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My parents currently own a HDB 4room flat bought through resale. We are looking to downgrade the flat to a 3room flat. Is it possible to to apply for sales of balance flat while at the same time selling the current flat?
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Hi Sir/Mdm,

Yes it is possible to sell the current flat while applying for the sale of balance flat. However, this is not recommended because in the even that the flat is sold and your parents did not manage to get a balance flat then they will end up in a situation that they do not have a place to stay.

If they then decided to look for a resale flat, it may be too late for them to time the sale and purchase together and they would need an temporary place to stay. Therefore in my opinion, I think it is better to time the sale and purchase together and if they are aiming for a balance flat, wait for them to secure the flat first before selling.

Please feel free to contact me so that I can explain to you the timeline and the planning consideration in greater details.

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Nick Tan
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Selling our house was a pretty stressful ordeal, as we have already committed to buying our new home and hence have a timeline to meet. Losing a substantial deposit and worse still, not getting our dream home caused many sleepless nights as we are nearing our deadline. I am very glad we have decided to switch to Nick and seek his help after the dismal perf Read More
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Good day to you,

I shall assume that the current unit is the first subsidized unit, and the owners will be eligible to apply for the second one. However, it’s important to note that the application process for the sale of a Balance Flat can be lengthy, requiring patience to find a unit that meets their preferences.

Therefore, selling the first unit before securing the sale of the Balance Flat is advisable only if there is a viable alternative accommodation available to them after the completion of the sale. This strategy helps to avoid any potential disruption in their living situation.

Additionally, we must consider their retirement age and the financial implications related to the minimum retirement sum requirement. The projected cash returns from the sale may be lower than anticipated, especially if they need to make up the difference from their funds.

Given that their intention to proceed is firm, I recommend submitting their HFE application for approval. Once we have that in place, we can collaboratively work through the subsequent details and steps involved in the process.

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Mike Lim
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ERA Read More
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hi,

HDB allows existing flat owners to remain in their current home while waiting for their new Sale of Balance Flat (SBF) to be completed, if it is not yet ready. However, they must sell their existing flat within six months of collecting the keys to the new SBF unit.

Whether to sell the current flat before or after collecting the keys depends largely on whether the owners need the sales proceeds or CPF refunds to finance the new flat. That said, it is strongly advisable not to sell the existing flat until the SBF application is successful — that means at least securing a queue number or booking a unit. Selling too early, during the application phase, is risky since there's no guarantee of success in the SBF ballot.

Having assisted many clients through this exact transition — from selling their current property to moving into an SBF flat — I’m very familiar with the timeline and process, and can help ensure it’s managed smoothly and strategically.

This platform does not allow me to contact you directly so kindly contact me at https://wa.me/6597261112 I would be glad to assist you further.

Thank you and best regards,

Jenny Tran
Propnex Realty Pte Ltd
(HP) +65 97261112 
(Email) jenny.tran@propnex.com
BSc (Real Estate) (Hons)-NUS

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-- My husband and I wish to commend the sincere attitude and good customer service rendered by your staff Jenny, who handled the sale of our 5R HDB flat early this year. We have met several agents but none as genuine as Jenny. Being a seller agent, she took our interest at heart in handling the sale, unlike other agents who are self-interest. Jenny is punctual and prompt in the whole dealings and we were convinced that such an agent is hard for find nowadays. Jenny is a trustworthy, honest, sincere and hardworking agent. We are happy with her service and would gladly recommend her to our friends in future. Jenny is an asset to Propnex and the organisation should value her. Thank you Jenny for her efforts--
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Hi

Yes it is possible to apply sales of balance exercise while concurrently selling the existing flat, but it is not recommended because you may find yourself in a situation where the house is sold but you did not get a favorable choice of unit or did not manage to get a unit due to balloting, and will have to find a temporary place to stay. It will be better to try for the SBF exercise first, find out the outcome of the balloting, before deciding your next move. There will be a SBF exercise in July, outcome takes approx 2 months after.

If you prefer not to wait, the resale approach is also another option. But the price of resale usually is much higher than SBF units as it is marked to market rate.

Hope the above clarifies. I am well-versed with HDB and private property transactions, having helped more than 100 homeowners transit smoothly with their housing plans. Please reach out to me at 97432395  for a more in-depth discussion :)

May I have more info on your requirements so as to make better recommendations? Thanks and looking forward to chat more

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0
Hi,

Yes, it is possible to apply for a Sales of Balance Flat as long as you have completed your MOP. You can sell the flat while you are applying however you it is advisable to plan the entire process carefully to ensure you have a place to stay at all times.

It might be better to ensure you have secured the unit first before you commit to the sale. Resale is a possible option if you are looking for something with a shorter wait and more predictable selection.

