Property flyers & pamphlets distributed to HDB homes cannot be left publicly visible from Apr. 1 2026

From Apr. 1, property flyers and pamphlets must be properly distributed to homes and other premises without being visible to anyone other than the intended recipient, said the Singapore Institute of Estate Agents (SIEA).

One method of doing so is placing the flyers directly into residents' mailboxes.

Responsible flyer distribution practices

In a media release on Feb. 13, SIEA announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by the Alliance for Action (AfA) on Proper Flyer Distribution to HDB Homes.

Chaired by SIEA, the alliance comprises five major estate agents — PropNex Realty, ERA Realty Network, Huttons Asia, OrangeTee & Tie and SRI — and aims to strengthen responsible flyer distribution practices across Housing and Development Board (HDB) estates.

Under the agreement, all participating estate agents (EAs) will adopt a standardised framework to address breaches of flyer distribution by real estate salespersons (RESs).

The consequences for breaches are:

• First offence: Letter of caution
• Second offence: Letter of caution and mandatory attendance at SIEA's ethical flyer distribution course
• Third offence: Six-month suspension from distributing flyers to HDB homes, with further escalation of penalties until a two-year clean record is achieved

The agencies will inform SIEA of salespersons who have received complaints from residents, and SIEA will maintain a centralised master record of all breaches.

This would allow it to track salespersons' conduct even if they switch agencies, or leave and return to the industry later, said the institute.

According to SIEA president Eugene Lim, the institute’s role as secretariat would ensure consistent monitoring, clearer enforcement and stronger accountability across participating agencies.

"This unified structure strengthens our shared commitment to maintaining proper flyer distribution practices in HDB estates," he said.

The agencies have also expressed their support for the MOU.

ERA Realty Network's executive vice president for operations and legal, Nicholas Poa, said the agency supports the unified and balanced approach, adding that having clearer rules and a central secretariat would help prevent improper flyer placement and maintain a cleaner living environment for HDB residents.

OrangeTee & Tie chief agency officer Raymond Khoo said improper flyer distribution has "long been a source of frustration for residents", noting that the agreement reaffirms the agency’s commitment to using only approved channels.

The key executive officer of PropNex Realty, Lim Yong Hock, said that while flyer distribution remains a cost-effective marketing tool for salespersons, it recognises residents' concerns and will work with SIEA to ensure their salespersons "adhere to clear, responsible and well-defined processes" when distributing flyers.

Top photo from Mothership