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Buyer's Guide

This guide provides you with the steps on buying HDB, Privates or Commercial Properties. If you have further queries, Please call 91443488 or email your enquires to us.

HDB Buyer's Guide

Eligibility to Buy

The various schemes available for the Singapore Citizens (SC) and Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) to purchase a HDB Resale Flat are shown in the above table.

Scheme Minimum Citizenship Age Family Nucleus Special Condition
Public Scheme 1 SC* & SPR** or 2 SPRs 21 Applicant, spouse & children, if any; or Applicant (single), parents & siblings; or Applicant (widowed, divorced or separated) and children legally under his custody.  
Finance/Financee Scheme 1 SC & SPR or 2 SPRs 21 Couple intending to get married. Marriage certificate must be presented to HDB within 3 months from resale completion date.

For couples applying for CPF Housing Grant, they must submit it on/before resale completion date.
Single Singapore Citizen Scheme SC 35
21 (for orphans and widows)
Single person who is unmarried, divorced or widowed.  
Joint Singles Scheme 2 SCs 35
21 (for orphans and widows)
Related or unrelated singles. An orphan or widow/widower aged at least 21 can apply with another single citizen who is at least 35.
Non-Citizen Spouse 1 SC 21@
35 #
Married to a non-citizen person. @ Non-citizen spouse with at least 6 months social visit pass.
# Non-citizen spouse with less than 6 months social visit pass.
Non-Citizen Family Scheme 1 SC 21 Applicant (single), parents & siblings; or Applicant (widowed, divorced or separated) and children legally under his custody.  
Orphans Scheme 1 SC & 1 SPR 21 A single orphan applicant and his siblings. Unmarried siblings are not allowed to buy or rent separate flats under the Orphans Scheme.

If an orphan is the only child and single, he can apply under the SSC scheme if he is at least 21.
Citizen/SPR Siblings Scheme 2 SPRs 21 Two single siblings whose parents are not SCs and not residing in Singapore permanently. Siblings of the same parents are not allowed to buy separate flats.
Conversion Scheme 1 SC* & SPR** or 2 SPRs 21 Applicant, spouse & children, if any; or Applicant (single), parents & siblings; or Applicant (widowed, divorced or separated) and children legally under his custody. You can buy:
(i) 2 units of 3-room or smaller flat from the open market; or
*(ii) an adjoining 3-room or smaller flat from the open market
Note: *you must be a flat owner of a 3-room or smaller flat.


Engage Professional Real Estate Agents

It is not difficult to find a professional real estate who not only help you to find the right property, but also assist you in negotiating for the right price. As a professional real estate agent, he /she will able guide you through the process and make recommendations on-financing, legal representation and logistics issues (e.g. timing for moving-in). The following criteria may assist you in finding the right agency and real estate agent:

a. Which agency has the largest market shares in the HDB Resale Markets?

b. Which agency has recently won the Read Digest Trusted Brand – Gold Award?

c. Which agency has recently won Singapore Most Promising Brand Award?

d. Which agency’s website is the most appealing and user friendly for buyers?

e. Which agency provides you with agents who had recently transacted units in the neighbour?

f. Which agency provides you with the list of agents who has an IEA Member with a Practicing Certificate for a Peace of Mind?

g. Which friends or relative had transacted a property and extremely happy with their agents’ service?

Once you have a list of agencies and agents, make an appointment with each one to learn more about their services. Find out if agent is willing to do a free comparative market analysis (CMA) and recommend the search plan for you.


HDB Resale Checklist

HDB has introduced a Resale Checklist for Housing agents to ensure that buyers are aware of the relevant and important HDB sale and financing policy when buying a HDB flat. It takes effect for Resale Application received by HDB on or after 1 May 2008. The appointed real estate agents will guide you through a HDB Resale Checklist.


Financing

HDB Loan – Only Singapore Citizens are eligible to take a HDB loan, you have to meet loan eligibility conditions and obtain an HDB loan Eligibility (HLE).

Bank loan - Compare the banks’ interest rates and special terms when choosing your finance scheme. Also decide whether floating rate or Fixed rates is more suitable for you.


