Sale & Purchase Roadmap

The exact order of steps for selling, buying, or doing both at once, with every hard deadline dated, so nothing catches you out.
Quick answer: This roadmap sequences every step and deadline for selling or buying an HDB or private home, across 8 routes. Selling first avoids ABSD entirely; buying first means paying it upfront (20% SC, 30% PR, 60% foreigner) unless you are a married Singapore Citizen couple who sells within 6 months. SSD, resale wait out and disposal rules are flagged too.
Last reviewed: 29 July 2026

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Calculations last verified August 2026 against IRAS, MAS and HDB published rates.

Frequently asked questions

What routes does the Sale & Purchase Roadmap cover?

Selling an HDB only, selling private only, buying an HDB resale only, buying a private resale only, or four combined moves: upgrading (sell HDB, buy private), moving HDB to HDB, moving private to private, and right sizing (sell private, buy HDB resale).

What happens to ABSD if I buy before selling my existing home?

You pay it upfront in cash: 20% for a Singapore Citizen's second property, 30% for a PR, 60% for a foreigner. A married couple with at least one Singapore Citizen can claim it back only if the existing home is sold, meaning the buyer has exercised their OTP, within 6 months of the date you exercised the purchase OTP. Singles and non married co owners get no remission.

What is the safest sequence to avoid ABSD altogether?

Sell first, then buy. You never touch ABSD and know your exact proceeds before committing, but you need to line up interim housing, for example a Temporary Extension of Stay of up to 3 months, or renting.

What is the current Seller's Stamp Duty schedule for property bought after 4 July 2025?

SSD applies within 4 years: 16% in year 1, 12% in year 2, 8% in year 3, and 4% in year 4. Property bought before 4 July 2025 uses the older 3 year window at 12%, 8% and 4%.

Has the HDB wait out rule changed for buying a resale flat after selling private property?

Since 28 July 2026 there is no wait out period for buying a non subsidised resale flat without an HDB housing loan. A 30 month wait out still applies if you take an HDB housing loan, claim CPF housing grants, or buy a subsidised flat or a new EC. If you still own private property when the resale completes, you must dispose of it within 6 months.

Related tools

Purchase TimelineDated milestones from OTP to keys OTP Review Checklist15 points to verify before signing Affordability CalculatorTDSR & MSR budget check

Rules, rates and timelines on this page reflect Singapore policy as at 29 July 2026 and can change without notice. Timings are typical estimates, not guarantees. Verify against HDB, IRAS and your conveyancing lawyer before acting. The information and insights provided on this page are for informational purposes only and are based on Winfred's independent research and views. While we strive to ensure accuracy and reliability, we do not guarantee the completeness, correctness, or timeliness of the data presented. Real estate investments are subject to various risks, including but not limited to market fluctuations, changes in economic conditions, interest rate volatility, regulatory shifts, liquidity constraints, and unforeseen property specific risks. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and investment outcomes may vary. This page does not constitute investment, financial, or professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and seek advice from qualified professionals before making any investment decisions.