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Look Out for These 9 Things Before Buying A Resale HDB Flat

Published 28 January 2026

Quick Summary

Before committing to a resale flat, buyers must verify their financing (HFE letter), assess the 3 Ls (Location, Lease, Layout), and physically inspect the unit for sun orientation, leaks, and neighbour issues.

When it comes to buying an HDB resale flat, it is very important for buyers to inspect it to ensure that they are getting a good home that will keep them happy and safe for many years to come. Aside from the flat itself, there are other factors to consider as well, such as loans, pricing, and the surrounding environment.

Resale flats are different from Build-to-Order (BTO) flats; the latter are newly built, and owners can point out defects to developers, whereas the resale flat’s history is a relative mystery. A resale checklist for buyers (with the help of an agent) can help them find out as much as they can before a purchase.

What to Look Out for When Buying Resale HDB Flat

1. Can you actually get the loan and grants?
2. Is the size sufficient for your family's future?
3. Are you paying too much Cash Over Valuation (COV)?
4. Look up. Are there water marks or peeling paint?
5. Do you know the infrastructure and previous renovations?
6. Which direction do the main windows face?
7. How noisy does it get?
8. Who are your neighbours?
9. Is the area well-lit and safe at night?
Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you actually get the loan and grants?

Loans are relatively easy to get for HDB flats. As long as you have a good credit rating, you should be able to obtain a loan. To apply for an HDB loan, check out HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE). You can also get a bank loan by approaching different financial institutions to find their prevailing interest rates.

2. Is the size sufficient for your family’s future?

The size of the flat should be optimal for your family to stay in. If you have kids or are living with your in-laws or parents, you want a flat where everyone can live in comfort without posing a strain on your finances. Here’s a general size breakdown of the modern HDB flat, but it would also help to visit the unit yourself to see how big it is in person:

UNIT TYPE

FLOOR SPACE (SQM)

2-Room Flexi

3-Room

4-Room

5-Room

110

A family with kids would generally feel more comfortable with a 4-room or larger flat, but the good news about the resale market is that there are fewer buying restrictions; for instance, a single person can still buy a 5-room flat despite living alone.

3. Are you paying too much Cash Over Valuation (COV)?

It is always good to compare the prices of the flats to ensure you are buying one for the right price. Because HDB units are public flats, you can use HDB’s Map Services to research the estimated property valuation around your preferred area or look at the prices other people are selling on the Ohmyhome app for Android or iOS to have a better gauge of the current market.

One of Ohmyhome’s unique offerings is its extensive database of transactions and price trends. If you engage with an Ohmyhome agent, they will provide a professional and neutral assessment of prices to ensure that you get good value for the unit.

Get an instant valuation for your home Access property insights and AI tools to maximise your property's potential and sell it fast Floor - Unit Property Type Home Type - Postal Code Get FREE valuation

4. Look up. Are there water marks or peeling paint?

Water may seem harmless, but if left unattended, leaking pipes can cause flooding and permanent damage to furniture, flooring, and electrical appliances. Unresolved leaks can become a recurring nightmare that lowers the appeal of the unit if you ever need to sell the property.

Some buyers are extra wary of units on lower floors because they would be the ones most affected by pipe issues. In old flats where homeowners have direct access to garbage chutes inside their homes, do take note that leakages can also come from chutes if they are not properly sealed.

5. Do you know the infrastructure and previous renovations?

Is the flat in its original condition, or has it gone through some renovations by the current owner? It’s important to look out for serious infrastructure damage that could pose a safety hazard or require more money to repair. For example, cracks in the wall and loose hinges on doors and cabinets are some fittings that buyers should look out for.

6. Which direction do the main windows face?

Know where the HDB unit is facing – east-west facing will likely receive strong morning and afternoon sun unless there are nearby high-rise blocks that can serve as shade.

The last thing you want to end up with is a flat that is exposed to the full glare of the sun. Even though blinds and curtains help, the house would probably be stuffy, and cooling down the heat may lead to higher electricity bills. However, if the sun is shining into the kitchen or the yard, it can help dry your laundry faster.

7. How noisy does it get?

Listen for any noise pollution around the potential unit when you view it. One possible source is from neighbouring construction sites, upcoming residential developments, or public amenities. Apart from checking news sources such as The Straits Times or Channel News Asia, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) also prominently showcases future development plans.

Another possible source of noise pollution is heavy road traffic. HDB flats located right next to major expressways, viaducts, or arterial roads face constant traffic. This just doesn’t apply just during the day; traffic noise can also spoil a good night’s sleep.

8. Who are your neighbours?

Moving into an HDB estate is all about communal living. However, that doesn’t mean issues and disputes don’t arise with those who do not share your values.

When viewing a unit for sale, observe how neighbours use communal spaces such as corridors and lift landing areas. Are they tidy with their footwear, or do they place large clothes racks that block the path?

Your neighbours’ cleanliness can also affect the quality of your life in an HDB flat. Look out for signs of uncleared trash or litter along the corridors, as this could attract pests such as ants and cockroaches.

9. Is the area well-lit and safe at night?

Walk around the neighbourhood to see if the area is well-lit in the evening, or walking home at night may get dangerous in the future. Despite the crime rate in Singapore being relatively low, it is always best to be safe than sorry – after all, “low crime doesn’t mean no crime.”

If the resale HDB flat is located in a neighbourhood famed for its nightlife, there is a higher chance of meeting drunk, unruly characters when you come home late. If another location is not an option, consider a unit that is close to a police station or in an area that is well-lit with plenty of passers-by.

Looking for an HDB or Private Property?

Let Ohmyhome’s Super Agents and innovative technology match you with the right home according to your specific needs. We’ll also send you relevant content to provide you with valuable tips on buying resale HDBs, so you no longer have to spend hours searching online for the information you need. Book a consultation with an agent or check our property listing today.