Buyers Financial Plan




HDB Housing Grants

The CPF housing grant is a housing subsidy (in the form of CPF monies) provided by the Government to assist eligible first-timer citizen households to buy a resale flat from the open market.
Types of Grant Amount
CPF housing grant for family $30,000
CPF housing grant for family (living near parents or married child) $40,000
Additional CPF housing grant for lower income family $5,000 to $30,000
Half housing grant $15,000
Half housing grant (living near parents or married child) $20,000
CPF housing grant for singles $11,000
CPF housing grant for joint singles $22,000
CPF housing Top-up grant Top-up to $30,000
CPF housing Top-up grant Top-up to $40,000


Types of HDB Flats
Model of Flat Average Sizes in
  Sqm Sqft
Multi-Generation 165 1776
Executive Maisonette 145 1560
Executive Apartment 141 1517
     
5RM Executive Maisonette 135 1453
5RM “A” model 135 1453
5RM Improved Model 120 1292
5RM Standard Model 112 1206
     
4RM “A” model 105 1130
4RM New Generation Model 91 980
4RM Simplified Model 85 915
4RM Improved Model 83 893
     
31/2RM 82 882
3RM “A” model 75 807
3RM New Generation Model 69 743
3RM Simplified Model 65 699
3RM Improved Model 60 646
3RM Standard Model 54 581


Searching your Property and Negotiations

Once reaching a preliminary agreement to buy, ensure that all important points have been discussed and agreed, including special requirements for early renovations, or any repairs or changes prior to purchase, Fitting and Fixtures.


HDB Option to Purchase

Buyers and sellers of resale flats must use an HDB standard Option to Purchase (OTP) as the form of contract in resale transactions. They are not allowed to enter into any other agreement relating to the sale/purchase of the flat as it is not valid under the Housing and Development Act.

Buyers and sellers must declare to HDB the true resale price of the flat. They must not enter into any supplementary or other agreements or arrangements that may cause the true resale price as declared to be inflated or understated. Housing agents must also declare all relevant information relating to the resale transaction, in a Housing Agent's Statutory Declaration.

Under the Housing and Development Act, the penalty can involve a fine of up to $5,000 and/or up to 6 months' imprisonment for giving false information to HDB. Under the Oaths and Declaration Act, the penalty can involve a fine and/or up to 3 years' imprisonment for a false declaration.

Main Features

• Option Period of 14 days for the buyer to think over the intended purchase; and to check his eligibility, financing aspects and other issues such as whether the flat is affected by redevelopment/upgrading, the liability to pay upgrading cost/levy etc.
• If the buyer does not wish to buy the resale flat, he can let the Option expire and loses only the option fee.
• To ensure a standardized practice, the Option Fee, Deposit and Option Period are prescribed as follows:
• Option Fee - An amount not exceeding $1,000
• Deposit - An amount not exceeding $5,000 (including the Option Fee)
• Option Period - 14 calendar days (including Sat/Sun & public holidays) from the date of granting the Option. Option expiry time is standardised at 4pm. (Example: If the seller grants an Option to the buyer on 1 May 06, the Option will expire on 15 May 06 at 4pm.)


Confirm Financing (for Bank Loan)

LO from Bank – You are to confirm the bank loan by endorsing on the Letter of Offer from the Bank.

Appoint a Lawyer – You can appoint your own lawyer or engage the bank recommended lawyer. Your lawyer will have to make legal enquiries on the status of the seller, the title of the property and the terms of the sale. The legal fees for purchasing a HDB Flat transaction is $2000 to $3000


Exercising the Option to Purchase + Registration to HDB

You need to have a valid HDB HLE or a valid LO before you can exercise the option. Once the option has been exercised, either the buying or selling agents will arrange to register the transaction to HDB. The HDB Admin fees are as follows:
Flat Type Administrative Fee for Processing of Resale Application
  by post/hand via e-Resale/HDB- Resale Net System
1 & 2 room $50 $30
3 room & Larger $80 $60

A technical officer’s from the branch office will conduct an inspection on your purchase unit usually 1 week after the HDB registration. The seller is to rectify/remove any unauthorised renovation works in the resale flat.


