Step-By-Step Free Guide to upgrade HDB to Condo: 2026

January 17, 2026 | by nearme.sg

Timeline for Selling Your HDB & Buying Private: Timing, Legal Steps & Bridging Loans Explained

When it comes to upgrading from your HDB flat to a private condo in Singapore, timing isn’t just everything, it’s the difference between a seamless transition and a financial headache that keeps you up at night. So, how long does this whole process actually take? And what legal hoops do you need to jump through?

Here’s the real deal: expect the entire HDB selling timeline and private condo purchase to span 8 to 11 months when done strategically. But without proper coordination? You could find yourself paying ABSD, juggling two mortgages, or scrambling for temporary accommodation.

Let’s break down every step so you can upgrade with confidence.

Understanding the Big Picture: How Long Does Each Process Take?

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, you need to understand the two main timelines you’re working with:

Transaction	Typical Duration
HDB Sale	Approximately 6 months
Private Condo Purchase	2-5 months (depending on property type)

The challenge? These timelines don’t automatically align. Your job is to coordinate them so you’re not stuck holding two properties (hello, ABSD!) or temporarily homeless between moves.

Step 1: Check Your MOP Status First

Before you even browse condo listings, here’s your first checkpoint: your Minimum Occupation Period (MOP).

For most HDB flat owners, this is 5 years from the date you collected your keys. Until you’ve fulfilled your MOP, you legally cannot purchase private property in Singapore.

Quick MOP Checklist:

BTO flats: 5-year MOP
Resale flats with CPF grants: 5-year MOP
DBSS flats: 5-year MOP
EC units: 5-year MOP (for privatisation, it’s 10 years)

If you’re a Singapore Permanent Resident, take note: you must dispose of your HDB flat within 6 months of taking possession of your new condo. Plan accordingly!

Step 2: The Big Decision: Sell First or Buy First?

This is where most upgraders get stuck. Both approaches have their pros and cons, and your choice impacts everything from your finances to your stress levels.

Option A: Sell HDB First, Then Buy Condo

Why this works:

You completely avoid Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD): that’s a potential 20% savings for Singapore citizens buying a second property
You’ll have liquid funds from your HDB sale for your condo down payment
Cleaner, less financially risky transaction

The downside:

You might need to rent temporarily (typically 2-3 months)
Added moving costs and logistical headaches
Market conditions could change while you’re searching

Option B: Buy Condo First, Then Sell HDB

Why this works:

Seamless transition: move directly from HDB to condo
No rental costs or double-moving hassle
Secure your dream unit before selling

The downside:

You’ll pay ABSD upfront (refundable only if you sell HDB within 6 months)
Risk of holding two mortgages simultaneously
Significant financial strain during the overlap period

Pro tip: Most financial advisors recommend selling first unless you have substantial cash reserves or a guaranteed buyer lined up.

Step 3: The Optimal Timeline Strategy (ABSD-Free)

Want to avoid ABSD while minimising financial risk? Here’s the golden sequence that savvy upgraders follow:

List your HDB and secure a buyer who exercises the Option to Purchase (OTP)
Then exercise your OTP for the condo: this ensures the condo is considered your primary residence
Complete your HDB sale before condo completion: so your sale proceeds fund your purchase

This sequence is crucial. Get it wrong, and you’re looking at ABSD charges that could run into six figures.

Step 4: The Complete HDB Sale Timeline (Week by Week)

Here’s what the HDB legal process actually looks like from start to finish:

Stage	Timeline
Paperwork, valuations, and listing	1-3 weeks
Viewings and buyer negotiations	1 day to 4 months
Granting Option to Purchase (OTP)	Minimum 7 days after resale checklist
Buyer exercises OTP	1-2 weeks
Both parties submit resale applications	Within 7 days of each other
HDB document endorsement and fee payment	10-16 working days
HDB inspection and approval	28 working days
Resale completion appointment	~8 weeks after HDB accepts application
Total from OTP to completion	8-10 weeks

Important distinction: HDB OTP validity is 21 days, while private property OTP is typically 14 days. Keep this difference in mind when coordinating both transactions!

Step 5: Understanding Bridging Loans in Singapore

What happens if your condo completion date arrives before your HDB sale completes? This is where bridging loans become your best friend.

A bridging loan is essentially a short-term loan that “bridges” the gap between:

When you need to pay for your new condo, and
When your HDB sale proceeds become available

Key things to know about bridging loans:

Interest rates are typically higher than standard home loans (around 5-6% p.a.)
Loan tenure is usually 6 months or less
You’ll need to show proof of your HDB sale (exercised OTP)
Banks will assess both your existing and new property loans

CPF timing alert: Your CPF funds from the HDB sale take approximately two weeks to be credited back to your CPF account. Factor this into your payment schedule for the new property!

Step 6: Stamp Duty and ABSD Payment Timeline

Here’s when you’ll need to have your stamp duty funds ready:

Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD): Paid 1-2 weeks after exercising OTP
Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD): Same timeline as BSD, if applicable

For a $1.5 million condo, you’re looking at approximately $44,600 in BSD alone. If ABSD applies (20% for SC buying second property), that’s an additional $300,000. You’ll want to avoid that if possible!

Common Delays and How to Avoid Them

After helping countless upgraders through this process, here are the most common bottlenecks: and how to sidestep them:

Delay #1: Underestimating HDB Viewings

Solution: Price your flat competitively from day one. Overpriced flats sit on the market for months.

Delay #2: Waiting for “Perfect” Market Conditions

Solution: Perfect timing rarely exists. Focus on your personal financial readiness instead.

Delay #3: Incomplete Documentation

Solution: Gather all documents early: title deed, CPF statements, latest HDB loan statement, and income documents.

Delay #4: Misaligned Completion Dates

Solution: Work with your property agent to negotiate completion dates that sync between both transactions.

Delay #5: Last-Minute Financing Issues

Solution: Get your In-Principle Approval (IPA) from banks before you start house hunting.

Your Action Plan: The 8-11 Month Roadmap

Here’s a realistic timeline to work backwards from:

Month	Action Items
Month 1-2	Check MOP, assess finances, get loan IPA
Month 2-3	List HDB, start viewings
Month 3-5	Secure buyer, negotiate terms
Month 4-6	Exercise OTP for condo (after HDB OTP secured)
Month 6-8	Complete HDB sale, handle legal paperwork
Month 8-11	Complete condo purchase, move in

Final Thoughts: Planning Makes Perfect

The journey from HDB to private property doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right timeline, proper coordination between your sale and purchase, and a clear understanding of bridging loans and legal steps, you can make this upgrade smoothly.

The key takeaway? Start planning at least 8-11 months before your desired move-in date. This gives you buffer room for negotiations, market fluctuations, and the inevitable paperwork delays.

Looking to explore which areas offer the best value for your upgrade? Check out our guide on the best Singapore districts for property investment or browse 2026’s hottest new launches to find your next home.

Your dream condo is waiting; now you’ve got the roadmap to get there.

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