After weeks of option fees, resale applications and approvals, the HDB resale completion appointment is the moment the flat legally changes hands. It is usually short and well organised, but buyers and sellers who know what to expect arrive with the right documents and leave without surprises. This guide walks through what happens on the day, what to bring and how the keys are handed over.
It covers resale transactions only. Collecting keys for a brand new flat is a different process. Procedures and requirements can change, so always follow the instructions in your HDB letters and on My HDBPage, and check with your lawyer if you have one.
Where the Appointment Fits in the Resale Process
The completion appointment comes at the end of the resale journey:
- The buyer exercises the Option to Purchase (OTP) with the seller.
- Both parties submit their parts of the resale application to HDB.
- HDB processes the application and issues its approval.
- HDB schedules the completion appointment, and both parties are notified.
The time between approval and completion is set by HDB and shown in your letters. Use it to settle your loan, check outstanding payments and arrange the move. Our guide to the HDB resale buying process, step by step covers the earlier stages in detail.
Who Attends and What to Bring
Generally, all buyers, sellers and any essential occupiers named in the transaction need to attend, either in person or through the arrangements HDB allows. If you have a bank loan, your lawyer handles the conveyancing and represents you at completion. If you have an HDB loan, HDB acts for you on the loan.
Check your appointment letter for the exact list, but most people should prepare:
- Original identity documents for everyone attending, such as NRIC or passport.
- The appointment letter or notification from HDB.
- Proof of payments made before completion, where required.
- Marriage certificate or other supporting documents, if HDB has asked for them.
- For sellers: all keys, remotes and access cards, including spare keys, letterbox keys and any keys for gates or cabinets that are staying with the flat.
- For sellers: proof that utilities and property tax are settled or arranged, if your letter mentions it.
Arrive a little early. If someone cannot attend, contact HDB well before the date to ask about the options, rather than turning up without them.
What Gets Signed and Paid
Completion is when ownership transfers and the money settles. The exact documents depend on how the purchase is financed, but in general:
- Transfer documents. Sellers sign to transfer the lease to the buyers, and buyers sign to accept it.
- Mortgage documents. If buyers are taking an HDB loan, they sign the mortgage documents with HDB. Bank loan buyers usually sign their mortgage with their lawyers before the appointment.
- Settling the seller’s loan. The seller’s outstanding HDB or bank loan is redeemed from the sale proceeds.
- CPF refunds. Sellers who used CPF for the flat have the required amount refunded to their CPF accounts from the sale proceeds, with accrued interest, under CPF rules.
- Resale levy. Sellers who must pay a resale levy on a future flat may have it collected or recorded according to HDB rules. Our guide to the HDB resale levy explains when it applies.
- Cash proceeds. Any balance due to the seller after loans, CPF refunds and fees is paid out after completion.
Before the day, both sides should review the statement of accounts or financial breakdown they receive so the figures are not a surprise.
| Stage on completion day | Buyer | Seller |
|---|---|---|
| Identity check | Show original ID, confirm details | Show original ID, confirm details |
| Signing | Sign transfer and, for HDB loans, mortgage documents | Sign transfer documents |
| Financial settlement | Loan and CPF funds released to pay for the flat | Loan redeemed, CPF refunded, balance paid out |
| Keys | Receive keys and access cards | Hand over all keys and access cards |
How the Keys Are Handed Over
In most cases, keys are handed from seller to buyer at or right after the appointment, once the transaction is completed. Ownership passes at completion, so the buyer is entitled to vacant possession from then.
There are two common variations:
- Temporary extension of stay. Sellers who need time to move out may agree with buyers in advance to stay on for a limited period after completion. This should be agreed in writing before completion and declared in the resale application as HDB requires. Keys are then handed over at the end of the extension.
- Keys left with an agent. Some parties arrange for an agent to pass the keys. Make sure everyone agrees on this beforehand so the buyer is not left waiting.
Buyers should test the keys on the day or as soon as possible, and sellers should label keys clearly.
Before and After the Appointment
Before completion:
- Do a final inspection of the flat, ideally shortly before completion, to check that fixtures included in the sale remain and agreed repairs are done.
- Confirm with your lawyer, bank or HDB that loan documents are ready.
- Sellers should arrange final meter readings and termination of utility accounts with SP Group, and settle any outstanding Town Council conservancy charges and property tax.
After completion:
- Buyers: open utility accounts, update addresses with ICA through the official change of address service, and arrange home insurance and fire insurance if you have an HDB loan, according to HDB requirements.
- Sellers: keep copies of all documents, check that CPF refunds appear in your CPF statement, and confirm any cash proceeds are received.
Tips for a Smooth Completion Day
- Read every HDB letter in full, including the list of documents.
- Keep all original documents in one folder.
- Check that names and NRIC numbers on all paperwork are correct.
- Agree the key handover and any extension of stay in writing early.
- Ask questions on the day if anything is unclear. HDB officers and lawyers expect them.
With the right preparation, the HDB resale completion appointment is usually straightforward, and buyers leave with the keys to their new home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send someone else to my HDB resale completion appointment? Generally all buyers, sellers and essential occupiers named in the transaction need to attend, in person or through arrangements HDB allows. If someone cannot make it, contact HDB well before the date to ask about options.
What documents should sellers bring to the HDB completion appointment? Bring original identity documents, the appointment letter and all keys, remotes and access cards, including spares and letterbox keys. Your letter may also ask for proof that utilities and property tax are settled. Follow the list in your HDB letter.
When do I get the keys after HDB resale completion? In most cases keys are handed from seller to buyer at or right after the appointment, once the transaction is completed. If the seller has a temporary extension of stay, the keys are handed over at the end of it.
Can the seller stay on in the flat after completion? Yes, if agreed in advance. A seller needing time to move out may stay for a limited period, but this should be agreed in writing before completion and declared in the resale application as HDB requires.
What should buyers do right after completing an HDB resale? Open utility accounts, update your address with ICA through its official change of address service, and arrange home and fire insurance if you have an HDB loan. Test the keys on the day or as soon as possible.
Official sources: HDB
Further reading: Signing the HDB Agreement for Lease: What to Expect · HDB Intent to Sell: What It Is and When to Register · What Is a Contra Facility for HDB Resale Buyers