurance, renovation costs, and so on. ( Read also : The REAL Costs of Buying Property in Singapore ) For example, HDB homeowners spend an average of $44,000 – $67,000 renovating a resale flat – definitely not a small sum if you’re already cash-strapped from the purchase. Once you know all of the necessary figures, look into how much money you can borrow. HDB has a free tool to help you estimate the maximum home loan amount, but this is only a guide – the actual number may be much lower depending on your other financial obligations. Many banks like DBS and OCBC also have online loan calculators so you can estimate how much you’d get. Just bear in mind that with bank loans, you’ll need to pay a lot more in cash upfront . Step 2: Register Your Intent to Buy Registering your Intent to Buy with HDB serves a few purposes. One, it tells you whether you’re eligible to buy a resale flat in the first place. Two – and more importantly – it tells you the HDB grants you qualify for . You could potentially get up to $160,000 in subsidies for a resale flat, which shaves a good chunk off the purchase price. The Intent to Buy is valid for up to 12 months, which should give you more than enough time to find a suitable flat. (You can always reapply if you need more time though!) It’s free, instant, and available via the HDB Resale Portal here . Step 3: Source for Home Loans Here’s where a bit of research goes a loooong way. We have another resource on how to decide between an HDB vs bank loan , but in short: HDB loans are more predictable, fuss-free, and have lower legal fees Bank loans typically offer lower interest rates, but require you to be a lot more involved But there’s one other important note: make sure you get the HDB Loan Eligibility Letter (HLE) or the bank’s Approval In-Principle (AIP) before you put down any money for the flat. Why? Because you don’t want to be kiasu and end up making one of the most common buyer mistakes: paying the seller the non-refundable Option Fee and then realizing afterwards that you can’t get a big enough loan to cover the purchase price. The HLE and AIP both tell you the max loan you can take out and the monthly instalments you’ll have to make. They’re also free and non-binding, so you can always switch to a different financier or reapply if the documents expire before you find the right HDB. ( Related Reading: Freelancers – Here’s How to Secure a Larger Housing Loan. ) Step 4: Check Out Your Preferred Areas You probably already have familiar haunts you’d prefer to live in, or perhaps certain preferences (e.g., staying near your aging parents, getting a flat with a long-enough lease). So this is where you start checking out the prices for your preferred areas : Check on the prices for recently transacted flats in the area . This helps you get an idea of the real prices at which the units changed hands. Look up current listings on marketplaces such as SRX or 99.co. Just note that unlike the recently transacted units above, these are usually marked up as sellers expect you to negotiate on the price. Get a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) from a real estate agent. This gives you a free and highly accurate price estimate based on a detailed analysis of past transactions, current listings, removed listings, and the unique characteristics of the unit(s) being sold. Get property value estimates using free tools such as MyHomeValue . Like the CMA above, this gives you an accurate price estimate on the property you’re looking at, so you’ll know whether or not it’s overpriced. You’ll also want to check up on the ethnic and SPR quotas of the block(s) you’re looking at. HDB has a handy tool for this. Bonus Tip: Resale flats are also eligible for the Proximity Housing Grant if you’re staying within 4km of your parents/children. You can use this Distance Enquiry tool to check if your desired area is eligible for the extra subsidy. (Read also: The Complete Guide to CPF Housing Grants ) Step 5: Decide Whether to DIY or Hire an Agent Getting an agent for the purchase isn’t a must, but it does help with things like: Going through your finances to calculate exactly what you can afford Uncovering “hidden gems” based on your criteria Getting a CMA on shortlisted properties so you won’t be taken for a ride Conducting background checks on the property/seller Checking for potentially costly defects in units you’re interested in Negotiating with the seller to structure a winning offer If you’re confident and willing to put in the time to handle everything on your own, then you can save quite a bit: the typical agent commissions for resale HDBs is 2% of the purchase price (i.e., $10,000 on a 500k flat!) Step 6: Go for House Viewings This is the fun part, but it also requires a fair bit of attention to detail. You’re not just looking at the amount of space you’ll have or the various amenities in the area. Rather, you’re checking out how livable the unit is. That means making sure the facing is right (tip: Southeast-facing units get the morning sun, but are shielded from the heat of the afternoon), that there are no signs of loan sharks hounding the unit, and that the flat is well-maintained. You might even want to schedule the house viewing sometime in the afternoon. That way, you can check on the noise level during the day and make sure that the unit isn’t a giant oven in the midday heat. You’ll also want to check for the following, since these will cost you a small fortune in renovation expenses: Built-in furniture that may need to be torn out Damaged tiles or flooring that will cost a ton to replace Peeling paint (may indicate water seepage) Wet patches of flooring (may indicate leaky pipes) Rotten or termite-ridden wood (furniture, flooring, doorframes, etc.) Poor