Ohmyhome Blog HDB To Condo: Avoid Mistakes with These 7 Tips

Thinking of selling your HDB flat and moving into a condo? You're not alone. Many homeowners in Singapore take the HDB to condo step once they've reached their Minimum Occupation Period (MOP).With a stabilising market, moderated price growth, and smarter tools like MATCH and HomerAI at your fingertips, now's a great time to plan with confidence. At Ohmyhome, we've helped over 14,500 families transition into their dream homes, and we're here to guide you, too .Before you make the move, learn these 7 must-know tips to avoid costly mistakes when selling your HDB and buying a condo.7 Must-Know Tips When Selling HDB and Buying Condo1. Understand the Market Before You Jump From HDB to Condo2. Check your Eligibility to Sell3. Know the HDB Selling Process4. Plan the Right Timing5. Do the Math on your Finances6. Explore your Loan Options7. Don't do it Alone - get Advice from Professionals1. Understand the Market Before You Jump From HDB to CondoKnow when to sell and when to buy property - based on real data, not guesswork.The property market is always moving - and so should your strategy. Knowing when to sell and buy can help you maximise your HDB sale and make a smarter condo purchase.HDB resale marketResale HDB prices are expected to rise by 4% to 6% in 2025, following a 9.7% increase in 2024. This growth is driven by strong demand and a supply crunch - only 6,974 flats are expected to reach their Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) this year, the lowest in over a decade, according to The Business Times.Condominium marketIn addition, private home prices rose 3.9% in 2024, moderating from 6.8% in 2023. As a result, the median price gap between new and resale condos has widened, with new condos now costing 48.4% more than resale units.According to PropNex, in 2024, 5,420 condos were bought by individuals with HDB addresses - a 7.1% increase from the previous year.Still, it's not a simple decision. In a survey conducted by PropNex, 64% of flat owners cited the high cost of private homes as a major barrier to moving.Moving from HDB to condo may be financially viable for some, especially those in mature or well-located estates, but it's not a one-size-fits-all. Your budget, lifestyle needs, and long-term plans should guide your next step.2. Check your Eligibility to SellYour MOP is the key.Before you get too excited about moving from HDB to condo, make sure you're legally allowed to sell your flat. The most important factor is your Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) - usually five years from the date you collect your keys, not from your purchase or completion date.A common misconception? That you can sell as soon as your mortgage is paid off. Unfortunately, that's not the case - the MOP still applies even if the loan is fully cleared.If your MOP ends in 2025 or has already passed, now's the perfect time to start planning your next move.Pro tip: You can check your exact MOP status quickly by logging in to My HDBPage.3. Know the HDB Selling ProcessIt's more than just listing and waiting - timing and strategy matter.Here's how selling your HDB flat works:Register your intent to sell on the HDB Resale PortalMarket your unit with quality photos and accurate pricingHost viewings and engage interested buyersNegotiate and accept the best offerSubmit HDB resale application Finalise the sale and hand over the keysYou don't need to do it all alone. Selling your HDB and moving to a condo is a big move, but with the right support, it doesn't have to be stressful.Engage an Ohmyhome super agent and we'll guide you through every step - from pricing and marketing to negotiations and handover - so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.[elementor-template id="90075"]4. Plan the Right TimingShould you sell or buy first? The answer depends on your situation.Both options have pros and cons:OptionProsConsSell FirstKnow exactly how much cash you'll haveMay need temporary housing or a bridging loanBuy FirstSecure your dream home earlyRisk of juggling two mortgagesKeep in mind: You can request an Extension of Stay (EOS) for up to 3 months in your HDB after the sale - but only if you've already bought your next home and are waiting to collect the keys or finish renovations. The EOS doesn't give you extra time to house hunt, so make sure you've planned your next steps before relying on it.Use MATCH technology to receive curated property listings based on your budget, preferred location, and move-in timeline, directly to your phone. When you're ready to take the next step, an Ohmyhome super agent can walk you through your options and help you make the best decision for your situation. Just drop us a message on WhatsApp.5. Do the Math on your FinancesYou need to know both what you're getting and what you'll need to spend.Before you dive in, get a clear picture of your finances - what you'll receive from your HDB sale, and what you'll need to budget for your condo.Selling HDBCash Proceeds: Use HomerAI Cash Proceeds Calculator to estimate how much you'll receive after repaying your mortgage and refunding CPF used for the purchase.Outstanding Loans: Make sure to account for any outstanding loan balances, including accrued CPF interest.Buying a condoBuyer's Stamp Duty (BSD): This applies to all property purchases and is based on the purchase price or market value, whichever is higher.Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD): If you're buying a condo before selling your HDB, you may need to pay ABSD upfront - unless you're eligible for remission.CPF Usage: You can use your CPF savings to pay for the new condo, but there are limits based on the property's valuation.Use HomerAI to get a personalised breakdown of your finances, from cash proceeds to upfront costs - all in real time.[elementor-template id="86538"]6. Explore your Loan OptionsYou can borrow up to 75%; however, you'll need cash for the rest.So, if you're not buying fully in cash, here's what to know:First, you can borrow up to 75% of the purchase price.Next, you must pay at least 5% in cash and 20% via CPF or cash.Use the HomerAI Affordability Calculator to see what you can comfortably afford based on your income.7. Don't do it Alone - get Advice from ProfessionalsYou're not just making a sale - you're taking the next step in your home journeySelling and buying at the same time? It can be complex. That's why Ohmyhome doesn't just assign you one agent - we give you an entire support team.With Ohmyhome, you're not left to figure it out solo. We provide:Super Agents who transact 11x more than averageMATCH technology to pair you with the right condosHomerAI tools to plan your sale and next purchaseCustomer support from sales to renovationAt Ohmyhome, we're all about making home transactions simple, stress-free, and successful. We sell over 63% of our homes within 7 days, and 73% fetch above-average prices.You've worked hard for your home. Now, it's time to make it work harder for you.Let's make your move together.When you're ready to go from planning to doing, drop us a message on WhatsApp or chat live with us. From selling your HDB to buying a condo, you'll never walk alone - with Ohmyhome, you've got a team that truly cares.