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Hi,

Me and my wife are both about 54 years old, and considering to “right-size” our home. Given that the marketing and completion of our property will take at least 6 months, we have the following two queries.

1) Do we have to serve the 15 months wait out period completely or we can apply for the HFE upon both turning 55 years old?

2) If HDB decides to remove the wait out period, can we go ahead and apply for the HFE or still have to serve out the complete 15 months?

Thanks
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12 Answers

Good day to you.

The Silver Housing Scheme is designed for buyers aged 55 and above who are looking to rightsize from a larger unit with an annual value not exceeding $31,000 to a 3-room flat or a smaller unit. This scheme allows them to bypass the waiting period typically required. However, it's important to note that buyers will need to make a top-up of $60,000 to their Retirement Account. Given your current circumstances, you'll need to wait another year to qualify.

Navigating a property transaction can feel overwhelming, especially when it intersects with major life events.
With over 15 years of experience as a property consultant, my role goes beyond market knowledge — it is to provide clarity, structure, and peace of mind through complex decisions.

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Hi

My understanding is that upon both of you reaching 55 years old, you can purchase resale hdb 4-room size and below types immediately and can apply the HFE letter. Need not wait further to apply. May I know when would both of you turn 55 years old?

Also do you need your CPF refund from the sale and use it for the next property purchase? If so, upon turning 55 years there are restrictions on the cpf usage as part of the OA will go to the RA to meet the full retirement sum. Hence it will be good to do some planning prior to the sale to confirm the optimal approach to make the right sizing work for you.

For question 2) as it is not a guarantee yet, we should not bank on it and it might also come with conditions so best to assume it will still be in place for the next 2 years.

Happy to discuss further on the phone to tailor the best approach for you and family.

Hope the above clarifies. I am well-versed with HDB and private property transactions, having helped more than 100 home-owners to smoothly complete their housing plans over the years. Please reach out to me at (65) 9 7 4 3 2 3 9 5 for a more in-depth discussion :)

May I have more info on your requirements so as to make better recommendations? Thanks and looking forward to chat more

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  • CS
    Hi Ivan, thanks for your reply.

    We are about 18mths away from turning 55yrs old. We do not need the sales proceeds from our condo to fund for the HDB resale flat purchase or to meet our CPF FRS requirement.

    Hence we have to consider carefully if we want to put up with the hassle of moving into a temporary rental place to serve out the waiting period or risk the government suddenly removing the wait out period and causing a surge in resale condo in the market thus depressing the price.

    Regards
YT Tan (陈永达)
Good evening Sir,

Both of you have to be 55 years old in order to apply for HFE. So may I know when will the youngest turns 55 years old?

Secondly in my humble opinion taking reference from before September 2022 (pre 15 months wait out period), you would be eligible to apply for HFE and purchase a resale HDB even before selling your private.

But question should be "should you act now or wait"?

Resale HDB price index has seen slower or no growth for past 5 consecutive quarters and transactions volume is lower compared to same quarter in 2025.

So who knows when HDB tweak the restriction. Will it be this year, next year or 2028?

Anyway time is the essence/ opportunity cost.

Will both of you prefer to buy something when there is less or more demand?

If possible, I hope both of you will be readier than other private owners before the floodgate opens.

Best regards,
YT Tan
9111 51 71 (wa.me/6591115171)
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2
Waiting out means potential of missing opportunities, your consideration should not rely purely on HDB purchase because sale of your current place can also significantly impact your purchase plans. There are alway plenty of what-ifs, like authorities introducing new schemes that may affect you, despite the ongoing hearsay on removing the 15 months wait out period soon.

As of now, if final decision is to look into purchasing a HDB, you do not seem to have that many options. Take action to sell now means you wait for 15 month before you are eligible to purchase a resale HDB, but if both of you turn 55 years already, you may apply for HFE to purchase a resale 4 room flat or smaller unit.

Perhaps running through your numbers now could help you map out a more likely choice to make.

