Buying and Selling Guide

At-a-Glance: Typical Transaction Procedures & Timelines

HDB Resale (Sellers & Buyers)

Typical Timeline · About 8–10 Weeks After Submission

1

Preparation & Eligibility

Buyer: HFE ApplicationSeller: Register Intent to Sell
  • Budgeting, loan pre-checks, appoint agent/lawyer.
2

Grant Option (O.T.P.)

Option ~21 daysBuyer pays Option Fee
  • Buyer requests valuation & confirms bank loan.
3

Exercise Option

Usually within 3 weeks
  • Buyer pays Exercise Fee and signs documents.
4

Submission

~ 2 weeksHDB Admin Fee
  • Both parties submit via HDB Portal.
5

HDB Acceptance & Appointment

~ 2 weeks
  • Confirm inspections and completion appointment.
6

Completion

~ 8 weeks
  • Settle balance, deliver vacant possession, collect keys.

Actual dates follow HDB notices and your lawyer’s schedule.

Private Resale (Condo / Landed)

Typical Timeline · 8–12 Weeks From Exercise

1

Appoint Agent & Lawyers

Seller: Check SSDBuyer: ABSD / Tax Planning
  • Buyer gets loan In-Principle Approval (IPA).
2

Grant Option (O.T.P.)

Typical Option Fee: 1%Option ~14 days
  • Buyer arranges valuation & loan confirmation.
3

Exercise Option

Buyer tops up ~4%Pay BSD/ABSD within 14 days
  • Lawyers exchange documents and set completion date.
4

Completion

8–12 weeks
  • Settle balance, collect keys, vacant possession.

Custom timelines can be negotiated in the OTP/S&P.

Rental (Landlords & Tenants)

Typical Timeline

1

Match & Due Diligence

Landlord: Ownership/ConditionsTenant: Needs/Budget
  • Appoint agent, viewings, basic checks.
2

Issue L.O.I.

Good Faith Deposit~ 7 days
  • Agree key terms and move-in date.
3

Sign T.A.

Security Deposit + 1st MonthStamp Duty within 14 days
  • Prepare inventory / handover list.
4

Move-In & Defects Period

Defects usually reportable within 1 month
  • Repairs handled per tenancy agreement.
New Project (Building Under Construction)

Typical Timeline · From Booking To Delivery

1

Booking (Option)

Pay 5% immediately
  • Budgeting, loan IPA, lock the unit and stack.
2

Issue & Sign S&P

Issue ~2 weeksSign ~3 weeks
  • Pay BSD / ABSD within 14 days after signing.
3

Exercise & Top Up Downpayment

Within 8 weeks from Option, reach 20%
  • 5% booking + 15% downpayment.
4

Progressive Payments

~ 3–4 years
  • Until T.O.P./C.S.C. and final legal completion.
Progressive Payment Schedule
Milestone%
Booking: 5% Option Fee immediately + exercise to a total of 20% within 8 weeks20%
Foundation works completed10%
Reinforced concrete framework completed10%
Brick walls completed5%
Ceiling completed5%
Doors & windows in position; electrical wiring (without fittings), internal plastering & plumbing completed5%
Carparks, roads & drains serving the project completed5%
Notice of Vacant Possession & T.O.P. / C.S.C. (or certified copy thereof) issued25%
On legal completion after C.S.C.15%
Get A Personalised Timeline (PDF) One-to-one: tailored milestones and due dates based on your status, project and objectives.

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