Selling your HDB flat is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and with so much money on the line, every choice matters. One of the first questions most homeowners ask is: Do you really need a property agent to sell your HDB?
The short answer is no—it’s not mandatory. But the real question is whether going the DIY route or engaging an agent makes more sense for your situation. In this guide, we’ll break down the HDB resale process, weigh the pros and cons of selling without an agent, and highlight when hiring one could actually save you time, stress, and even money.
The HDB Resale Process at a Glance
Whether you choose to engage a property agent or go the DIY route, the HDB resale journey follows a clearly defined process:
Register Intent to Sell – Every seller must start here on HDB’s portal. There’s a mandatory 7-day cooling-off period before you can proceed.
Market Your Flat – Create listings, schedule viewings, and manage enquiries yourself, or let your agent handle these tasks.
Grant & Exercise the Option to Purchase (OTP) – The buyer first pays up to $1,000 to secure the unit, then up to $4,000 (inclusive of the option fee) when exercising the OTP.
Submit the Resale Application – Both seller and buyer must submit their portions within 7 days of each other.
HDB Approval & Completion – Once HDB endorses the transaction, the final appointment and completion take place. From OTP to completion, the process typically takes about 8–12 weeks.
👉 The key takeaway: the steps are fixed and regulated by HDB, whether you decide to sell independently or with the help of an agent.
Can You Sell an HDB Without an Agent?
Yes — it’s completely legal and entirely possible to sell your HDB flat without engaging a property agent. In fact, more homeowners are choosing the DIY route today, thanks to clearer guidelines from HDB and the convenience of online tools.
The main draw? Cost savings. By skipping an agent, you avoid paying the typical 1–2% commission fee on your selling price. On a $500,000 flat, that’s $5,000–$10,000 you keep in your pocket. For confident and detail-oriented sellers, this DIY approach can be an attractive way to maximise proceeds from their sale.
Pros of DIY Selling
Choosing to sell your HDB flat without an agent comes with several clear advantages:
Save Thousands – By avoiding the 1–2% agent commission, you can keep a significant sum for yourself. On a $500,000 flat, that’s $5,000–$10,000 saved.
Direct Control – You decide on pricing, how to negotiate, and which offers to accept. Every step of the sale remains firmly in your hands.
Flexibility – Schedule viewings, manage enquiries, and pace the process in a way that works best for you and your family.
HDB’s Resale Portal – With a more intuitive system in place, HDB now guides sellers through each step, making DIY selling more manageable than ever.
Cons and Challenges of DIY
While DIY selling can save you money, it also comes with its fair share of hurdles:
Complexity – Every aspect of the sale, from paperwork to compliance with HDB rules, becomes your responsibility. Missing a step can delay or derail the transaction.
Expertise Gap – Without market insights, you risk underpricing your flat, overpricing it to the point of scaring off buyers, or losing out during negotiations.
Limited Reach – DIY sellers can’t access premium property portals like PropertyGuru or 99.co, which agents often rely on to attract serious buyers.
Time & Stress – From responding to endless buyer enquiries to coordinating viewings and managing follow-ups, the process can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re juggling work or buying another flat at the same time.
The Value of a Property Agent
Engaging a property agent may come with commission fees, but the support they provide can be well worth the cost:
Market Expertise – Agents bring deep knowledge of market trends, past transactions, and buyer behaviour, helping you price your flat competitively and strategically.
Marketing Power – With access to premium portals and multiple listing channels, agents can give your property wider exposure and attract more qualified buyers.
Negotiation & Paperwork – From handling offers to drafting and processing the Option to Purchase (OTP), agents ensure legal compliance and streamline the paperwork.
Stress-Free Convenience – Agents coordinate viewings, filter serious buyers, and manage transaction logistics, making the entire resale journey smoother and less overwhelming.
DIY vs. Agent: How to Decide
Still unsure which path is right for you? Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison:
| Factor | DIY Selling | With Agent |
|---|---|---|
| Save on Commission | ✅ Yes, 1–2% savings | ❌ No |
| Control Over Process | ✅ Full control | ❌ Limited |
| Buyer Reach & Exposure | ❌ Limited platforms | ✅ Wide, premium portals |
| Paperwork & Compliance | ❌ Handled by you | ✅ Managed by agent |
| Negotiation Expertise | ❌ On your own | ✅ Professional support |
| Hassle-Free Experience | ❌ High time commitment | ✅ Low stress |
Summary:
DIY selling is best for confident, detail-oriented sellers who want to save money and don’t mind investing time and effort.
Hiring an agent is ideal for busy sellers or those who prioritise convenience, speed, and professional expertise to secure the best deal with minimal stress.
Smart Tips if You DIY Your HDB Sale
If you decide to go the DIY route, preparation is everything. Here are some practical tips to help you manage the process smoothly:
Ensure MOP Eligibility – Check that your flat has met the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) before listing it for sale.
Register Intent to Sell Early – Start the process ahead of time on HDB’s portal to avoid unnecessary delays.
Price Competitively Using HDB Data – Refer to recent resale transactions in your area to set a realistic and attractive price.
Market Creatively – Go beyond HDB’s portal: use platforms like Carousell, 99.co, Facebook property groups, and even word-of-mouth to widen your reach.
Prepare Documents Meticulously – Stay on top of forms, deadlines, and submissions to prevent hiccups in the resale timeline.
Hire a Conveyancing Lawyer – Even without an agent, engaging a lawyer gives you peace of mind on legal matters and ensures all paperwork is handled properly.
Resources for Further Reading
Want to dive deeper into the details of selling your HDB flat? Here are some useful references to guide you:
SingaporeLegalAdvice.com – Step-by-step guide to selling without an agent.
Seedly.sg – Comprehensive breakdown of the HDB resale process.
NewGenHome.com – Insider tips for DIY sellers.
Yahoo Finance – Pros and cons of DIY vs agent.
Ohmyhome.com – Clear timeline of the HDB resale process.
Selling your HDB flat doesn’t require a property agent — but that doesn’t mean the decision is straightforward. While going DIY can save you thousands in commission fees, it also demands time, effort, and a strong grasp of the process. On the other hand, an experienced agent can bring market expertise, wider exposure, and peace of mind.
The good news is that both paths can lead to a successful sale. With the right preparation, tools, and support, you can confidently choose the route that best matches your priorities.
👉 Before deciding, check your flat’s market value to plan better — it’s the first step toward making an informed choice.
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