Happy to assist you further should you require. You can contact me at 8886 8622 

You can find out more about how I help my clients hit record sale prices and find undervalued purchases here:
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0
Hi,

I would be most glad to assist you further and pls feel free to let me know if you need any assistance. Have a good day ahead. By the way, yes it is possible.

Regards
Aaron Chong
 9730 8455 
aaronchong2774@yahoo.com.sg Read More
0
Dear sir/mdm,

Yes, it is possible to apply for a Sale of Balance Flat (SBF) while planning to sell the current resale 4-room HDB flat — but there are some important steps, conditions, and timing considerations to be aware of:

**General Eligibility:

1. You must meet SBF eligibility criteria, such as:
* At least one applicant is a Singapore Citizen.
* At least 21 years old.
* Must form a valid family nucleus (e.g., with spouse or parents).
* Income ceiling for the household.

2. You cannot own another HDB flat or private property (in Singapore or overseas) at the time you collect the keys to the new flat.

Your parents can apply for the Sale of Balance Flat selling the current flat. Here's how to manage it:

1. Apply for SBF during the launch period.

* This does not require you to sell your current flat first.
* It may take a few months to get a ballot result and queue number.

2. If successful and you select a flat, you will eventually sign the Agreement for Lease and be given an estimated completion date.

3. Before collecting keys (which may be 6–24 months later depending on the project’s status), your parents must dispose off the current flat.

You can continue living in your current flat until the new SBF flat is ready, then sell the current flat before key collection.

4. Your parents are allowed to apply for SBF while simultaneously market the existing property for sale. They may actually negotiate for 3 months extension of stay for the sale of the current property to plan out the transition from current flat to the new flat.

——

I have been in the real estate business since 2009, with more than 15 years of experience serving the Singapore real estate market.

I am very active in the residential segment of Singapore real estate market, having transacted hundreds of deals from HDBs to private condominiums and landed properties in Singapore, and have handled many unique cases in sales and purchases as well as rental deals.

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Hi,

1) I would suggest you to apply for an HFE first.
2) Once the HFE is approved you will know whether you are eligible to apply for a SBF with your parents.
3) You have to decide who is going to be the owner and occupier before applying.
4) Do note that only an owner's CPF funds in OA can be used to pay for the flat.
5) You may decide when to sell the current flat after getting the SBF.
6) There are basically 3 types of SBF. SBF already built and surrender by the previous buyer before the key collection and after living in for a period, the other are those BTOs that were not taken by the applicants in the past balloting exercises.
7) So, it depends on which types of SBF you got from the HDB.
8) The HDB will allow some leeway if you need the sales proceeds from the current flat to pay for the SBF.
9) You should have at least 3 months to dispose your current flat after getting the SBF.
10) 3 months is sufficient to sell a flat at the current market rate.

All the best!

Please give me a thumbs-up if the answer provided is relevant to your main concern. Thanks!!!

Hope the above answers your main concerns, but if there are more queries, please feel free to contact me at 90110636  , or email: ling.ck7@gmail.com if more information is needed.
I'll be glad to assist.

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Hi, appreciate your sharing. Propose to apply SBO or BTO 1st before selling. For resale, able to assist you anytime.
Looking forward to assist you at 9696 4398  or email me at stewartlim96964398@gmail.com

Cheers
Stewart-PropNex (Senior Associate Division Director) Read More
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GAN ENG JOO ONASSIS
Dear Sir/ Madam,

I would be most glad to assist you further and pls feel free to let me know if you need any assistance.

Wishing you a fantastic day ahead.

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1. Check your eligibility for the Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) by completing the HFE (HDB Flat Eligibility) application after fulfilling your Minimum Occupation Period (MOP).
2. Once your SBF is confirmed, plan to start marketing your current property about six months before collecting keys to your new home.
3. If you require temporary housing between homes or intend to carry out renovations, adjust your sale schedule to avoid unnecessary pressure.
4. Consider engaging a property agent early to strategize your sale timeline based on market trends and buyer demand.
5. Use this period to declutter and refresh your existing unit to enhance its appeal to prospective buyers.

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Tan Pei Cheng (Pei)
I would be glad to assist you.
Feel free to contact me at wa.me/6597100155
Hope to hear from you soon.
Pei Mobile: (65) 9 7 1 0 0 1 5 5.
Email: peicheng.tan@propnex.com
Associate Group Director
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0
Hi,

I would be most glad to assist you further and pls feel free to let me know if you need any assistance. Have a good day ahead. By the way, yes it is possible l

Regards
Aaron Chong
 9730 8455 
aaronchong2774@yahoo.com.sg Read More
0

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