What if the HDB sale falls through after the Option is granted?
An Option that never completes is stressful. This page covers a lapse when the buyer does not exercise, the option fee, and when the pay-on-completion fee is not payable.
4 min read · Figures checked 26 September 2026 · By Michelle Lee Ling Ching, CEA R009798I
Lapse, and a sale that fails after exercise
Lapse means the buyer does not exercise. Buyers have 21 calendar days, up to 4pm on day 21. If they do not exercise, the Option lapses. While it is live you cannot grant a second Option.
A sale that fails after exercise is a different problem. Financing, eligibility, or documents can break a deal that was already exercised. This page is mainly about non-exercise and lapse. Deeper disputes after exercise need a solicitor and HDB.
The option fee
The Option Fee is the amount the buyer paid you when you granted the Option. The limits on it are in our Option to Purchase guide.
In the usual prescribed path, if buyers fail to exercise, sellers keep the Option Fee. Confirm that on the Option you signed and on the current HDB notes. That fee is not a completed sale.
The agent fee if the sale does not complete
The published Fairnest HDB seller package is S$2,178.91 incl. GST, payable on successful completion. If the sale does not complete, that success-based package fee is not payable under the marketing offer on the pricing page.
Relisting, and granting a new Option
After the live Option is clear, because it lapsed or was otherwise resolved, take these steps.
- Confirm the Intent to Sell is still valid.
- Re-check the ask against comparable sales if you need to. Do not cut the price in a panic because one deal failed.
- Resume the portals and the viewings.
- Grant a new prescribed Option only when the price and the buyer's papers are clean.
If an Option looks shaky
- Note the 4pm expiry date.
- Do not grant a second Option while one is live.
- Confirm the Option Fee outcome on your form.
- WhatsApp Michelle Lee Ling Ching if the Option looks shaky.
- Plan a relist only after the lapse is clear.
Common questions
The Option lapses at the prescribed expiry. You can then move toward a new buyer once that live Option is clear.
Usually yes, under the prescribed outcome, when buyers fail to exercise. Confirm the clause on your signed Option and the current HDB guidance.
Under the published Fairnest seller package, the S$2,178.91 incl. GST fee is payable on successful completion. Your signed agreement governs.
After the earlier Option is no longer live, with a valid Intent to Sell and the new buyer's eligibility papers in order.
Sources
Written by
Michelle Lee Ling Ching
Michelle Lee Ling Ching · CEA Registration Number: R009798I · ERA Realty Network Pte Ltd · CEA Licence Number: L3002382K · Tel: +65 9680 1106
We are a fixed-fee HDB agent, non-exclusive and paid on completion. See our HDB seller fee and what it covers.
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