5 Mistakes People Always Make When Buying a Resale HDB

5 Mistakes People Always Make When Buying a Resale HDB (And How to Avoid Them)

Buying a resale HDB can be a game-changer—it gives you location options, immediate move-in, and the charm of older estates. But it’s not always smooth sailing. Some buyers dive in headfirst and end up with regrets. Don’t let that be you. Here’s a quick guide to the 5 mistakes you need to avoid, so you can nail that perfect purchase.

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1. Forgetting to Check the Lease

Ah, the 99-year lease. It’s easy to overlook, but trust us—it’s one of the most critical factors. A flat with a ticking lease clock might seem like a steal, but it can come back to bite you.

What Could Go Wrong:

With less than 60 years on the lease, you could face restrictions on CPF usage, higher loan rejections, and poor resale value down the road.

How to Fix It:

- Go for flats with 70+ years left on the lease for long-term peace of mind.

- Think about future buyers—would you buy a flat with 40 years left? Neither would they.

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2. Prioritizing the Flat Over the Location

You found a spacious 4-room flat with unblocked views. Perfect, right? Not if you’re walking 20 minutes to the nearest MRT or Bus stop every day.

What Could Go Wrong:

A great unit in an inconvenient location will make daily life harder and hurt resale demand.

How to Fix It:

- Choose flats near key amenities: MRT stations, schools, supermarkets, and hawker centres.

- If you’re planning for kids, look for flats within 1km of good schools like Tao Nan or Henry Park.

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3. Skipping a Thorough Inspection

Photos online look fantastic. But behind those glossy pictures could be leaking ceilings, broken tiles, or an air-con system on its last legs.

What Could Go Wrong:

You could end up spending tens of thousands on repairs that weren’t part of your original budget.

How to Fix It:

- Inspect the flat in person. Check for cracks, leaks, and signs of neglect.

- Not a DIY expert? Bring along a contractor or home inspector to assess the condition.

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4. Underestimating Renovation Costs

Resale flats often need a little TLC—whether it’s a complete overhaul of the 80s design or minor fixes to make it livable. But too many buyers misjudge just how much this will set them back.

What Could Go Wrong:

You blow your budget before you even move in, or you’re stuck with a home that doesn’t feel like yours.

How to Fix It:

- Budget realistically. Renovation costs for resale flats typically range from $30,000 to $70,000 depending on the size and condition.

- Always get quotes before committing, so you’re not blindsided.

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5. Missing Out on Grants and CPF Rules

HDB offers grants that can make your dream home significantly more affordable, but not knowing how they work could mean leaving money on the table.

What Could Go Wrong:

You overpay unnecessarily or face unexpected CPF restrictions that make financing tricky.

How to Fix It:

- Maximize Your Grants: Explore options like the Family Grant, EHG (Enhanced CPF Housing Grant), and Proximity Housing Grant if applicable.

- Check CPF rules to ensure the flat qualifies based on the lease duration and your age.

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Final Thoughts

Buying a resale HDB is more than just picking a flat you like—it’s about thinking ahead. Don’t rush into it without checking the lease, location, and condition of the unit. Plan for renovation costs and take full advantage of grants to stretch your dollar.

Your dream home is out there, and with the right mindset, you’ll find it without regrets. Ready to start the hunt? Let’s make it happen! 🏠✨

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