# Resale Levy

- Topic: HDB & public housing
- Last updated: 6 Nov 2026
- Fact-checked against official government sources: 6 Nov 2026
- Canonical URL: https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/resale-levy/

## What is the HDB resale levy?

The resale levy is a fixed sum that second-timers pay HDB when they buy a second subsidised flat, such as a new BTO flat, after already enjoying one housing subsidy. It reduces the subsidy on the second flat, ranges from $15,000 to $55,000 for families depending on the first flat sold, and does not apply to resale flat buyers.

## Key facts

- **Who pays:** Second-timers buying a second subsidised flat from HDB
- **Family rates (first flat sold from 3 March 2006):** $15,000 (2-room) to $55,000 (executive condominium)
- **Single rates:** About half the family rate, e.g. $20,000 after a 4-room flat
- **Payment:** In cash and/or flat sale proceeds, not with a housing loan
- **Fixed at:** The point you book the second subsidised flat
- **Not payable when:** You buy a resale flat or private property instead

## How the resale levy works

HDB subsidises first homes. If you sell a subsidised flat and then buy another subsidised flat from HDB, the resale levy recovers part of the second subsidy, so subsidies are shared more fairly among buyers. Your [HFE letter](https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/hfe-letter/) tells you the levy payable.

## Resale levy rates

For a first subsidised flat sold on or after 3 March 2006:

| First subsidised flat | Family | Single |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2-room or 2-room Flexi | $15,000 | $7,500 |
| 3-room | $30,000 | $15,000 |
| 4-room | $40,000 | $20,000 |
| 5-room | $45,000 | $22,500 |
| 3Gen | $45,000 | Not applicable |
| Executive flat | $50,000 | $25,000 |
| Executive condominium | $55,000 | $27,500 |

If the first flat was sold before 3 March 2006, a percentage of its resale price applies instead, with minimum amounts.

## When it is paid

| Timing | How the levy is paid |
| --- | --- |
| First flat sold after you collect the keys to the second flat | Deducted from the first flat's net sale proceeds; any shortfall in cash |
| First flat sold before you collect the keys to the second flat | In cash at key collection |

## Example

A family sold their first 4-room flat, bought from HDB, in 2024. They now book a new 5-room BTO flat. They are second-timers, so they pay a $40,000 resale levy, based on the 4-room flat they sold, not the flat they are buying.

## Common mistakes

- **Using the new flat type to look up the levy.** It depends on the first subsidised flat.
- **Planning to pay it with a loan.** It must be paid in cash or from sale proceeds.
- **Forgetting that an EC counts.** An EC bought from a developer is a housing subsidy, with the highest levy.

## Frequently asked questions

### What counts as a housing subsidy?

A flat bought from HDB, a resale flat bought with CPF housing grants, a DBSS flat bought with a CPF housing grant, an EC bought from a developer, or other benefits such as SERS or HUDC privatisation.

### Do I pay a resale levy if I buy a resale flat?

No. HDB says the resale levy does not apply to buyers of resale flats.

### Can I take more than two housing subsidies?

No. If you or a core member have taken two housing subsidies, you can't apply for a flat from HDB or a resale Prime flat, though seniors may apply for a short-lease flat.

### Is the resale levy the same as subsidy recovery?

No. Subsidy recovery is a percentage of the resale price that owners of Plus and Prime flats bought from HDB return when they sell. It is in addition to any resale levy.

## Sources

1. [Conditions after buying a new flat (resale levy and subsidy recovery)](https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/bto-sbf-and-open-booking-of-flats/conditions-after-buying-a-new-flat) (HDB)
2. [Eligibility for couples and families](https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/flat-grant-and-loan-eligibility/couples-and-families) (HDB)

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Source: PropertyMeter (https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/resale-levy/). General information only, not financial, legal or tax advice.