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
As of 6 Nov 2026. Source: HDB.
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 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.
Related terms
Sources
Every figure on this page was checked against the official government sources above on 6 Nov 2026. See our editorial policy.
This is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice.