🏠 Property · HDB & Public Housing · Sub-Silo 3 · Tool #1

HDB Resale Levy Calculator Singapore 2026
Second-Timer Levy Rates by Flat Type — Full vs Half Levy & Net Sale Proceeds

Calculate the HDB resale levy you must pay as a second-timer buying another subsidised flat after selling your first. The levy depends on the flat type of the first subsidised flat you previously owned and whether your next purchase is a new flat (BTO/SBF — full levy) or a resale flat with CPF Housing Grant (half levy). This calculator shows the exact levy amount, deducts it from your sale proceeds alongside CPF refund, outstanding loan, and agent fees, and confirms whether your sale proceeds cover the levy or if you need additional cash.

✓ Levy by Flat Type (2-Rm to Exec) ✓ Full vs Half Levy ✓ Net Sale Proceeds ✓ All Flat Types Compared ✓ Levy Coverage Check
4-Room LevyS$40,000
5-Room LevyS$45,000
ExecutiveS$50,000
New BTO/SBFFull Levy
Resale + GrantHalf Levy
🏠 Resale Levy Inputs

Select the flat type you previously owned (sold or surrendered). The levy is based on the first subsidised flat type, not the new flat you are buying. If your first flat was a 1-room, no levy applies.

Full levy applies when buying a new subsidised flat (BTO, SBF, or EC directly from HDB). Half levy applies when buying an HDB resale flat and receiving a CPF Housing Grant. No levy if buying resale without any grant.

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Enter your sale details to see how much cash you receive after the levy, CPF refund, loan repayment, and agent fees. The levy is typically deducted from the sale proceeds at completion. If proceeds are insufficient, you must pay the shortfall in cash.

🏠 Levy Result
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Select your first subsidised flat type and next purchase type to see the resale levy amount. Add sale details for a full net proceeds breakdown.

Resale Levy by Flat Type — Full vs Half

HDB Resale Levy Singapore 2026 — Why Second-Timers Pay a Levy When Buying Another Subsidised Flat

The HDB resale levy is a one-time payment that second-timer flat buyers must pay when purchasing another subsidised HDB flat after having previously enjoyed a housing subsidy. The levy exists because HDB flats are sold below market value — the government subsidises the difference. When you sell your first subsidised flat (often at a significant profit due to market appreciation) and buy another subsidised flat, the levy “returns” part of the subsidy you received on the first flat. The levy amount depends on the flat type of your first subsidised flat (not the new flat), and whether you are buying a new flat from HDB (full levy) or a resale flat with a CPF Housing Grant (half levy).

Complete Resale Levy Schedule 2026

First Flat TypeFull Levy (New BTO/SBF)Half Levy (Resale + Grant)
2-Room FlexiS$15,000S$7,500
3-RoomS$30,000S$15,000
4-RoomS$40,000S$20,000
5-RoomS$45,000S$22,500
Executive / MaisonetteS$50,000S$25,000
DBSSS$50,000S$25,000

Full levy applies when buying a new flat from HDB (BTO, SBF, EC). Half levy applies when buying a resale flat and receiving a CPF Housing Grant. No levy if buying resale without any housing grant. Source: HDB.

How This Resale Levy Calculator Works — Flat Type, Levy Rate & Net Proceeds

Step 1 — Select Your First Flat Type

Choose the flat type of the subsidised flat you previously owned (and sold or surrendered). This determines the base levy rate. The levy is tied to the first flat, not the second — if you previously owned a 4-room, the levy is S$40,000 regardless of whether your next flat is a 3-room or 5-room.

Step 2 — Choose Your Next Purchase Type

If you are buying a new flat from HDB (BTO, SBF, or new EC from developer), the full levy applies. If you are buying an HDB resale flat and receiving a CPF Housing Grant (e.g., Enhanced CPF Housing Grant), the half levy applies. If you buy resale without any grant, no levy is payable.

Step 3 — Check Net Sale Proceeds (Optional)

Enter your first flat’s sale price, CPF refund, outstanding loan, and agent fees. The calculator deducts all items including the levy from the sale price to show your net cash. If the net cash is negative, you must top up the shortfall in cash — the levy cannot be waived or deferred.

3 Real Singapore Resale Levy Examples — 4-Room Upgrader, Executive Downgrader & 3-Room to BTO

4-Room to New 5-Room BTO

First flat type4-Room
BuyingNew BTO (full levy)
Levy payableS$40,000
Sale priceS$520,000
CPF refund + loanS$310,000
Net cashS$161,000

Executive to Resale 4-Room

First flat typeExecutive
BuyingResale + grant (half)
Levy payableS$25,000
Sale priceS$780,000
CPF refund + loanS$420,000
Net cashS$319,400

3-Room to New BTO, High CPF

First flat type3-Room
Levy payableS$30,000
Sale priceS$350,000
CPF refundS$280,000
Loan outstandingS$50,000
Net cash-S$19,000 (shortfall)

3 Expert Resale Levy Tips — Avoiding the Levy, CPF Refund Impact & Timing Your Upgrade

1

Buy Resale Without a Grant to Avoid the Levy Entirely

The resale levy applies only when you buy another subsidised flat (new from HDB) or receive a CPF Housing Grant on a resale flat. If you buy a resale flat without taking any CPF Housing Grant, no levy is payable. This is a viable strategy for buyers who have sufficient funds and do not need the grant — especially if the levy (S$40,000–S$50,000) is close to or exceeds the grant amount. Compare: EHG of S$30,000 grant minus S$40,000 levy = net loss of S$10,000. In this case, it is better to skip the grant and avoid the levy. Always calculate both scenarios before deciding.

2

The CPF Refund Can Eat Most of Your Sale Proceeds

When selling your HDB, you must refund to your CPF OA: the principal withdrawn for the property plus accrued interest at 2.5% per annum. On a S$300,000 flat where you used S$150,000 from CPF over 15 years, the accrued interest alone could be S$60,000+ — meaning your total CPF refund is S$210,000+. Add the resale levy and outstanding loan, and your net cash from a S$400,000 sale could be just S$50,000–S$80,000. Many second-timers are shocked by how little cash they receive after CPF refund and levy. Use this calculator with realistic CPF refund figures (check my.cpf.gov.sg for your exact accrued interest) to avoid surprises.

3

Time Your Upgrade: Clear the Loan Before Selling for Maximum Cash

If you have been paying your HDB mortgage for 15–20 years, your outstanding loan may be low or zero. This maximises cash from the sale (less deductions). Conversely, if you sell early (e.g., right after MOP at 5 years), the outstanding loan is still substantial, leaving less cash after CPF refund + loan + levy. The optimal upgrade timing balances: (1) accumulated equity (higher after longer ownership); (2) property market cycle (sell high, buy during launches); (3) CPF accrued interest (grows each year, reducing net cash); (4) family needs (growing family may need a larger flat sooner). There is no universally “right” time — but running the numbers with this calculator helps you see the financial impact of different timing scenarios.