toilet flushing power (may indicate clogged drains) Rust-colored or “bloodstained” streaks on the walls (may indicate bedbugs) Oddly shaped corners/rooms where standard furniture may not fit Don’t feel paiseh to poke around and look beneath the surface. Better safe than sorry – you don’t want to end up paying hundreds of thousands for a bug-infested nightmare of a home! Step 7: Get Option to Purchase (OTP) Found your diamond in the rough? Great! With your HLE or AIP in hand, it’s time to get the OTP from the seller. (Note: HLE’s are valid for 6 months, while AIP’s are typically only valid for 2-4 weeks.) You’ll have to pay an Option Fee in exchange for the OTP. The exact amount is determined by the seller, but it can be anywhere from $1 to $1,000. You can still back out after getting the OTP (but before exercising it), so if you want to do a thorough inspection of the flat, this is the time. Step 8: Request for Valuation You now have 21 days to confirm the purchase. But it isn’t just idle time: this is when you sort out exactly how you’ll be financing the purchase. If you’re getting an HDB loan, the HLE will suffice. If you’re getting a bank loan, you’ll need a Letter of Offer (LO). But whether you’re going for a bank or an HDB loan, you’ll still need to submit a Request for Value so that the loan institutions have a number to work with. You’ll have to do this by the next working day after the Option Date in the OTP, so don’t dilly dally! There’s a non-refundable $120 processing fee for the Request for Value. You can submit it at the HDB Resale Portal here . Hopefully, you’ve done your homework and looked up past transactions in the area, so the valuation figure won’t come as a shock. You want the price to be either at or below the property valuation: anything above, and you’ll have to pay the difference in cash. (That is, unless you’re looking for a move-in ready home. Expect to pay a premium if so!) Step 9: Exercise Option Once you’ve got the HLE or LO, you can go ahead and exercise the OTP. This time, you’ll have to pay an Option Exercise Fee. The amount depends on the seller, but the Option Fee + Option Exercise Fee shouldn’t go beyond $5,000. These make up your official deposit for the flat. Step 10: Submit Resale Application After that, it’s time to put in the paperwork to HDB. Hop on to the HDB Resale Portal and submit the buyer’s Resale Application . The seller will also have to submit a Resale Application on their end. Make sure you both submit it within 7 days of each other – otherwise, the application will be cancelled and you’ll lose the $40-80 admin fee! You’ll need the following details: Address of the flat you’re buying OTP details Particulars of sellers Your own particulars + those of any occupiers Manner of holding (e.g., joint tenancy, tenancy-in-common ) Any housing grants you’re applying for Where you’re getting your home loan, if at all Whether you’re engaging HDB solicitors or private lawyers Now, if the seller needs more than 2 months to move out completely, they may ask you for a Temporary Extension of Stay here. It’s completely up to you whether you want to give it to them though, and they should reimburse you for the extra costs incurred. Step 11: Endorse Resale Documents & Pay Fees Once HDB accepts your application, they’ll review the paperwork to make sure everything is OK. Within 6 days, you’ll get an SMS from HDB telling you to log on to the Resale Portal and endorse the documents. You’ll have to pay the HDB resale Fees at the same time, so have your credit card ready. During this time, you’ll also have to book appointments with HDB or your bank of choice (whichever one you got the loan from). These appointments are to formalize the terms of the loan and check on the grant money you’re entitled to. Step 12: Inspect the Flat Now it’s mostly a waiting game – for HDB and for the seller to move out. At some point, HDB will arrange for technical executives to head over and inspect your newly-purchased flat. Their only job is to make sure that the seller hasn’t made any illegal alterations to the structure. But that also means that you’re on your own when it comes to the rest of the inspection. HDB won’t help you with the condition of the flat, so ideally you’d have done a thorough inspection waaaay before this point. After the seller moves out, you’ll need to inspect the flat and confirm that it’s vacant. This is also when you can check that everything listed in the valuation report is intact (built-in wardrobes and such). Step 13: Wait for HDB’s Confirm-Chop-Stamp From the time HDB confirms receipt of your Resale Application, it takes about 8 weeks for the application to be processed. Meanwhile, you’ll need to buy the mandatory fire insurance policy and bring the Certificate of Insurance to the final appointment. They’ll send you an SMS to arrange for this final appointment, at which point you… Step 14: Attend the Resale Completion Appointment Almost there! Print out a copy of the payment advice from the HDB Resale Portal: you’ll need this to pay off the remaining balance for the flat. It’s best to head over earlier and settle the bill at the Payment Office (level 3 of the HDB Hub). Afterwards, you’ll meet the Customer Relations Manager to sign a few documents and collect the keys from the seller. Aaand you’ve successfully purchased your very own resale flat! Well done!
Markdown	[![Bluenest](https://blog.bluenest.sg/wp-includes/images/logo.png)](http://www.bluenest.sg/) - [sellers]() - [Sell Your HDB](https://www.bluenest.sg/sellers/hdb) - [HDB Selling Guide](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-timeline-2019/) - [Sell Your Condo](https://www.bluenest.sg/sellers/condo) - [Condo Selling Guide](https://blog.bluenest.sg/how-to-sell-private-property/) - [Sold in 2 Days](https://blog.bluenest.sg/how-we-sold-a-resale-hdb-flat-in-just-2-days/) - [Sold at Record High](https://blog.bluenest.sg/success-story-how-we-sold-at-highest-transacted-price/) - [PROPERTIES](https://www.bluenest.sg/properties) - [landlords]() - [Rent with Bluenest](https://www.bluenest.sg/landlords) - [HDB Rental Guide](https://blog.bluenest.sg/rent-out-hdb-flat/) - [Condo Rental Guide](https://blog.bluenest.sg/how-to-rent-out-condo/) - [MyHomeValue™](https://www.bluenest.sg/myhomevalue) - [Blog](https://blog.bluenest.sg/) - [About Us](https://www.bluenest.sg/about) - [Contact us](https://www.bluenest.sg/contact) [\+65 3138 2554](tel:+65%203138%202554) August 16, 2019 ## [HDB Resale Procedure 2022 \[The Buyer’s Step-by-Step Guide\]](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/) [Buying Guide](https://blog.bluenest.sg/tag/buying-guide/ "Buying Guide Tag")[hdb resale process](https://blog.bluenest.sg/tag/hdb-resale-process/ "hdb resale process Tag") ![step by step guide to buy a resale flat](https://blog.bluenest.sg/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/1.png) Resale HDB flats have [several advantages](https://blog.bluenest.sg/bto-vs-resale) over BTO flats. For one, you won’t have to wait 3-5 years and with the [current BTO projects delay](https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/housing/bto-projects-delayed-by-6-months-or-longer-reduced-from-74-last-year-to-58-this-year-desmond-lee), you are likely to face an extended timeline of 6-12 months. Plus, older flats tend to be a lot more spacious. And with the generous HDB grants subsidizing the higher costs, buying a resale HDB flat is a very appealing option for the eligible homeowner. But before you start looking up listings, you want to make sure you’re well-prepared for every trick in the book. I mean, you don’t want to fork out the downpayment on your dream home only to find out it’s waay overpriced and you can’t afford the cash over valuation. So we’ll walk you through exactly how to buy an HDB resale flat – and all the traps to watch out for along the way. ## HDB Resale Procedure - [Step 1: Calculate Your Finances](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/#step1) - [Step 2: Register Your Intent to Buy](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/#step2) - [Step 3: Source for Home Loans](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/#step3) - [Step 4: Check Out Your Preferred Areas](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/#step4) - [Step 5: Decide Whether to DIY or Hire an Agent](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/#step5) - [Step 6: Go for House Viewings](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/#step6) - [Step 7: Get Option to Purchase (OTP)](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/#step7) - [Step 8: Request for Valuation](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/#step8) - [Step 9: Exercise Option](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/#step9) - [Step 10: Submit Resale Application](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/#step10) - [Step 11: Endorse Resale Documents & Pay Fees](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/#step11) - [Step 12: Inspect the Flat](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/#step12) - [Step 13: Wait for HDB’s Confirm-Chop-Stamp](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/#step13) - [Step 14: Attend Resale Completion Appointment](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/#step14) ## Step 1: Calculate Your Finances To figure out what kind of HDB flat you can afford, begin by [doing a financial health check](https://blog.bluenest.sg/buying-first-home-singapore). Specifically, you’ll want to know things like: - How much you currently have in savings / CPF - How much of your take-home pay you currently save per month - How much of your income you can reasonably give up to pay off a home loan - How much debt you currently have (credit card bills, car loans, etc.) - How much in [HDB grants](https://blog.bluenest.sg/housing-grants) you’re entitled to You probably already know that it’s not just about covering the purchase price of the property. You also need to account for costs like legal fees, stamp duty, home insurance, renovation costs, and so on. (Read also: [The REAL Costs of Buying Property in Singapore](https://blog.bluenest.sg/costs-of-buying-property-singapore)) For example, HDB homeowners spend an average of \$44,000 – \$67,000 renovating a resale flat – definitely not a small sum if you’re already cash-strapped from the purchase. Once you know all of the necessary figures, look into how much money you can borrow. HDB has [a free tool](https://services2.hdb.gov.sg/webapp/BP27MaxLoan/BP27PMax1.jsp) to help you estimate the maximum home loan amount, but this is only a guide – the actual number may be much lower depending on your other financial obligations. Many banks like DBS and OCBC also have online loan calculators so you can estimate how much you’d get. Just bear in mind that with bank loans, you’ll need to pay a [lot more in cash upfront](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-loan-vs-bank-loan). ## Step 2: Register Your Intent to Buy Registering your [Intent to Buy](https://www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/residential/buying-a-flat/resale/procedures/register-intent-to-buy) with HDB serves a few purposes. One, it tells you whether you’re eligible to buy a resale flat in the first place. Two – and more importantly – it tells you [the HDB grants you qualify for](https://blog.bluenest.sg/housing-grants). You could potentially get up to \$160,000 in subsidies for a resale flat, which