1st Appointment

The 1st Appointment is usually schedule 6 to 8 weeks from the registration. On 1st Appointment, you are required to bring the followings (original and photo stated)

  Document
1 Identity Card(s) of all persons listed in the application (for the identification of the person(s));
2 Birth Certificate(s) of the relevant persons listed in the application (for proof of relationship);
3 Passport and Entry/Re-Entry Permit or Singapore Blue Identity Card, for the verification of residential status in Singapore (applicable only for persons who are Singapore Permanent Residents)
4 Marriage Certificate, Deed of Separation, Divorce Certificate, Decree Nisi. Decree Nisi Absolute, Death Certificate (whichever is applicable) for verification of marital status;
5 Original Option to Purchase;
6 Valuation Report of resale flat, if available;
7 Grant of Letters of Administration with its Petition and Estates Duty Schedule or a copy of the Last Will (if applicable), the Order of Court to sanction the sale (if applicable) for proof of the right of representation or inherited interest in an HDB flat or private property;
8 Letter of consent from the Official Assignee for buyer buying an Executive flat, Multi-Generation flat or HUDC flat (applicable only if buyer is an undischarged bankrupt)
9 Employed Persons:
i. Payslips or Certification of Income from employer (Note: Income certification by employer must bear the letterhead/stamp of the company, name, signature and designation of the certifying officer); or ii. For an employee of a family-run business, an income certification letter from the Managing Director of the Company
10 Self-Employed Persons/Odd Job Workers:
i. Latest income tax assessment; or
ii. Statement of Annual Accounts certified by audit firm to confirm income for the past 12 months; or
iii. Letter from the employer with the letterhead/stamp of the company, name, signature and designation of the certifying officer (applicable only for Odd Job Workers)
11 Students/Unemployed Persons:
Student pass or letter from the schools. Unemployed persons will have to execute a Statutory Declaration to confirm that they have no source of income.
12 Power of Attorney (If buyer is away during the resale transaction period) Certified true copy of the Power of Attorney by the solicitor or the original copy.

For HDB loan, the cash over value and the caveat fees will be paid at the HDB Cashier, while the stamp fees, the legal fees can be paid through the CPF or Cash. The agent fees for service will be collected on 1st Appointment too.

HDB In-Principles Approval – Once HDB is approved the Transaction, HDB will send In-Principles Approval to you within two weeks from the 1st Appointment.


2nd Appointment/Completion

Inspection - Before the completion, you must invite the buyer to inspect the unit again to ensure everything is in proper.

The Completion takes place at the 2nd Appointment, usually about 5 to 6 weeks month after the 1st Appointment for HDB loan and 6 to 8 weeks after 1st Appointment for Bank loan. Before attending the appointment, you need to purchase fire insurance at the counter.







Private Buyer's Guide



Types of Privates Properties



Eligibility to Buy

Singapore Citizens are allowed to buy all type of private properties including Executive Condo after 5 years from its TOP.

Singapore Permanent Residents (SPR) a foreigner or permanent resident Under the Residential Property Act (RPA), for restricted property such as vacant land, landed properties such as bungalows, semi-detached and terrace houses, prior approval is still needed if foreigners wish to buy. Landed properties is a special class of residential property that Singaporeans aspire to own, and should remain restricted. Foreigners need to apply for approval from Singapore Land Authority before buying. For more details on application, visit the SLA website. Every application is considered on its merits. The main criteria are whether you are a permanent resident of Singapore and your economic contribution to Singapore.

Since 19 July 2005, foreigners can purchase apartments in non-condominium developments of less than 6 levels without the need to obtain prior approval.