——

I have been in the real estate business since 2009, with more than 15 years of experience serving the Singapore real estate market. Check out the EdgeProp featured article on myself recently at https://www.edgeprop.sg/property-news/geryl-lim-leading-landed-real-estate-heart-hustle-and-harmony

I am very active in the residential segment of Singapore real estate market, having transacted hundreds of deals from HDBs to private condominiums and landed properties in Singapore, and have handled many unique cases in sales and purchases as well as rental deals.

Over the years, I have also established a network reaching out to more than 15,900 expatriates, bringing my market presence to both in and outside of Singapore. This has created an additional exposure when I manage my client's portfolios, on top of the conventional on and offline platforms, where other estate agents are relying on. This has allowed me to consistently convert leads into results.

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✔1 Silver Housing Scheme allows age 55+ owners to rightsize without waiting, but requires a $60,000 top-up to the Retirement Account. You’ll be eligible in about a year.

✔2 Once both of you reach 55, you can directly buy a resale HDB (4-room or smaller) and apply for the HFE letter immediately. When will you both turn 55?

✔3 CPF from your sale may be limited, as part of your OA will move into your Retirement Account at 55. Plan ahead before selling.

ANSWERS:
At 55, you can proceed without delay, but CPF usage becomes tighter, so early planning is important.

“Plans are nothing; planning is everything.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower

WhatsApp me at >> ✔✔9856 9255 or through this link.:https://wa.me/6598569255.

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0
Hi! Happy to support your transition. Based on the current rules, both of you need to cross 55 to apply for the HFE. Nevertheless, there are ways around it to make your transition more seamless.

Recently also supported a couple of similar age to sell their private property and move to a HDB, and will be happy to share the experience.

I'm a Harvard graduated real estate agent with a degree in economics, and I have a decade of experience working on Singapore public policy.

Please reach out to me via whatsapp or email and I can share further.

Kay Cloud
The Harvard Educated Agent
Propnex Realty Pte Ltd
cloud@propnex.com
Tel: (+6.5.) 8.5.6.7.4.5.8.5
Whatsapp -> https://wa.me/6585674585 Read More
0
Hi, appreciate your sharing over PropertyGuru, currently no measure removal. Have to await both past age 55 then able to apply HFE before able to purchase 4 room HDB.
Looking forward to assist you at WhatsApp +65 9696 4398  or email me at stewartlim96964398@gmail.com

Cheers
Stewart
PropNex Senior Associate Division Director Read More
0
✔1 Silver Housing Scheme allows age 55+ owners to rightsize without waiting, but requires a $60,000 top-up to the Retirement Account. You’ll be eligible in about a year.

✔2 Once both of you reach 55, you can directly buy a resale HDB (4-room or smaller) and apply for the HFE letter immediately. When will you both turn 55?

✔3 CPF from your sale may be limited, as part of your OA will move into your Retirement Account at 55. Plan ahead before selling.

ANSWERS:
At 55, you can proceed without delay, but CPF usage becomes tighter, so early planning is important.

“Plans are nothing; planning is everything.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower

WhatsApp me at >> ✔✔9856 9255 or through this link.:https://wa.me/6598569255.

-----------------------99Years------------------------999Years---------------------->>>

IF YOU NEED more assistance with PROPERTY matters such as RENTING, SELLING, BUYING, or INVESTING, I’m here to help.

WhatsApp me at ✔✔ ABLE TOH (65) 9856 9255  , Property Agent (Director ) or via this link:

https://wa.me/6598569255

Unfortunately, this platform does not allow direct contact, but you can easily reach me on WhatsApp.

✔✔✔You can READ my REVIEWS here:Able S K Toh

https://www.propertyguru.com.sg/agent/able-s-k-toh-61591

For PRIVATE HOME BUYERS

✔✔ I offer solutions for sourcing resale and new PRIVATE homes at ZERO charge

✔✔ Most PRIVATE seller agents are willing to share commission with buyer agents

DEVELOPER SALES TEAM

✔✔ BEST PRICES ✔✔ NO AGENT FEES

✔✔ LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEED

For UPDATED INFO, E BROCHURE, FLOOR PLAN, and PRICE LIST for New Launches Condominium in Singapore, contact me directly.