shaves a good chunk off the purchase price. The Intent to Buy is valid for up to 12 months, which should give you more than enough time to find a suitable flat. (You can always reapply if you need more time though!) It’s free, instant, and available via [the HDB Resale Portal here](https://services2.hdb.gov.sg/webapp/BB31AWDashboardWeb/BB31PLogin.jsp). ## Step 3: Source for Home Loans Here’s where a bit of research goes a loooong way. We have another resource on [how to decide between an HDB vs bank loan](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-loan-vs-bank-loan), but in short: - HDB loans are more predictable, fuss-free, and have lower legal fees - Bank loans typically offer lower interest rates, but require you to be a lot more involved But there’s one other important note: make sure you get the [HDB Loan Eligibility Letter (HLE)](https://www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/residential/financing-a-flat-purchase/housing-loan-from-hdb/eligibility-conditions) or the bank’s Approval In-Principle (AIP) before you put down any money for the flat. Why? Because you don’t want to be kiasu and end up making one of the most common buyer mistakes: paying the seller the non-refundable Option Fee and then realizing afterwards that you can’t get a big enough loan to cover the purchase price. The HLE and AIP both tell you the max loan you can take out and the monthly instalments you’ll have to make. They’re also free and non-binding, so you can always switch to a different financier or reapply if the documents expire before you find the right HDB. (Related Reading: [Freelancers – Here’s How to Secure a Larger Housing Loan.](https://blog.bluenest.sg/home-loan-for-freelancers)) ## Step 4: Check Out Your Preferred Areas You probably already have familiar haunts you’d prefer to live in, or perhaps certain preferences (e.g., staying near your aging parents, getting a flat with a long-enough lease). So this is where you start [checking out the prices for your preferred areas](https://blog.bluenest.sg/how-to-get-property-valuation): - Check on the prices for [recently transacted flats in](https://services2.hdb.gov.sg/webapp/BB33RTIS/BB33PReslTrans.jsp) the area. This helps you get an idea of the real prices at which the units changed hands. - Look up current listings on marketplaces such as SRX or 99.co. Just note that unlike the recently transacted units above, these are usually marked up as sellers expect you to negotiate on the price. - Get a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) from a real estate agent. This gives you a free and highly accurate price estimate based on a detailed analysis of past transactions, current listings, removed listings, and the unique characteristics of the unit(s) being sold. - Get property value estimates using free tools such as [MyHomeValue](https://www.bluenest.sg/myhomevalue). Like the CMA above, this gives you an accurate price estimate on the property you’re looking at, so you’ll know whether or not it’s overpriced. You’ll also want to check up on the ethnic and SPR quotas of the block(s) you’re looking at. HDB has [a handy tool](https://services2.hdb.gov.sg/webapp/BB29ETHN/BB29STREET) for this. Bonus Tip: Resale flats are also eligible for the Proximity Housing Grant if you’re staying within 4km of your parents/children. You can use [this Distance Enquiry tool](https://services2.hdb.gov.sg/webapp/BB292KM/BB292KM_ENQ) to check if your desired area is eligible for the extra subsidy. (Read also: [The Complete Guide to CPF Housing Grants](https://blog.bluenest.sg/housing-grants)) ## Step 5: Decide Whether to DIY or Hire an Agent Getting an agent for the purchase isn’t a must, but it does help with things like: - Going through your finances to calculate exactly what you can afford - Uncovering “hidden gems” based on your criteria - Getting a CMA on shortlisted properties so you won’t be taken for a ride - Conducting background checks on the property/seller - Checking for potentially costly defects in units you’re interested in - Negotiating with the seller to structure a winning offer If you’re confident and willing to put in the time to handle everything on your own, then you can save quite a bit: the typical agent commissions for resale HDBs is 2% of the purchase price (i.e., \$10,000 on a 500k flat!) ## Step 6: Go for House Viewings This is the fun part, but it also requires a fair bit of attention to detail. You’re not just looking at the amount of space you’ll have or the various amenities in the area. Rather, you’re checking out how livable the unit is. That means making sure the facing is right (tip: Southeast-facing units get the morning sun, but are shielded from the heat of the afternoon), that there are no signs of loan sharks hounding the unit, and that the flat is well-maintained. You might even want to schedule the house viewing sometime in the afternoon. That way, you can check on the noise level during the day and make sure that the unit isn’t a giant oven in the midday heat. You’ll also want to check for the following, since these will cost you a small fortune in renovation expenses: - Built-in furniture that may need to be torn out - Damaged tiles or flooring that will cost a ton to replace - Peeling paint (may indicate water seepage) - Wet patches of flooring (may indicate leaky pipes) - Rotten or termite-ridden wood (furniture, flooring, doorframes, etc.) - Poor toilet flushing power (may indicate clogged drains) - Rust-colored or “bloodstained” streaks on the walls (may indicate bedbugs) - Oddly shaped corners/rooms where standard furniture may not fit Don’t feel paiseh to poke around and look beneath the surface. Better safe than sorry – you don’t want to end up paying hundreds of thousands for a bug-infested nightmare of a home\! ## Step 7: Get Option to Purchase (OTP) Found your diamond in the rough? Great! With your HLE or AIP in hand, it’s time to get the OTP from the seller. (Note: HLE’s are valid for 6 months, while AIP’s are typically only valid for 2-4 weeks.) You’ll have to pay an Option Fee in exchange for the OTP. The exact amount is determined by the seller, but it can be anywhere from \$1 to \$1,000. You can still back out after getting the OTP (but before exercising it), so if you want to do a thorough inspection of the flat, this is the time. ## Step 8: Request for Valuation You now have 21 days to confirm the purchase. But it isn’t just idle time: this is when you sort out exactly how you’ll be financing the purchase. If you’re getting an HDB loan, the HLE will suffice. If you’re getting a bank loan, you’ll need a Letter of Offer (LO). But whether you’re going for a bank or an HDB loan, you’ll still need to submit a Request for Value so that the loan institutions have a number to work with. You’ll have to do this by the next working day after the Option Date in the OTP, so don’t dilly dally\! There’s a non-refundable \$120 processing fee for the Request for Value. You can submit it at the [HDB Resale Portal here](https://services2.hdb.gov.sg/webapp/BB31ERESALE3/BB31SMain). Hopefully, you’ve done your homework and looked up past transactions in the area, so the valuation figure won’t come as a shock. You want the price to be either at or below the property valuation: anything above, and you’ll have to pay the difference in cash. (That is, unless you’re looking for a move-in ready home. Expect to pay a premium if so!) ## Step 9: Exercise Option Once you’ve got the HLE or LO, you can go ahead and exercise the OTP. This time, you’ll have to pay an Option Exercise Fee. The amount depends on the seller, but the Option Fee + Option Exercise Fee shouldn’t go beyond \$5,000. These make up your official deposit for the flat. ## Step 10: Submit Resale Application After that, it’s time to put in the paperwork to HDB. Hop on to the HDB Resale Portal and submit the buyer’s [Resale Application](https://www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/residential/buying-a-flat/resale/buying-process/application-procedure/resale-application). The seller will also have to submit a Resale Application on their end. Make sure you both submit it within 7 days of each other – otherwise, the application will be cancelled and you’ll lose the \$40-80 admin fee\! You’ll need the following details: - Address of the flat you’re buying - OTP details - Particulars of sellers - Your own particulars + those of any occupiers - Manner of holding (e.g., [joint tenancy, tenancy-in-common](https://www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/residential/buying-a-flat/resale/procedures/resale-application/additional-information-)) - Any housing grants you’re applying for - Where you’re getting your home loan, if at all - Whether you’re engaging HDB solicitors or private lawyers Now, if the seller needs more than 2 months to move out completely, they may ask you for a [Temporary Extension of Stay](https://www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/residential/selling-a-flat/procedures/temporary-extension-of-stay-for-sellers) here. It’s completely up to you whether you want to give it to them though, and they should reimburse you for the extra costs incurred. ## Step 11: Endorse Resale Documents & Pay Fees Once HDB accepts your application, they’ll review the paperwork to make sure everything is OK. Within 6 days, you’ll get an SMS from HDB telling you to log on to the Resale Portal and endorse the documents. You’ll have to pay the HDB resale Fees at the same time, so have your credit card ready. During this time, you’ll also have to book appointments with HDB or your bank of choice (whichever one you got the loan from). These appointments are to formalize the terms of the loan and check on the grant money you’re entitled to. ## Step 12: Inspect the Flat Now it’s mostly a waiting game – for HDB and for the seller to move out. At some point, HDB will arrange for technical executives to head over and inspect your newly-purchased flat. Their only job is to make sure that the seller hasn’t made any illegal alterations to the structure. But that also means that you’re on your own when it comes to the rest of the inspection. HDB won’t help you with the condition of the flat, so ideally you’d have done a thorough inspection waaaay before this point. After the seller moves out, you’ll need to inspect the flat and confirm that it’s vacant. This is also when you can check that everything listed in the valuation report is intact (built-in wardrobes and such). ## Step 13: Wait for HDB’s Confirm-Chop-Stamp From the time HDB confirms receipt of your Resale Application, it takes about 8 weeks for the application to be processed. Meanwhile, you’ll need to buy the [mandatory fire insurance policy](https://www.etiqa.com.sg/personal/general-insurance/property/eprotect-home/) and bring the Certificate of Insurance to the final appointment. They’ll send you an SMS to arrange for this final appointment, at which point you… ## Step 14: Attend the Resale Completion Appointment Almost there\! Print out a copy of the payment advice from the HDB Resale Portal: you’ll need this to pay off the remaining balance for the flat. It’s best to head over earlier and settle the bill at the Payment Office (level 3 of the HDB Hub). Afterwards, you’ll meet the Customer Relations Manager to sign a few documents and collect the keys from the seller. Aaand you’ve successfully purchased your very own resale flat! Well done\! [![New