Guide to Selling an Inherited HDB Flat
in Singapore (2026)

Step-by-Step Process to Sell an Inherited HDB Flat

1. Lodge a Notice of Death with SLA

After the sole owner passes away, the first step is to lodge a Notice of Death with the Singapore Land Authority (SLA).

You have three options:

• DIY lodge a Notice of Death to inform SLA
• Engage a lawyer to handle the process
• Via HDB: Visit the HDB branch managing the flat and request legal assistance

This step ensures the property records are updated before any transfer or sale can proceed.

2. Apply for Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration

Before selling the flat, the estate must be legally administered:

• Grant of Probate (if there is a will)
• Grant of Letters of Administration (if there is no will)

These documents appoint the executor(s) or administrator(s) who will manage the sale.

3. Registering Your Legal Right (Transmission)

The flat must be legally transferred to the estate or beneficiaries before it can be sold.

4. Open an Estate Account

It’s a special bank account used to manage the money and financial affairs of a deceased person.

5. Completion of Transmission

The HDB branch will inform you when the transmission is complete. You can log in to the My HDBPage on the Housing & Development Board website using your Singpass to view your name as the executor or administrator of the flat.
You are required to dispose of the deceased’s flat within 12 months from the date of completion of the transmission.

6. Start the Selling Process

If no beneficiary is eligible to retain the flat under HDB rules, the executor must proceed with the sale in the open market.

Key Deadlines You Must Not Miss

Understanding the legal timelines is critical:

• Within 12 months (from death)
  Obtain Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration
• Within 6 months (from obtain GP / GLA)
  Apply for transmission or transfer after obtaining probate/administration
• Within 12 months (from transmission completion)
  Sell the flat in open market if no eligible beneficiary can take over

When Will the HDB Take Back the Flat?

Under the Housing and Development Act, the flat may vest in HDB if:

1. No probate or administration is obtained within 6 months of death
2. No transfer or transmission is applied for within 6 months of representation
3. The flat is not sold or transferred within 12 months after transmission

In such cases, the government may take back the flat, potentially causing financial loss to the estate.