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Buyers and sellers are free to decide if they want to engage housing agents for their resale transactions.
It is not a requirement that resale flat transactions must be facilitated by agents. The engagement of housing agents has its benefits such as handling of advertising, viewings of flats, obtaining and submitting forms
etc. They are familiar with the government rules and procedures and can assist you to smoothen the transaction process.
The engagement of a housing agent is a private contractual agreement between the buyer/seller and the housing agent. Once you have decided on an agent, it is best
to sign an upfront agreement on mutually agreed terms of service, commission payable, period of representation, exclusivity (if agreed upon) and any other terms such as
payment of valuation, advertising etc. HDB does not stipulate nor regulate the commission charged by housing agents. The commission rate may vary depending on the level of service and consumer needs.
HDB has over the years simplified and streamlined its resale procedures and made resale information
more readily available to the public. One of the most popular e-services at HDB's website is the
Resale Transactions search facility which enables the public to check recently transacted resale prices without charge.
Property Portal to market your flat or search for flat listing
Flat owners thinking of selling their flats in the open market can place advertisements in the classified pages of the newspapers or at property portals
available in the Internet that provide 'Electronic Classified Ads' services. Buyers who intend to buy resale flats from the open market can search for flat listings via these channels.
Below are links to a property portal (www.nationproperty.com.sg) by the Singapore Institute of Surveyors and Valuers (SISV). SISV is the national body representing professional surveyors, valuers, property managers and real estate agents in Singapore.
 Search Facility to view listing of flats for sale posted in the SISV property portal.
Register Online to list your flats for sale in the SISV property portal.
Modify Posting to modify the information you have posted in the SISV property portal.
Sell Flat On Your Own
Buyers and sellers who are handling their own resale transaction without engaging the services of any housing agent can submit their
resale application or valuation request through an online internet application system, e-Resale.
HDB also conducts a ½-day Public Seminar on resale procedures every month. You may register for the seminar at a fee of $25 per person. For more information on resale policies and procedures, you may also access the HDB InfoWEB,
call HomeLink at 1800-8663060, the Sales/Resale Customer Service Line at 1800-8663066 during office hours or e-mail to HDBResales@hdb.gov.sg.
Engage a Housing Agent
If you choose to engage the services of a housing agent to handle your resale transaction, you may want to check whether the housing agency has a valid House Agent's License issued by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore.
You may consider engaging one from an accredited agency under the Singapore Accredited Estate Agencies Scheme to benefit from the quality check provided by the system of accreditation.
Singapore Accredited Estate Agencies (SAEA) Scheme
The Singapore Accredited Estate Agencies (SAEA) Scheme, which was launched on 11 Nov 2005, is jointly administered by the Singapore Institute of Surveyors and Valuers (SISV) and the Institute of Estate Agents (IEA). SISV and IEA are the two
major professional bodies representing estate agents in Singapore. The scheme sets the guidelines, minimum educational standards and practice standards for real estate agents.
Housing agencies under the SAEA scheme are given the benefits of priority in the first appointment date for resale transactions and subscription to the HDB-ResaleNet system for submission of valuation requests and resale applications and booking of first appointment dates.
FAQs
Do I need to engage a housing agent for the resale transaction?
It is not mandatory for resale flat buyers and sellers to engage housing agents. You are free to decide if you wish to engage an agent on mutually agreed terms of service and commission payable.
HDB in fact accords a shorter time-frame for the first appointment date with the HDB Resale Office. This shorter time-frame is the same as that given to resale transactions handled by agents from agencies accredited under the Singapore Accredited Estate Agencies (SAEA) Scheme.
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If I want to handle the resale transaction on my own, how can HDB help?
On 5 May 2001, HDB launched an internet-based 'e-Resale' system for buyers and sellers of HDB resale flats who handle their own transactions. The system allows
for the electronic submission of resale applications and valuation requests round the clock. To access to e-Resale, please click here.
HDB also conducts a ½-day Public Seminar on resale procedures every month. You may register for the seminar at a fee of $25 per person. For more information on resale policies and procedures,
you may also access HDB InfoWEB, call the HDB HomeLink at 1800-8663060, the Sales/Resale Customer Service Line at 1800-8663066 during office hours or email to HDBResales@hdb.gov.sg.
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Which housing agency should I approach for the sale of my HDB flat?
If you choose to engage the services of a housing agent to handle your resale transaction, you may check whether the housing agency has a valid House Agent's License issued by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore.
You may consider engaging one from an agency accredited under the Singapore Accredited Estate Agencies (SAEA) Scheme to benefit from the quality check provided by the system of accreditation. You can find out more information on the SAEA Scheme at www.saea.org.sg.
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What do I need to take note if I were to engage a housing agent?
a. HDB does not set the commission charged by the agents or the terms of service, which is a private matter between you and the agent
b. Agree upfront on the amount you are to pay and terms of service before signing the private Commission Agreement
c. Ensure that the agent works for a housing agency that has a licence issued by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS)
d. Consider an agent who works for a housing agency under the Singapore Accredited Estate Agencies (SAEA) Scheme
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If I choose to engage the services of a housing agent to handle my resale flat transaction, do I have to sign any contractual agreement with the housing agent ? What is the commission that I have to pay the housing agent?
Typically, you would be asked to sign a Commission Agreement which would stipulate the terms of service and commission payable.
This is a private contract between you and your housing agent and there are contractual terms and legal obligations involved.
Before signing, you should take the time to read through all the clauses of the Agreement carefully and clarify any doubts you may have with your prospective agent.
Should there be a need to vary any clause, you should negotiate upfront with your agent and upon mutual agreement, make the necessary amendments in writing.
All parties are advised to initial against the amendments.
HDB does not stipulate or regulate the commission charged by housing agents.
The commission rate may vary depending on the level of service and consumer needs.
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Can you tell me more about the Singapore Accredited Estate Agencies Scheme?
The Singapore Accredited Estate Agencies (SAEA) Scheme, which was launched on 11 Nov 2005, is jointly administered by the Singapore Institute of Surveyors and Valuers (SISV) and the Institute of Estate Agents (IEA). SISV and IEA are the two
major professional bodies representing estate agents in Singapore. The scheme sets the guidelines, minimum educational standards and practice standards for real estate agents.
Housing agencies under the SAEA scheme are given the benefits of priority in the first appointment date for resale transactions and subscription to the HDB-ResaleNet system for submission of valuation requests and resale applications and booking of first appointment dates.
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