15-Month Wait-Out Period Scrapped; En Bloc and Agent Rules Tightened
Published 29 July 2026 · Covers news from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
Singapore has removed the 15-month wait-out period for private property owners buying resale HDB flats, effective 28 July 2025, while analysts are divided on whether this will push resale prices higher. Separately, developers of large en bloc sites now have up to seven years to complete and sell projects under revised ABSD rules, and property agents face new minimum transaction requirements from 2027.
- Singapore has removed the 15-month wait-out period that previously prevented private property owners from buying resale HDB flats, announced by Minister Chee Hong Tat and effective 28 July 2025; Singapore Business Review notes the move comes amid easing resale prices [6] [8].
- Analysts cited by CNA consider the removal of the 15-month rule unlikely to drive up HDB resale prices, while The Edge Singapore reports that other analysts have welcomed the change — presenting a split view on the price impact [3] [5].
- From 29 July, developers redeveloping large en bloc sites receive up to seven years under revised ABSD rules to complete and sell projects, though Stacked Homes notes developers still face a significant outstanding challenge [2] [12].
- Mortgagee-sale listings hit a six-year high in the first half of 2026 as financing conditions tightened, according to The Business Times, signalling stress at the distressed-sale end of the private market [16].
- From 1 January 2027, property agents must complete at least three transactions every three years or pass a refresher exam to renew their CEA registration, with DIY home listings also under study by the regulator [4] [9].
Sources
- [2]Redeveloping Mega En Bloc Sites Just Got Easier — But Developers Still Face One Major Problem
Stacked Homes · 28/07/2026
- [3]Removal of 15-month rule unlikely to drive up HDB resale prices: Analysts - CNA
Google News — Singapore property · 28/07/2026
- [4]
- [5]
Note: This insight was AI-synthesised from the sources above. SifuProperty does not predict prices or recommend buy/sell timing. For decisions on a specific property, talk to a CEA-registered agent. Nothing here is financial or investment advice.