16 FAQs — HDB Resale Levy Singapore 2026, Second-Timer Levy, Full vs Half & When It Applies

What is the HDB resale levy?+
The resale levy is a one-time payment that second-timer flat buyers must pay when purchasing another subsidised HDB flat. It recovers part of the housing subsidy you received on your first flat. The amount depends on the flat type of your first subsidised flat (S$15,000 for 2-room up to S$50,000 for Executive/DBSS). It is deducted from the sale proceeds of your first flat at completion.
When does the resale levy apply?+
The levy applies when you: (1) have previously owned a subsidised HDB flat (BTO, SBF, DBSS, or resale with CPF Housing Grant); AND (2) are now buying another subsidised flat (new BTO/SBF from HDB = full levy) or a resale flat with CPF Housing Grant (= half levy). It does not apply if you buy a resale flat without any housing grant, or if you buy private property. The levy is a one-time charge per subsidised housing cycle.
What is the difference between full and half levy?+
Full levy applies when buying a new flat directly from HDB (BTO, SBF, or EC from developer). Half levy applies when buying a resale flat on the open market and receiving a CPF Housing Grant (e.g., EHG, Proximity Housing Grant). If buying resale without any grant, no levy at all. The half levy is exactly 50% of the full levy rate for your flat type.
How is the levy amount determined?+
The levy is based on the flat type of the first subsidised flat you owned, not the new flat you are buying. Rates: 2-room S$15,000, 3-room S$30,000, 4-room S$40,000, 5-room S$45,000, Executive/DBSS S$50,000. If your first flat was a 4-room, you pay S$40,000 regardless of whether your next flat is a 3-room or 5-room.
Is the levy deducted from sale proceeds?+
Yes. The levy is typically deducted from the sale proceeds of your first flat at the point of completion. HDB will deduct the levy, CPF refund, outstanding loan, and any other charges before releasing the remaining cash to you. If the sale proceeds are insufficient (e.g., remaining balance after CPF refund and loan is less than the levy), you must pay the shortfall in cash at completion.
Can I pay the levy in instalments?+
No. The resale levy must be paid in one lump sum at the point of purchasing the second subsidised flat (for new flats from HDB) or at completion of the sale of the first flat (for resale purchases). There is no instalment plan. If you cannot pay the levy, you may not be able to proceed with the purchase of the new subsidised flat. This is why it is critical to calculate your net proceeds before committing to the second purchase.
Does the levy apply if I buy private property instead?+
No. The resale levy applies only when you buy another subsidised HDB flat (or take a CPF Housing Grant on a resale flat). If you sell your HDB and buy private property (condo, landed, EC after privatisation), no resale levy is payable. This is one reason some upgraders choose private property over a second HDB — they avoid the S$40,000–S$50,000 levy. However, private property comes with ABSD (if you still own the HDB) and higher prices, so the total cost comparison is more complex.
What if my sale proceeds are less than the levy?+
If after deducting CPF refund, outstanding loan, and agent fees, the remaining sale proceeds are less than the levy, you must pay the shortfall in cash. Example: sale price S$350,000, CPF refund S$250,000, loan S$60,000, levy S$40,000. Remaining after CPF+loan = S$40,000, which exactly covers the levy — you receive S$0 net cash. If the CPF refund were S$270,000, you would have a shortfall of S$20,000 that must be paid in cash. This scenario is common for 3-room flat sellers with high CPF usage and short ownership periods.
Does the levy apply to DBSS flat owners?+
Yes. DBSS (Design, Build and Sell Scheme) flats are classified as subsidised HDB flats for levy purposes. The levy for DBSS is S$50,000 (full) or S$25,000 (half) — the same as Executive flats. This is because DBSS flats, while built by private developers, were sold through HDB’s allocation system with government subsidies. Even though DBSS flats are generally priced higher than standard HDB flats, the levy rate is fixed at S$50,000 regardless of the actual price or profit from the sale.
Can I avoid the levy by buying a smaller flat?+
No. The levy amount is determined by your first flat type, not the second. If you previously owned a 5-room and now buy a 2-room BTO, the levy is still S$45,000 (the 5-room rate). The only way to avoid or reduce the levy is: (1) buy resale without a grant (no levy); (2) buy private (no levy); (3) if your first flat was a smaller type (lower levy rate). The levy cannot be negotiated, reduced, or waived by HDB.
Is the levy the same for all family schemes?+
Yes, the resale levy rates are the same regardless of the family scheme (Public Scheme, Fiancee/Fiance Scheme, Single Singapore Citizen Scheme, Joint Singles Scheme, etc.). The rates are based purely on the flat type. However, eligibility for the second subsidised flat depends on meeting HDB’s eligibility conditions under the applicable scheme, including citizenship requirements, income ceiling, and family nucleus criteria.
Does the levy apply if I received only a grant on my first flat?+
Yes. If you purchased a resale flat and received a CPF Housing Grant (such as the EHG, AHG, SHG, or Family Grant), your flat is considered “subsidised” and the resale levy applies when you buy another subsidised flat or take a grant again. The levy is based on the flat type of that first grant-assisted flat. Buyers who purchased resale without any grant at all are not considered second-timers for levy purposes.
How does the levy interact with the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG)?+
The EHG (up to S$80,000 for first-timers, up to S$50,000 for second-timers) and the resale levy are separate. If you are a second-timer buying a resale flat with an EHG grant, you pay the half levy AND receive the second-timer EHG. The net effect depends on the amounts: if EHG = S$50,000 and half levy = S$20,000 (4-room), the net benefit is S$30,000. If EHG = S$30,000 and half levy = S$25,000 (Executive), the net benefit is only S$5,000. Always compare the grant amount against the levy to see the true net benefit.
Is there a time limit on when the levy expires?+
No. The resale levy obligation does not expire. Regardless of how many years have passed since you sold your first subsidised flat, the levy applies when you buy the next subsidised flat. If you sold your first BTO in 2010 and apply for a new BTO in 2026, the levy still applies based on the flat type you sold in 2010. There is no statute of limitations or time-based reduction. The levy is a permanent record tied to your housing subsidy history.
Can I use CPF to pay the resale levy?+
The resale levy is primarily deducted from the sale proceeds of your first flat. If the sale proceeds are sufficient, the levy is taken before you receive the net cash — you do not need to separately “pay” it. If the sale proceeds are insufficient, the shortfall must be paid in cash. You generally cannot use CPF savings to directly pay the resale levy shortfall — it must be in cash. This is different from the down payment and stamp duty for the new flat, which can be partially paid with CPF OA. Budget for potential cash shortfall before committing to the new flat purchase.
Does the levy apply to divorced or separated flat owners?+
Yes. If you previously owned a subsidised flat as part of a married couple and the flat was sold or transferred as part of divorce proceedings, you are still considered a “second-timer” for levy purposes. The spouse who retains the flat continues as the owner; the spouse who surrenders their interest and later applies for another subsidised flat will be subject to the resale levy. The levy is based on the flat type regardless of the circumstances of disposal (sale, surrender, divorce transfer). Special hardship cases may be assessed by HDB on a case-by-case basis.
Legal Disclaimer & Editorial Transparency. Resale levy rates: 2-room S$15,000, 3-room S$30,000, 4-room S$40,000, 5-room S$45,000, Executive/DBSS S$50,000. Full levy for new flats from HDB (BTO/SBF/EC). Half levy for resale with CPF Housing Grant. No levy for resale without grant or private property purchase. Levy based on first subsidised flat type. Deducted from sale proceeds; cash shortfall must be paid if proceeds insufficient. No instalment plan. No expiry. CPF refund includes principal withdrawn + 2.5% accrued interest. Agent fees typically 2% of sale price. All figures indicative. Verify with hdb.gov.sg. Not financial advice. Operated by MAFHH INTERNATIONAL LTD.