call-to-action](https://blog.bluenest.sg/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/650e77af-569c-4e08-989a-a6ae5cd725fe.jpg)](https://www.bluenest.sg/sellers/singaporeproperty?hsCtaTracking=650e77af-569c-4e08-989a-a6ae5cd725fe%7C53e10e4c-b9e8-477c-9df1-82b6665be64d) [![](https://blog_prod.bluenest.sg/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/MeilingBluenestWriter-300x300.jpg)](https://blog.bluenest.sg/author/tanmeiling/) By Tan Meiling Meiling is an American-born Chinese living in Singapore. As a property owner herself, she enjoys doing research into the local real estate market and making highly technical topics easy to understand for readers. In her spare time, Meiling enjoys going for a long run or snuggling into her armchair with a good book. ## 1 thought on “HDB Resale Procedure 2022 \[The Buyer’s Step-by-Step Guide\]” 1. ![](https://www.gravatar.com/avatar.php?gravatar_id=927c8b70d7bfa13dbfe168d15f5e9bd1&size=40) Praveen Kumar [March 26, 2021 at 3:48 pm](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/#comment-1419) Informative and insightful post on HDB resale procedure. Thanks for writing and sharing this post with us. 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Readable Markdown	Resale HDB flats have [several advantages](https://blog.bluenest.sg/bto-vs-resale) over BTO flats. For one, you won’t have to wait 3-5 years and with the [current BTO projects delay](https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/housing/bto-projects-delayed-by-6-months-or-longer-reduced-from-74-last-year-to-58-this-year-desmond-lee), you are likely to face an extended timeline of 6-12 months. Plus, older flats tend to be a lot more spacious. And with the generous HDB grants subsidizing the higher costs, buying a resale HDB flat is a very appealing option for the eligible homeowner. But before you start looking up listings, you want to make sure you’re well-prepared for every trick in the book. I mean, you don’t want to fork out the downpayment on your dream home only to find out it’s waay overpriced and you can’t afford the cash over valuation. So we’ll walk you through exactly how to buy an HDB resale flat – and all the traps to watch out for along the way. - [Step 1: Calculate Your Finances](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/#step1) - [Step 2: Register Your Intent to Buy](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/#step2) - [Step 3: Source for Home Loans](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/#step3) - [Step 4: Check Out Your Preferred Areas](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/#step4) - [Step 5: Decide Whether to DIY or Hire an Agent](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/#step5) - [Step 6: Go for House Viewings](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/#step6) - [Step 7: Get Option to Purchase (OTP)](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/#step7) - [Step 8: Request for Valuation](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/#step8) - [Step 9: Exercise Option](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/#step9) - [Step 10: Submit Resale Application](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/#step10) - [Step 11: Endorse Resale Documents & Pay Fees](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/#step11) - [Step 12: Inspect the Flat](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/#step12) - [Step 13: Wait for HDB’s Confirm-Chop-Stamp](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/#step13) - [Step 14: Attend Resale Completion Appointment](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-resale-procedure/#step14) ## Step 1: Calculate Your Finances To figure out what kind of HDB flat you can afford, begin by [doing a financial health check](https://blog.bluenest.sg/buying-first-home-singapore). Specifically, you’ll want to know things like: - How much you currently have in savings / CPF - How much of your take-home pay you currently save per month - How much of your income you can reasonably give up to pay off a home loan - How much debt you currently have (credit card bills, car loans, etc.) - How much in [HDB grants](https://blog.bluenest.sg/housing-grants) you’re entitled to You probably already know that it’s not just about covering the purchase price of the property. You also need to account for costs like legal fees, stamp duty, home insurance, renovation costs, and so on. (Read also: [The REAL Costs of Buying Property in Singapore](https://blog.bluenest.sg/costs-of-buying-property-singapore)) For example, HDB homeowners spend an average of \$44,000 – \$67,000 renovating a resale flat – definitely not a small sum if you’re already cash-strapped from the purchase. Once you know all of the necessary figures, look into how much money you can borrow. HDB has [a free tool](https://services2.hdb.gov.sg/webapp/BP27MaxLoan/BP27PMax1.jsp) to help you estimate the maximum home loan amount, but this is only a guide – the actual number may be much lower depending on your other financial obligations. Many banks like DBS and OCBC also have online loan calculators so you can estimate how much you’d get. Just bear in mind that with bank loans, you’ll need to pay a [lot more in cash upfront](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-loan-vs-bank-loan). ## Step 2: Register Your Intent to Buy Registering your [Intent to Buy](https://www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/residential/buying-a-flat/resale/procedures/register-intent-to-buy) with HDB serves a few purposes. One, it tells you whether you’re eligible to buy a resale flat in the first place. Two – and more importantly – it tells you [the HDB grants you qualify for](https://blog.bluenest.sg/housing-grants). You could potentially get up to \$160,000 in