✔✔ Connect Singapore Line (ABLE TOH): (65) 9856 9255  , Property Agent (Director )

✔✔ WhatsApp: https://wa.me/6598569255
✔✔ Email: Able.selling@gmail.com

---///------ Read More
0
Tan Pei Cheng (Pei)
I would be glad to assist you.
Feel free to contact me at wa.me/6597100155
Hope to hear from you soon.
Pei Mobile: (65) 9 7 1 0 0 1 5 5.
Email: peicheng.tan@propnex.com
Associate Group Director
Propnex Realty Pte Ltd Read More
0
Hi Mr Choon,

If you are looking for a 4 room or smaller unit, you will be eligible to buy immediately once both you and wife have turned 55 years old. However, if you are looking for 5 room or larger units, the 15 months wait out period will be applicable.

Yes you will only be able to apply for the HFE (for 4 room or smaller unit) once both of you have turned 55 years old. If HDB removes this rule, then you will be eligible immediately.

I have clients who are in the same situation as yourself and what I did was to help them appeal for a waiver. Please feel free to contact me so that I can understand your situation better and assist you to appeal if you are keen to explore this option.

Regards,
Nick Tan
(M) +65 96 44 48 54
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Nick was invaluable in purchasing my next property. He sourced units within my budget and analysed price trends of condo projects I was interested in. With Nick’s assistance, the buying process was seamless, and he expertly coordinated the sale of my current unit with the purchase of the next. Kudos to Nick for his outstanding service and advice!
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During Nick’s presentation to us, he showed confidence and resourcefulness. He showed us his various methods of reaching out to potential buyers instead of just relying on Propertyguru. He also saw the potential of our home to sell at our projected p Read More
0
Hi,

1) You may apply for an HFE upon both of you reached 55 yrs old if you intend to purchase a 4-rm or smaller flat.
You are not required to complete the 15-month wait-out period by then.
2) You have to read the details of the removal notice. We wouldn't know whether there are any conditions attached of the removal.

All The Best!!!

Hope the above answers your main concerns, but if there are more queries, please feel free to contact me at 90110636  or email: ling.ck7@gmail.com if more information is needed.
I'll be glad to assist.

Best regards
Ling CK
 90110636 
ling.ck7@gmail.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckling/
https://agents.huttonsgroup.com/R056727F/ Read More
1
✔1 Silver Housing Scheme allows age 55+ owners to rightsize without waiting, but requires a $60,000 top-up to the Retirement Account. You’ll be eligible in about a year.

✔2 Once both of you reach 55, you can directly buy a resale HDB (4-room or smaller) and apply for the HFE letter immediately. When will you both turn 55?

✔3 CPF from your sale may be limited, as part of your OA will move into your Retirement Account at 55. Plan ahead before selling.

ANSWERS:
At 55, you can proceed without delay, but CPF usage becomes tighter, so early planning is important.

“Plans are nothing; planning is everything.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower

WhatsApp me at >> ✔✔9856 9255 or through this link.:https://wa.me/6598569255.

-----------------------99Years------------------------999Years---------------------->>>

IF YOU NEED more assistance with PROPERTY matters such as RENTING, SELLING, BUYING, or INVESTING, I’m here to help.

WhatsApp me at ✔✔ ABLE TOH (65) 9856 9255  , Property Agent (Director ) or via this link:

https://wa.me/6598569255

Unfortunately, this platform does not allow direct contact, but you can easily reach me on WhatsApp.

✔✔✔You can READ my REVIEWS here:Able S K Toh

https://www.propertyguru.com.sg/agent/able-s-k-toh-61591

For PRIVATE HOME BUYERS

✔✔ I offer solutions for sourcing resale and new PRIVATE homes at ZERO charge

✔✔ Most PRIVATE seller agents are willing to share commission with buyer agents

DEVELOPER SALES TEAM

✔✔ BEST PRICES ✔✔ NO AGENT FEES

✔✔ LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEED Read More
0

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