Mistakes I Made Buying My First HDB Flat – And How to Avoid Them

Mistakes I Made Buying My First HDB Flat – Costly Lessons (2026)

I lost nearly S$15,000 in avoidable costs during my first HDB purchase. Not from scams — but from ignorance of key rules.

Here are the 5 mistakes I made so you don’t repeat them.

❌ Mistake #1: Didn’t Check HDB Loan Eligibility Early
I assumed I qualified for HDB Concessionary Loan. But my income exceeded S$14,000 (combined). Result? Forced to take bank loan at higher interest.

Mistake #2: Ignored Valuation Timing

I submitted Option to Purchase (OTP) before checking HDB’s official valuation. The flat was valued at S$520k, but I offered S$550k.

✅ Fix: Always request HDB valuation BEFORE signing OTP. Use HDB’s e-Valuation tool.

Mistake #3: Missed EHG Grant Deadline

• I applied for Enhanced Housing Grant (EHG) AFTER submitting resale application.
• HDB rejected it – grant must be applied before OTP submission.
• Lost S$80,000 grant!

💡 Pro Tip: Use HDB’s “My HDB Flat” portal to pre-check grant eligibility and income limits.

Mistake #4: Underestimated Renovation Costs

• Budgeted S$30k for renovation.
• Actual cost: S$52k (due to hidden electrical/plumbing issues).
• No buffer = credit card debt.

Mistake #5: Didn’t Verify Seller’s MOP Status

The seller hadn’t completed Minimum Occupation Period (MOP). HDB froze the transaction for 3 months. Legal fees piled up.

✅ Always confirm: Seller’s MOP completion date via HDB Resale Portal.

What I Do Differently Now

• Attend HDB’s free “Home Buying Seminar”
• Hire a property consultant (worth every cent)
• Budget 20% extra for hidden costs
• Use PropertyGuru’s “Resale Checklist”

Buying your first HDB is exciting — but knowledge protects your wallet.