Singapore ends 15‑month wait‑out for private owners buying HDB resale flats

On 28 July, Singapore’s Ministry of National Development announced the immediate removal of the 15‑month wait‑out period that required private‑property owners to pause before purchasing non‑subsidised HDB resale flats. The measure, introduced in 2022 to curb demand and give first‑time buyers priority, was scrapped after the government judged the resale market had stabilised, with prices falling 0.3 % in Q2 2026 following earlier declines.

Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat said the cooling rule had achieved its aim and was no longer needed. The change is expected to allow private owners to buy resale flats without delay, although some Singaporeans expressed concern that increased buying power could push resale prices higher.

The policy shift accompanies adjustments to the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty for developers and reflects broader efforts to balance housing supply and affordability.