To clarify, if I am an occupier in my parents' HDB flat for more than 5 years and my parents have added my name as a co-owner, will I be subjected to another 5-year MOP, or can I purchase a private condo at any time?

If your parents have recently added you as a co-owner to their HDB flat, the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) is a critical factor. When a new co-owner is added to an HDB flat, unless approved for special reasons by HDB (such as marriage, divorce, financial hardship, or death), the flat’s MOP is re-calculated from the date the current ownership structure takes effect. This means you may be subject to a new 5-year MOP starting from when you were officially included as a co-owner, unless HDB specifically waives the reset under certain circumstances.

Key points:
- If you are only an occupier (not an owner), you do not need to fulfill MOP and can buy a condo anytime.
- If you become a co-owner, you must fulfill a fresh 5-year MOP before you’re eligible to purchase any private residential property.
- HDB’s rules on this are strict and do not typically grant exceptions unless it falls within limited conditions.

Based on your case, after becoming a co-owner, you will not avoid the MOP by virtue of having previously been an occupier; instead, your MOP typically restarts upon becoming a co-owner. Only after serving the new MOP can you buy a condo. Always check with HDB directly for your specific flat’s status as policies may evolve or special circumstances may apply.