subsidies for a resale flat, which shaves a good chunk off the purchase price. The Intent to Buy is valid for up to 12 months, which should give you more than enough time to find a suitable flat. (You can always reapply if you need more time though!) It’s free, instant, and available via [the HDB Resale Portal here](https://services2.hdb.gov.sg/webapp/BB31AWDashboardWeb/BB31PLogin.jsp). ## Step 3: Source for Home Loans Here’s where a bit of research goes a loooong way. We have another resource on [how to decide between an HDB vs bank loan](https://blog.bluenest.sg/hdb-loan-vs-bank-loan), but in short: - HDB loans are more predictable, fuss-free, and have lower legal fees - Bank loans typically offer lower interest rates, but require you to be a lot more involved But there’s one other important note: make sure you get the [HDB Loan Eligibility Letter (HLE)](https://www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/residential/financing-a-flat-purchase/housing-loan-from-hdb/eligibility-conditions) or the bank’s Approval In-Principle (AIP) before you put down any money for the flat. Why? Because you don’t want to be kiasu and end up making one of the most common buyer mistakes: paying the seller the non-refundable Option Fee and then realizing afterwards that you can’t get a big enough loan to cover the purchase price. The HLE and AIP both tell you the max loan you can take out and the monthly instalments you’ll have to make. They’re also free and non-binding, so you can always switch to a different financier or reapply if the documents expire before you find the right HDB. (Related Reading: [Freelancers – Here’s How to Secure a Larger Housing Loan.](https://blog.bluenest.sg/home-loan-for-freelancers)) ## Step 4: Check Out Your Preferred Areas You probably already have familiar haunts you’d prefer to live in, or perhaps certain preferences (e.g., staying near your aging parents, getting a flat with a long-enough lease). So this is where you start [checking out the prices for your preferred areas](https://blog.bluenest.sg/how-to-get-property-valuation): - Check on the prices for [recently transacted flats in](https://services2.hdb.gov.sg/webapp/BB33RTIS/BB33PReslTrans.jsp) the area. This helps you get an idea of the real prices at which the units changed hands. - Look up current listings on marketplaces such as SRX or 99.co. Just note that unlike the recently transacted units above, these are usually marked up as sellers expect you to negotiate on the price. - Get a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) from a real estate agent. This gives you a free and highly accurate price estimate based on a detailed analysis of past transactions, current listings, removed listings, and the unique characteristics of the unit(s) being sold. - Get property value estimates using free tools such as [MyHomeValue](https://www.bluenest.sg/myhomevalue). Like the CMA above, this gives you an accurate price estimate on the property you’re looking at, so you’ll know whether or not it’s overpriced. You’ll also want to check up on the ethnic and SPR quotas of the block(s) you’re looking at. HDB has [a handy tool](https://services2.hdb.gov.sg/webapp/BB29ETHN/BB29STREET) for this. Bonus Tip: Resale flats are also eligible for the Proximity Housing Grant if you’re staying within 4km of your parents/children. You can use [this Distance Enquiry tool](https://services2.hdb.gov.sg/webapp/BB292KM/BB292KM_ENQ) to check if your desired area is eligible for the extra subsidy. (Read also: [The Complete Guide to CPF Housing Grants](https://blog.bluenest.sg/housing-grants)) ## Step 5: Decide Whether to DIY or Hire an Agent Getting an agent for the purchase isn’t a must, but it does help with things like: - Going through your finances to calculate exactly what you can afford - Uncovering “hidden gems” based on your criteria - Getting a CMA on shortlisted properties so you won’t be taken for a ride - Conducting background checks on the property/seller - Checking for potentially costly defects in units you’re interested in - Negotiating with the seller to structure a winning offer If you’re confident and willing to put in the time to handle everything on your own, then you can save quite a bit: the typical agent commissions for resale HDBs is 2% of the purchase price (i.e., \$10,000 on a 500k flat!) ## Step 6: Go for House Viewings This is the fun part, but it also requires a fair bit of attention to detail. You’re not just looking at the amount of space you’ll have or the various amenities in the area. Rather, you’re checking out how livable the unit is. That means making sure the facing is right (tip: Southeast-facing units get the morning sun, but are shielded from the heat of the afternoon), that there are no signs of loan sharks hounding the unit, and that the flat is well-maintained. You might even want to schedule the house viewing sometime in the afternoon. That way, you can check on the noise level during the day and make sure that the unit isn’t a giant oven in the midday heat. You’ll also want to check for the following, since these will cost you a small fortune in renovation expenses: - Built-in furniture that may need to be torn out - Damaged tiles or flooring that will cost a ton to replace - Peeling paint (may indicate water seepage) - Wet patches of flooring (may indicate leaky pipes) - Rotten or termite-ridden wood (furniture, flooring, doorframes, etc.) - Poor toilet flushing power (may indicate clogged drains) - Rust-colored or “bloodstained” streaks on the walls (may indicate bedbugs) - Oddly shaped corners/rooms where standard furniture may not fit Don’t feel paiseh to poke around and look beneath the surface. Better safe than sorry – you don’t want to end up paying hundreds