HDB Guide
Minimum Occupation Period (MOP)
MOP determines when you can sell your flat on the open market or buy private property, and getting the date wrong can derail an upgrading timeline before it starts. Here's how it's actually counted and what to check before you plan around it.
Reviewed by Glenice Toh
When MOP Actually Starts And Ends
MOP is counted from the date you and any co-owners physically collected the keys to the flat, not the date of purchase or when the lease was signed. For most flat types it runs for 5 years, though some schemes and older flat types carry different conditions.
What's Off Limits Before MOP Is Met
Before MOP Is Met
- You can't sell the flat on the open market or through HDB resale.
- You and any co-owners generally can't buy or co-own private residential property in Singapore.
- Buying private property or an EC overseas is also generally restricted while a co-owner still holds the flat.
- You can't rent out the whole flat — only individual bedrooms, and only with HDB approval.
Resale Levy On A Second Subsidised Flat
Where People Get MOP Wrong
Plan Your Upgrading Sequence
Decide This Before Moving On
How you sequence the sale and next purchase affects both your cash flow and your stamp duty position.
- Sell first, buy afterAvoids ABSD on a second property, but adds temporary housing risk while you find your next home.
- Buy first, sell after MOPGives more certainty on your next home, but means paying ABSD upfront until the HDB flat is sold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is MOP and when does it start?
MOP is typically 5 years, generally counted from the date you and any co-owners collected the keys, with some exceptions under specific policy schemes.
Can I rent out my flat before MOP is met?
Only individual bedrooms with HDB approval — the whole flat cannot be rented out until MOP is met.
Does resale levy apply to everyone selling an HDB flat?
No, it generally applies only if you bought your current flat directly from HDB after previously owning a subsidised flat. Confirm your specific position with HDB.
Affordability
Estimate monthly mortgage capacity and an indicative maximum property price.
Run the Affordability calculator →Planning an upgrade around your MOP date?
Sequencing your sale and next purchase correctly protects both your cash flow and your stamp duty position.
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