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.
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.
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