of thousands for a bug-infested nightmare of a home\! ## Step 7: Get Option to Purchase (OTP) Found your diamond in the rough? Great! With your HLE or AIP in hand, it’s time to get the OTP from the seller. (Note: HLE’s are valid for 6 months, while AIP’s are typically only valid for 2-4 weeks.) You’ll have to pay an Option Fee in exchange for the OTP. The exact amount is determined by the seller, but it can be anywhere from \$1 to \$1,000. You can still back out after getting the OTP (but before exercising it), so if you want to do a thorough inspection of the flat, this is the time. ## Step 8: Request for Valuation You now have 21 days to confirm the purchase. But it isn’t just idle time: this is when you sort out exactly how you’ll be financing the purchase. If you’re getting an HDB loan, the HLE will suffice. If you’re getting a bank loan, you’ll need a Letter of Offer (LO). But whether you’re going for a bank or an HDB loan, you’ll still need to submit a Request for Value so that the loan institutions have a number to work with. You’ll have to do this by the next working day after the Option Date in the OTP, so don’t dilly dally\! There’s a non-refundable \$120 processing fee for the Request for Value. You can submit it at the [HDB Resale Portal here](https://services2.hdb.gov.sg/webapp/BB31ERESALE3/BB31SMain). Hopefully, you’ve done your homework and looked up past transactions in the area, so the valuation figure won’t come as a shock. You want the price to be either at or below the property valuation: anything above, and you’ll have to pay the difference in cash. (That is, unless you’re looking for a move-in ready home. Expect to pay a premium if so!) ## Step 9: Exercise Option Once you’ve got the HLE or LO, you can go ahead and exercise the OTP. This time, you’ll have to pay an Option Exercise Fee. The amount depends on the seller, but the Option Fee + Option Exercise Fee shouldn’t go beyond \$5,000. These make up your official deposit for the flat. ## Step 10: Submit Resale Application After that, it’s time to put in the paperwork to HDB. Hop on to the HDB Resale Portal and submit the buyer’s [Resale Application](https://www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/residential/buying-a-flat/resale/buying-process/application-procedure/resale-application). The seller will also have to submit a Resale Application on their end. Make sure you both submit it within 7 days of each other – otherwise, the application will be cancelled and you’ll lose the \$40-80 admin fee\! You’ll need the following details: - Address of the flat you’re buying - OTP details - Particulars of sellers - Your own particulars + those of any occupiers - Manner of holding (e.g., [joint tenancy, tenancy-in-common](https://www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/residential/buying-a-flat/resale/procedures/resale-application/additional-information-)) - Any housing grants you’re applying for - Where you’re getting your home loan, if at all - Whether you’re engaging HDB solicitors or private lawyers Now, if the seller needs more than 2 months to move out completely, they may ask you for a [Temporary Extension of Stay](https://www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/residential/selling-a-flat/procedures/temporary-extension-of-stay-for-sellers) here. It’s completely up to you whether you want to give it to them though, and they should reimburse you for the extra costs incurred. ## Step 11: Endorse Resale Documents & Pay Fees Once HDB accepts your application, they’ll review the paperwork to make sure everything is OK. Within 6 days, you’ll get an SMS from HDB telling you to log on to the Resale Portal and endorse the documents. You’ll have to pay the HDB resale Fees at the same time, so have your credit card ready. During this time, you’ll also have to book appointments with HDB or your bank of choice (whichever one you got the loan from). These appointments are to formalize the terms of the loan and check on the grant money you’re entitled to. ## Step 12: Inspect the Flat Now it’s mostly a waiting game – for HDB and for the seller to move out. At some point, HDB will arrange for technical executives to head over and inspect your newly-purchased flat. Their only job is to make sure that the seller hasn’t made any illegal alterations to the structure. But that also means that you’re on your own when it comes to the rest of the inspection. HDB won’t help you with the condition of the flat, so ideally you’d have done a thorough inspection waaaay before this point. After the seller moves out, you’ll need to inspect the flat and confirm that it’s vacant. This is also when you can check that everything listed in the valuation report is intact (built-in wardrobes and such). ## Step 13: Wait for HDB’s Confirm-Chop-Stamp From the time HDB confirms receipt of your Resale Application, it takes about 8 weeks for the application to be processed. Meanwhile, you’ll need to buy the [mandatory fire insurance policy](https://www.etiqa.com.sg/personal/general-insurance/property/eprotect-home/) and bring the Certificate of Insurance to the final appointment. They’ll send you an SMS to arrange for this final appointment, at which point you… ## Step 14: Attend the Resale Completion Appointment Almost there\! Print out a copy of the payment advice from the HDB Resale Portal: you’ll need this to pay off the remaining balance for the flat. It’s best to head over earlier and settle the bill at the Payment Office (level 3 of the HDB Hub). Afterwards, you’ll meet the Customer Relations Manager to sign a few documents and collect the keys from the seller. Aaand you’ve successfully purchased your very own resale flat! Well done\!
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