Engage Professional Real Estate Agents

It is not difficult to find a professional real estate who not only help you to find the right property, but also assist you in negotiating for the right price. As a professional real estate agent, he / she will be able to guide you through the process and make recommendations on financing, legal representation and logistics issues (e.g. timing for moving-in). The following criteria may assist you in finding the right agency and real estate agent:

a. Which agency has the largest market shares in the HDB Resale Markets?

b. Which agency has recently won the Read Digest Trusted Brand – Gold Award?

c. Which agency has recently won Singapore Most Promising Brand Award?

d. Which agency’s website is the most appealing and user friendly for buyers?

e. Which agency provides you with agents who had recently transacted units in the neighbour?

f. Which agency provides you with the list of agents who has an IEA Member with a Practicing Certificate for a Peace of Mind?

g. Which friends or relative had transacted a property and extremely happy with their agents’ service?

Once you have a list of agencies and agents, make an appointment with each one to learn more about their services. Find out if agent is willing to do a free comparative market analysis (CMA) and recommend the search plan for you. Most property companies share the same database of property listings in Singapore.


Use One Agent

Use only ONE agent at a time.  If you use many agents at the same time, they may show you the same property. Using one agent recommended by us, you will save valuable time for yourself.  He / she will then understand your needs and requirements better after a few viewings.  Only if they are incompetent, unresponsive or not showing the correct property you wanted, we will help you to look for another registered agent with us.


Obtain In Principles Approval from Banks

The latest MAS ruling allows purchaser to loan up to 90% of the valuation or purchase price, whichever is lower. 5% must be paid in cash and the other 5% can be paid using CPF or cash. The stamp and legal fees can also be paid in CPF. In general, the maximum loan for Singaporean (SC), Singapore Permanent Residents (SPR) and Foreigners are as shown:
Type Minimum Down payment Maximum Loan
Singaporean 10% 90%
SPR 20% 80%
Foreigners 30% 70%

However for case to case, applicants may get higher loan amount depending of his credit worthiness.

You are advised to compare the banks’ interest rates and special terms when choosing your finance scheme. Also decide whether floating rate or Fixed rates is more suitable for you.

The stamp duty in Singapore for Purchasing Property is as followings
Purchase Prices Fees Payable in Percentage of the Purchase Prices
$1 to $180,000 1% of the Purchase Price
$180,001 to $360,000 2% of the Purchase Price
>$360,000 3% of the Purchase Price

In general, we used the Purchase Price multiply by 3% minus $5400.
E.g. Purchase Price is $600,000,  
The Stamp duty payable is 3% of $600,000-$5400) = $12,600 or
1% of 180,000 = $1,800
2% of 180,000 to 360,000 = $3,600
3% of $360,000 to 600,000 = $ 3% of 240,000 = $7,200
  Total:  $12,600


Searching your Property and Negotiations

Locations - Depending whether you are buying the property for own stay or investment, location plays an important role. Properties in prime districts retain their value very well and they usually have the highest capital gain in a bullish property market. Properties in the suburbs are lower in price and may be more suitable for own stay than investment. If you can purchase the property for investment, the properties in prime districts like Marine Bay, Sentosa Cove, and district 09, 10, 11 or the Central Business District are the safest buy. Properties with sea view at the East Coast are also great for a resort home or investment.

Valuation - Check the indicative valuation for the property you intending to buy. Valuation directly affects the amount of loan you can get for the property. Take into account the number of years that you can loan, the monthly instalments, etc.

Negotiations - Once reaching a preliminary agreement to buy, ensure that all important points have been discussed and agreed, including special requirements for early renovations, or any repairs or changes prior to purchase, Fitting and Fixtures.


Option to Purchase

The contractual part is typically a simple two step process. Typically you will give an option fee of 1% of the purchase price to the seller to exchange for a Signed “Option to Purchase”. Most Real Estate Agency provides a “standard” ‘Option to Purchase’ agreement. The Option period is usually 14 days to allow you to get the necessary financing from the bank and decide whether to purchase the property or not. At the same time, it is recommended that you also endorsed on the inventory lists.

The seller is not allowed to sell the property to another buyer during this period. If you do not exercise the Option within the stated period, the Option will expire and the seller is entitled to forfeit the 1% option money and sell the property to any other buyer.



Point A: Option to Purchase granted by seller. You pay 1% of the Purchase price.

