5 Groups Of People Impacted By The Immediate Removal Of The 15-Month Wait-Out Period Property Cooling Measure

The 15-month wait-out period for property owners buying HDB resale flats has been lifted with immediate effect. Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat announced this on 28 July 2026 during his speech at the Singapore Economic Review Conference. The 15-month wait-out period was introduced almost four years ago, in September 2022, as a temporary measure to moderate demand for HDB resale flats.

Earlier this year, the 15-month wait-out period was brought up during the Committee of Supply Debates in Parliament, following Budget 2026. In response, Minister Chee noted in his speech that it was “prudent to monitor for a while more before making any adjustments” and that he wanted “to assure Members that we will remove this restriction when conditions allow”.

According to the Ministry of National Development, the lifting of the 15-month wait-out period follows “several quarters of price moderation in the HDB resale market, which is showing signs of stabilisation”. HDB’s Resale Price Index shows that there was an immediate cooling effect on HDB resale prices following the introduction in September 2022, with prices falling in two consecutive quarters for the first time since 2019.

Source: HDB

Read Also: HDB Resale Prices Have Fallen For Two Quarters: What Does This Mean If You Plan To Sell?

#1 Private Property Owners Now Able to Buy HDB Resale Flats Immediately

Perhaps the most obvious beneficiaries are private property owners who previously had to endure the 15‑month wait before purchasing an HDB resale flat. This group includes singles who bought private property early in life but may now wish to move into a larger flat after marriage.

For them, the removal of the restriction means greater flexibility in planning their housing journey. Couples can now transition more smoothly into family‑sized flats without the disruption of waiting more than a year, which may have meant renting or delaying marriage plans.

#2 Seniors Aged 55 And Above

Previously, seniors aged 55 and above were exempted from the wait‑out period only if they bought 4‑room flats or smaller. This restriction limited their options, especially for those who wanted larger flats to live with extended family or to accommodate caregivers.

With the lifting of the measure, seniors now face no restrictions on the size of resale flats they can purchase. This change empowers them to choose homes that better suit their retirement needs, whether that means downsizing for convenience or upgrading for family support.

#3 HDB Sellers Who May Benefit From Renewed Demand

For sellers, the removal of the wait‑out period could bring a welcome boost in demand. Private property owners re‑entering the resale market expand the pool of potential buyers, which may help sellers secure quicker transactions or better prices.

While the government has emphasised that the market is stabilising, sellers can expect renewed interest, especially in well‑located flats near MRT stations, schools, and amenities. This could shorten listing times and improve bargaining positions, though sellers should remain realistic about pricing in a cautious market.

#4 Landlords Renting To Those Previously Affected

On the flip side, landlords who have been renting out rooms or entire units to those caught by the wait‑out period may see demand taper off. Many private property owners who had to rent while waiting out the restriction will now be able to buy resale flats directly.

This could soften rental demand in certain areas, particularly mature estates where resale flats are popular among families. Landlords may need to adjust expectations, offer more competitive rents, or target different tenant segments to maintain occupancy.

#5 Existing HDB Resale Buyers Facing More Competition

Finally, current HDB resale buyers will find themselves in a more crowded field. With private property owners now able to buy immediately once again, competition for desirable flats will intensify, especially larger units in prime locations.

This could mean higher bidding pressure, longer negotiation times, and potentially firmer Cash‑Over‑Valuation (COV) premiums. Buyers who were hoping for a quieter market may need to act more decisively or expand their search to less competitive towns.

A Gentle Landing For HDB Resale Prices

The removal of the 15‑month wait‑out period underscores the government’s ability to calibrate property measures in response to market conditions. Just as its introduction in 2022 helped cool runaway demand, its removal in 2026 is designed to provide falling HDB resale prices with a gentler landing.

By easing restrictions now, policymakers are signalling confidence that the market can absorb renewed demand without reigniting unsustainable price growth. For homeowners, buyers, and landlords alike, the message is clear: property prices in Singapore remain under careful watch, with measures implemented and lifted to ensure stability rather than volatility.

Read Also: A History Of Property Cooling Measures In Singapore Over The Years