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Sell HDB, buy condo
The two routes, what each costs in cash and risk, and how a 2029 TOP changes the choice.
Check current rules
Rules on stamp duty, ABSD and loan limits change. The figures here reflect the rules as commonly published in 2026 (Buyer's Stamp Duty from Feb 2023, ABSD rates from Apr 2023, 55% TDSR, 75% loan-to-value). Confirm with IRAS, HDB and your bank before you commit.| Sell first, then buy | Buy first, then sell | |
|---|---|---|
| ABSD on the condo (Singapore Citizen) | 0% if the flat is already sold | 20% initially; remitted if you sell the flat within the window |
| Upfront cash | HDB proceeds are in hand | You fund the deposit and possibly ABSD before selling |
| Housing in between | You need somewhere to live until TOP | You stay in your flat |
| Main risk | Rent and moving costs; you might sell at a bad time | You miss the deadline and the ABSD is lost |
| Best for | Buyers who want certainty and have short-term housing options | Buyers with strong cash flow and a confident sale plan |
What the 2029 TOP means for timing
For an uncompleted new launch, the window to sell an existing property to qualify for ABSD remission is tied to the new home's completion milestones, not the booking date. Confirm the current start date with IRAS. This is why buying a new launch tends to suit upgraders: you have more time than with a completed condo.
What can go wrong
- The HDB resale market softens by the time you list.
- The buyer's financing falls through close to the deadline.
- Delays at TOP shift your own move-in date.
Model both routes in the upgrade calculator.
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