What are the additional costs when buying a property?

What is Frontage in landed property?

Frontage size (or simply "frontage") refers to the width of a property's boundary that directly faces and borders a street, road, body of water, or open public space. It is usually measured as a linear distance (e.g., 15 meters or 50 feet) along the property line.

How do I report a maintenance issue?

Tell us or your property manager as soon as you notice it — by phone, WhatsApp or email, with photos where you can. Under a standard Singapore tenancy the tenant usually covers minor repairs up to an agreed amount per item, and the landlord covers anything above that, along with the air-conditioning servicing contract where the lease provides for one. Check the exact wording of your tenancy agreement. For anything urgent, such as a burst pipe, a leak into a neighbouring unit or a power failure, call rather than email, and notify the building's managing agent if you are in a condominium.

What is a security deposit and when do I get it back?

It is money paid to the landlord at the start of the lease, held against damage beyond fair wear and tear and against unpaid rent. In Singapore the usual amount is one month's rent for a one-year lease and two months for a two-year lease. It is returned after you hand the property back, once the handover inspection is done and any outstanding utility bills are settled — commonly within 14 days, though the exact period is whatever your tenancy agreement states. Take dated photographs at move-in and move-out; they settle most disputes.

Can I have pets in my rental property?

That depends on the landlord and, in a condominium, on the by-laws of the management corporation, which can restrict the type or number of animals kept in a unit. HDB flats have their own separate rules on which animals are allowed. Raise it before you sign — a landlord who agrees will normally want it written into the tenancy agreement, and may ask for a higher deposit. Do not move a pet in on the assumption it will be fine; an undisclosed pet breaches most tenancy agreements.

What is typically included in the rent?

Rent normally covers the property itself and, in a condominium, use of the shared facilities and the monthly maintenance charge, which the landlord pays. Utilities — electricity, water, gas and internet — are usually the tenant's and are billed separately. Whether the unit is furnished or part-furnished is negotiable and should be recorded in an inventory list attached to the tenancy agreement. Air-conditioning servicing is the item most often argued about, so confirm in writing who arranges and pays for it. Ask for the inclusions in writing before you sign.

How do I apply for a rental property?

After viewing, you make an offer through a Letter of Intent setting out the rent, the term and any requests, together with a good-faith deposit of one month's rent. If the landlord accepts, that deposit normally becomes the security deposit and a tenancy agreement is drawn up. You will usually be asked for your NRIC, FIN or passport and proof of employment or income, and a foreigner will need a valid pass. Stamp duty on the lease is payable to IRAS at 0.4% of the total rent for a lease of four years or less. We handle the paperwork and the stamping for you.

What is the process once an offer is accepted?

In Singapore the seller grants an Option to Purchase and the buyer pays an option fee, typically 1% of the price on a resale property. The buyer then has the option period, usually 14 days, to exercise it by signing and paying the balance of the deposit, normally a further 4%. Their lawyer carries out the title search and legal requisitions, stamp duty is paid to IRAS within 14 days of exercise, and the bank prepares the loan for disbursement. Completion usually follows around 8 to 12 weeks after exercise, when the balance is paid and the keys are handed over. We coordinate with both lawyers and your banker at every stage.

How long does it usually take to sell a property?

The time it takes to sell a property can vary greatly depending on market conditions, pricing, location, and the property's appeal. On average, it can take anywhere from 2 to 6 months from listing to closing, but some properties sell much faster or slower.

What are the current property prices in Singapore?

Prices vary widely by district, tenure, property type and floor, and any range quoted here would date quickly. Instead we publish what we actually hold: entry price per square foot for every new launch we market, broken down by bedroom type and district, on our New Launch Condo PSF page, and every listing on the site carries its own price and size. For a view on a specific property or development, ask us and we will show you the comparable transactions.

What are the eligibility requirements for buying a property in Singapore?

It depends on the property type. A Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, foreigner or entity may all buy a private condominium, subject to Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty at the rate for their profile. Landed residential property is restricted under the Residential Property Act — a foreigner needs approval from the Singapore Land Authority to buy one, and Sentosa Cove is treated separately. HDB flats carry their own citizenship and household eligibility rules. Tell us your residency status and what you already own, and we will tell you exactly what applies to you.

What are the additional costs when buying a property?

Beyond the price, budget for Buyer's Stamp Duty, which is tiered from 1% on the first $180,000 up to 6% on any amount above $3 million, and Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty if it applies to you — 20% for a Singapore Citizen buying a second home, 5% for a Permanent Resident buying a first, 60% for a foreigner. Stamp duty is payable to IRAS within 14 days of signing if the document is signed in Singapore. Conveyancing fees are not regulated here and usually run around $2,500 to $5,000 plus disbursements and GST, so ask whether a quote includes those. If you are buying a new launch the price is drawn down in stages against construction rather than paid at once. We will put the full figure in writing for your situation before you commit.

How long does the property purchase process take?

For a completed resale property, expect roughly 10 to 14 weeks from accepted offer to completion — a 14-day option period, then around 8 to 12 weeks while the lawyers complete searches and the bank prepares disbursement. Stamp duty is due to IRAS within 14 days of exercising the option. A new launch works differently: you pay in stages against construction milestones and take possession at TOP, typically three to four years after booking.

Can I get a mortgage for property purchase?

Yes. For a private property, MAS caps a bank housing loan at 75% of the value if you have no other outstanding housing loan, 45% if you have one, and 35% if you have two or more. Each of those drops — to 55%, 25% and 15% — if the loan runs beyond 30 years or past your 65th birthday. At 75% at least 5% of the price must be cash, and up to 20% may come from your CPF Ordinary Account. Maximum tenure is 35 years on a non-HDB property. Your total debt repayments must also sit within the Total Debt Servicing Ratio of 55% of gross monthly income, stress-tested at the higher of 4% or the bank's thereafter rate. The Mortgage Servicing Ratio applies to HDB flats and executive condominiums, not to private condominiums.

What documents do I need to sell my property?

For a private property in Singapore you will usually need your NRIC or passport, the title deed or subsidiary strata certificate of title, and the Sale & Purchase Agreement from when you bought. Your conveyancing lawyer will also ask for your latest property tax statement, the outstanding loan statement from your bank, and your CPF statement if CPF monies were used towards the purchase. Condominium owners should have recent maintenance and sinking-fund statements from the MCST. Landed owners should have the approved building plans and records of any additions or alterations. If the property is tenanted, the tenancy agreement and the inventory list are needed too. We will send you a checklist before we list, so nothing holds up completion.

How do you determine the asking price for my home?

We determine the asking price by conducting a comprehensive market analysis. This includes evaluating recent sales of comparable properties in your area, considering current market trends, the condition and features of your home, and any unique selling points. We'll provide a detailed valuation report.

What are the typical costs associated with selling a property?

In Singapore the main costs are the agent's commission plus GST, and conveyancing legal fees for your lawyer. Seller's Stamp Duty may apply if you sell within the holding period set by IRAS — there is no capital gains tax on property here, so this is the tax most sellers need to check. If you still have a mortgage, budget for the loan redemption and any early-repayment penalty your bank charges. If CPF monies were used to buy the property, the amount withdrawn plus accrued interest must be refunded to your CPF account on completion, which reduces your cash proceeds. Presentation costs such as repairs, cleaning, styling and photography are optional. We will give you a written breakdown of all of these before you commit.