HDB Resale Flat Buying Checklist 2026: HFE, OTP, Valuation & Fees

Buying a resale HDB flat involves more than agreeing on a price. This checklist follows the official process from HFE and OTP to valuation, fees and completion. This guide focuses on practical decisions and uses current official sources available at publication time.

Step 1: Get a valid HFE letter before the OTP

HDB says buyers must have a valid HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter before they can obtain an Option to Purchase (OTP) from a resale-flat seller. The HFE letter gives you an upfront view of your eligibility to buy, possible CPF housing grants and HDB loan eligibility.

If you are using a bank or other financial institution for financing, check the lender’s current approval and Letter of Offer requirements before committing to the purchase.

Step 2: Inspect the flat and verify the seller

Do not treat an HDB resale inspection as a substitute for your own checks. HDB’s inspection focuses on unauthorised renovation works that may affect HDB property or structural safety. It is not intended to confirm the value, workmanship condition or safety of every fitting.

HDB’s resale terms make clear that the buyer is responsible for checking the flat’s condition and whether renovation works are authorised. For major concerns, consider engaging an appropriate professional before exercising the OTP.

You can also request proof that the sellers own the flat and are eligible to sell it, such as relevant MyHDB, property-tax, town-council or title documents.

Step 3: Understand the Option to Purchase deposit

The seller can grant the official HDB OTP after the relevant requirements are met. The Option Fee is negotiated between buyer and seller and must be between S$1 and S$1,000.

If you exercise the OTP, you pay an Option Exercise Fee. The combined Option Fee and Option Exercise Fee cannot exceed S$5,000.

The OTP is valid for 21 calendar days from the option date, including weekends and public holidays. Do not rush that review period simply because another buyer is interested.

Step 4: Request for Value when required

If you intend to use CPF savings and/or a housing loan, a Request for Value is generally required unless your financial institution advises otherwise. HDB currently charges S$120 for the request.

HDB states that the outcome is typically available within 10 working days and remains valid for three months. You and the seller must submit the resale application within the validity period for that transaction.

Step 5: Submit the resale application

After the OTP is exercised, both buyer and seller submit their respective portions of the resale application. HDB currently charges each party S$40 for a 1- or 2-room flat and S$80 for a 3-room or larger flat.

Both portions need to be submitted within seven calendar days of each other, otherwise the application can be cancelled. HDB says it may take up to 28 working days to accept a complete application with the required supporting documents.

Step 6: Budget beyond the purchase price

Besides the agreed resale price, budget for the OTP deposit, Request for Value, resale application fee, conveyancing/legal fees, stamp duties, registration fees and any cash amount not covered by CPF or financing.

If HDB acts as your solicitor, its legal fee schedule is based partly on the transaction and loan amounts, with additional SLA registration and caveat fees. Private-solicitor costs differ.

Step 7: Prepare for resale completion

HDB says resale completion is generally about eight weeks after acceptance of the resale application. Before completion, make sure financing, CPF usage, stamp fees and any required insurance are ready.

At completion, ownership and ongoing responsibilities transfer to you. That includes housing-loan repayment, service and conservancy charges and property tax.

Do not start renovation before completion

HDB resale terms state that renovation works should not be carried out before resale completion. After you receive the flat, follow the permit and working-hour rules in our HDB Renovation Rules guide.

If you are buying a resale unit with existing modifications, keep documentation of authorised works where available and resolve suspicious structural alterations before planning a new renovation.