Point B: You exercise Option to Purchase by you through your solicitor. You pay another 4% of the Purchase price. Usually 2 weeks after the OTP.

Point C: You pay the Stamp Duty through your solicitor.

Point D: Completion Takes Places usually 8 to 12 weeks after the exercise


Confirm Financing (for Bank Loan) & Engaging Solicitor

Letter of Offer (LO) from Bank – You are to confirm the bank loan by endorsing on the Letter of Offer from the Bank.

Engage Solicitor – You can appoint your own solicitor or engage the bank recommended solicitor. Your solicitor will have to make legal enquiries on the status of the seller, the title of the property and the terms of the sale. The legal fees for purchasing a Private Transactions are approx from $2,000 to $4,000.


Exercising the Option to Purchase

If you decided to exercise the option, you will endorse the acceptance copy witness by your solicitor together with the balance of the 4% of the purchase price your solicitor will do the necessary steps to complete the sale – lodge a caveat on the property, coordinate with the bank/CPF board for the mortgage, and prepare the contracts. This process will typically take up to 10 weeks to complete. Also the 4% of the purchase price is typically kept with the seller’s solicitor as stakeholder.


Completion

Final Inspection - Before the completion, you need to inspect the unit again to ensure everything is in proper.

The seller’s solicitor will then handover the keys and title deed of conveyance though your solicitor and you become the owner of your new home.



Commercial Buyer's Guide



Option to Purchase (Buying an Option)

• This method is most commonly used. Purchaser is to pay a booking fee, normally $5,000 or 1% of selling price.
• Usually option is open for 2 weeks, for the Purchaser to instruct Solicitors, arrange for bank loan, CPF release and valuation.
• This method is most commonly used. Purchaser is to pay a booking fee, normally $5,000 or 1% of selling price.
• On the appointed day and time of exercise of option, the Purchaser has to sign and pay the balance 10% of purchase price.
• Stakeholder - usually insisted by the Purchaser’s Solicitors if the subject property has a mortgage or CPF charge. Stakeholder monies will usually be held by Vendor’s Solicitors until completion. This stakeholder clause is usually a very sticky issue between the parties. On one hand, the Vendor wants the balance 10% release to him so that he can use it immediately. On the other hand, the Purchaser’s Solicitors are afraid that the balance 90% of the purchase price may not be sufficient to discharge the mortgage that is why the Purchaser’s Solicitors insist on the stakeholder clause. Of course in most cases, the outstanding mortgage may not exceed the balance 90% of the purchase price. One way of going round the stakeholder issue is to insert a clause as follows:

“the balance 10% to be held by the Vendor’s Solicitors as stakeholders until documentary evidence from the mortgage and/or charge that the balance 90% is sufficient to discharge the mortgage and/or charge herein.” There are also other reasons on insisting for stakeholders namely when there is a bankruptcy action against the Vendor; unsatisfactory reply to legal requisitions; title not in order or the title is encumbered; not able to deliver vacant possession, etc.


Pre-Contract Payment

A purchaser should not make a down payment even though he is very keen on the property. He should consult his lawyer before making payment. The lawyer will have to ascertain three points prior to making down payment, that is:

• A title search is made on the property to confirm the Vendor is the rightful owner and the title is free from encumbrances.
• A bankruptcy or winding up search is made on the Vendor to ensure that the Vendor is solvent
• That the Purchaser is able to abide to the terms of the contract and agree to the terms of the contract, for example, the completion date, road widening subject to tenancy, financing etc
• After all this is done, the lawyer will advise the purchaser to proceed and the title is free from encumbrances


Purchase Procedure

The sale and purchase process begins with the grant of an option to purchase. The typical conveyance process can be broken down into the following broad steps:

• Potential Purchaser conducts basic title and bankruptcy searches on the property and vendor;
• Exercise the option;
• Signing of Sale and Purchase Agreement;
• In the case of completed properties, the parties may enter directly into the Sale and Purchase Agreement without a separate grant and exercise of an option.
• Purchaser solicitors conduct title searches and legal requisitions, the conveyance documents are prepared for execution: e.g. the Transfer and Mortgage (in the case of title registered under the Torrens system) or Deed of Conveyance or Indenture of mortgage (in the case of title registered under the Deed system).
• Completion takes place: keys are handed over, outstanding mortgage discharged, balance payment made, conveyance documents executed.


