HDB Properties Cheat Sheet for RES Exam Revision

This HDB Properties cheat sheet provides a high-density summary of eligibility schemes, ownership rules, and financial thresholds essential for passing Paper 2 of the RES exam. It focuses on the must-know facts, such as the 5-year MOP and income ceilings, to streamline your final revision. To qualify for a new BTO flat, the household income ceiling is generally S$14,000 for families and S$7,000 for singles (buying 2-room Flexi in non-mature estates). For the RES exam, you must memorize the core eligibility schemes: Public Scheme (family nucleus), Fiance/Fiancee Scheme, Orphans Scheme, and the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme (for those aged 35+).

For RES exam candidates, this topic falls under HDB Properties in Paper 2. You can practice questions on this in the Prepare app.

The HDB summary RES exam candidates need must prioritize the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP). The standard MOP is 5 years for most flats, including BTO and resale. During this period, owners are prohibited from selling the flat on the open market, renting out the whole unit, or acquiring any private residential property (local or overseas). As of 2026, cooling measures require private property owners (PPOs) to wait 15 months after selling their private home before they can buy a non-subsidized HDB resale flat, unless they are aged 55 and above moving to a 4-room or smaller flat.

To pass the RES exam, candidates must remember that the standard Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) is 5 years for most HDB flats, during which owners cannot sell the flat or acquire private residential property, ensuring HDB units remain owner-occupied.

Navigating HDB Resale Procedures is a core competency for Paper 2. The process begins with the Intent to Sell, which is valid for 12 months. Once a buyer is found, the Option to Purchase (OTP) is the only legal document used. Key thresholds to memorize: the Option Fee is a maximum of S$1,000, and the total Deposit (Option Fee + Exercise Fee) cannot exceed S$5,000. The Option Period is exactly 21 calendar days (including weekends and PH), expiring at 4 PM on the 21st day.

A key fact for the RES exam is that the HDB Option to Purchase (OTP) is valid for 21 days, during which the Option Fee cannot exceed S$1,000, and the total deposit (Option Fee + Exercise Fee) is capped at S$5,000.

In 2026, the HDB Loan-to-Value (LTV) limit stands at 75%. Candidates must distinguish this from Bank Loans, which also carry a 75% LTV but require a mandatory 5% cash component. CPF usage is governed by the Valuation Limit (VL) and Withdrawal Limit (WL). If the remaining lease of the flat does not cover the youngest buyer to at least age 95, the amount of CPF and HDB loan allowed will be pro-rated.

According to the Estate Agents Act (Cap. 95A), salespersons must provide a financial calculation to clients. Remember: the HDB Properties revision notes should highlight that Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD) and Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) are calculated based on the purchase price or market value, whichever is higher. For more on calculations, see our guide on Common Exam Mistakes.

The Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) is a critical HDB quick reference point. It maintains social cohesion by setting quotas for Malay, Chinese, and Indian/Other races in every HDB block and neighborhood. Additionally, the Permanent Resident (PR) Quota limits non-Malaysian SPR households to 5% at the block level and 8% at the neighborhood level. These quotas are updated on the 1st of every month.

The Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) and SPR Quota are critical HDB regulations that prevent the formation of enclaves; RES candidates must verify these quotas through HDB’s e-Services before any transaction to ensure the buyer is eligible to purchase the specific unit.

How many questions on HDB are in the RES exam? Typically, HDB Properties is a major component of Paper 2, which consists of 40 MCQs. What is the passing score? You must achieve a 75% score (60 out of 80 total across both papers) to pass. Is the exam difficult? According to CEA's 2025 data, the RES exam pass rate often hovers around 45% due to the high volume of technical facts and legislation. The registration fee is S$408.55 in 2026. Candidates should focus on the HDB Properties topic page to master the 162 practice questions specifically dedicated to HDB rules and resale procedures.

Grants are highly testable. The Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) offers up to S$80,000 for households with an income not exceeding S$9,000. The Family Grant for resale flats provides up to S$80,000 for 2- to 4-room units. The Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) provides S$20,000 for living 'near' (within 4km) or S$30,000 for living 'with' parents/children.

RES candidates must know that grants are credited into the buyer's CPF Ordinary Account and can be used to offset the purchase price or reduce the mortgage loan, but cannot be used for the cash downpayment.

The RES exam also covers HDB commercial units (shops). These are often sold with living quarters. Salespersons must be aware that the residential component is subject to HDB eligibility and MOP rules, while the commercial component is not. However, ABSD may apply to the living quarters' value. As of 2026, there are over 33,000 registered property agents in Singapore according to the CEA Annual Report, and mastering these niche HDB rules is what separates successful candidates from the rest.

When handling HDB transactions, agents must strictly follow the CEA Code of Ethics. The Prepare app offers practice questions across all 13 RES exam topics, ensuring you are ready for both the residential and commercial aspects of the syllabus.