Checklist for Purchaser

• Making a Title Search
• Making Bankruptcy or Winding Search
• Checking the Option or Sale Contract
• Lodging a Caveat
• Sending Requisition On the Title to Vendor’s Solicitors
• Sending Legal Requisition to Various Government Departments including Road and Drainage Interpretation Plans
• Preparing For Transfer Documentation
• Preparing the Mortgage Loan
• Notifying the Management Corporation
• Sending the Completion Account To Purchaser
• Joint Inspection of Property
• Arranging Completion
• Making Final Title and Bankruptcy Searches
• Attending the Completion to Exchange Balance of Purchase Price For Transfer Documents
• Reporting Completion


Checklist for Vendor

• Upon receipt of instructions from client / agent
• Preparing option of sale contract for vendor’s approval
• Arrange title search
• Receiving the deposit
• Redeeming the mortgage
• Delivering the title deeds
• Getting property tax, maintenance bills
• Informing the management corporation of sale
• Answering Requisition on Title
• Checking the transfer
• Sending completion account
• Arranging for completion
• Attending to completion/li>
• To purchaser’s lawyer – In exchange for payment (cashier’s order)
o Signed transfer, Certificate to Title, Total discharge Mortgage receipts for property tax and maintenance fees.
o Copy of Notice transfer
o Notice of change of ownership to Management Corporation
o Keys to property
o To Vendor’s mortgage – cashier’s order for redemption money
o To Property Tax Department – send statutory Notice of Transfer
o To Management Corporation – notify change of ownership
o Reporting Completion

*Note: In general there are no regulations restricting on the sale and purchase of commercial properties to foreign buyers. However there are rules on the purchase of commercial properties in the Sale of Commercial Property Act.




Are you a Foreigner?


Q: I am a professional/ specialist. Which Singapore agency should I write to if I wish to seek employment in Singapore?
A: For details, please click to see the Contact Singapore website. You may also get in touch with the Contact Singapore Centres overseas or surf the EDB website.

Q: Who is eligible to apply for an Employment Pass?
A: Any foreigner may apply for an Employment Pass to be employed or to do business in Singapore if he/ she fulfil the eligibility criteria. For details please click to see the Singapore Ministry of Manpower website or the Contact Singapore website

Q: What must I do if my spouse or child is relocating to Singapore with me?
A: An Employment Pass holder may apply Dependant's Passes for his / her spouse, unmarried or legally adopted children under 21 years of age.

Q: Can a Dependant's Pass holder work in Singapore?
A: Dependant's Pass holder can apply for a Letter of Consent from the MOM if he wishes to work in Singapore. The application form can be downloaded from the MOM Homepage

Q: How can I find out more about terms & conditions of employment in Singapore?
A: You can look up the Ministry of Manpower website www.mom.gov.sg for a list of common questions on terms & conditions of employment in Singapore.

Q: Where do I start if I am looking for accommodation in Singapore?
A: If you are working in Singapore for a contract period of more than a year, we strongly recommend you to engage one real estate agent which will save you time and hassle as the agent would have better understanding of your requirements after the first appointment.

Q: How soon so I start searching for my apartment?
A: It is recommended that you start your search plan about 2 months before you actual commencement date, so that you have time to compare and narrow to the right apartment without time pressure.

Q: Do Landlord prefers Company Lease or Personal Lease?
A: Most Landlords prefers a company lease as compare lease. However, the mass market apartment is mostly rented to personal lease.

Q: How much funds do I need to prepare for the lease?
A: Typically a 2 years lease will require you to pay upfront of two months rental deposit and one month rental in advance. You may need to pay agency fee depending on the rental amount. See next question.

Q: Is there any agency fee or commission if I engage Real Estate Agent in Singapore for my housing search, documentations and other assistance?
A: Yes, there is a fee payable. The fees is half month (1/2) gross rental for less than twelve (12) month's lease or One (1) month's gross rental for lease of twelve (12) months or up to twenty-four (24) months. For more, please view Agents Commission Guidelines below.

Q: Any other fees I need to pay?
A: You also need to make payment for the stamp duty, TV licences. Most landlord expects the Tenant to have an Air-conditioner servicing contract to ensure that their air-conditioners are maintained regularly.

Q: I have found a suitable apartment or house. What is next?
A: Inform your real estate agent of your interest. Thereafter, the real estate will prepare a Letter of Intent (LOI), stating your interest, rental amount and requirements. After you have signed, the agent will pass the LOI to the rightful landlord together with one month rent as good faith deposit. See more at our Rental Guides

Q: What are the transportation costs in Singapore?
A: Public transports like the MRT, bus are pretty affordable. Whereas the price you pay for buying a car in Singapore is hefty. More detailed information can be found at our Singapore Travel Guide.

Q: What is Central Provident Fund (CPF)?
A: CPF is a comprehensive social security savings scheme to which both employers and employees have to contribute. CPF takes care of members' needs in retirement, healthcare, home ownership, family protection and asset enhancement. Several innovative schemes were introduced over the last five decades. For details, please click to see the CPF Board website www.cpf.gov.sg.

Q: Do foreigners have to contribute to the CPF?
A: Foreigners only need to begin their monthly contributions to the CPF after having assumed Permanent Resident (PR) status. During the first two years as a permanent resident, contribution rates to CPF are reduced.

Q: Can permanent residents withdraw their Central Provident Fund savings?
A: PR can withdraw their savings at age 55, after a Minimum Sum in their Retirement Account is set aside. Members can also withdraw their CPF savings if they are permanently incapacitated or will leave Singapore and West Malaysia permanently. If members do return to Singapore, they must reimburse the CPF Board for the amount they had withdrawn with interest.

Q: I am a foreigner who used to work in Singapore. I have now returned to my own country. How can I apply to withdraw my CPF contributions?
A: If you have left Singapore and West Malaysia permanently and have no intention of returning for further employment or residence, you may apply for the withdrawal of your CPF savings. To do so, you have to complete the CPF Withdrawal form (CPF-LM) and return it to CPF Board. You can make your request for the form via the CPF Homepage. For details of the application, you may wish to contact CPF at Tel: (65) 6227-1188 (press 5) or email: Retirement@cpf.gov.sg.

Q: How do I open a bank account in Singapore?
A: To open an account in Singapore, you will need copies of your passport, employer's letter, and a statement from a bank in your home country. Other than three local banks DBS, OCBC and UOB, almost all major banks are represented here. Singapore has extensive facilities of automated teller machines (ATMs) and a cashless payment system called NETS and also Cash Card System for your paying convenience.

Q: Is Credit/Charge Cards widely used in Singapore?
A: Credit cards are widely accepted in Singapore. Restaurants, Hotels, Retailers, even taxi readily accept international credit cards.

Q: Where can I change my money to Singapore currency?
A: At Changi Airport, all Banks and Hotels can change money and most shopping complexes have a licensed money changer. Most banks open from 9.30am to 3pm on weekdays and 9.30am to 12.30am on Saturdays. Some of the local Banks open even on Sunday.


Agency Professional Fees and Commission Guidelines


Introduction

• The remuneration system for Agents is based on the provision of service and / or upon successful transaction.
• The agents' commission guideline is taking reference from the Government Gazette dated 22 February 1974 and the current market practice established over the last decade.



• This document stipulates the professional fee / commission for Agents based on standard services rendered on property transactions.
• This scale of professional fee / commission is not intended to restrict or interfere with any private arrangements which Agents may have with their clients.
• Agreements and undertakings in all transactions shall be made between clients and the real estate agency and not with the individual Agent.
• Payment for commission shall be made payable to the real estate agency and not to the individual Agents;
• The clients and Agencies amongst themselves shall document / communicate at the outset, their agreement on commission, costs and disbursements. The documentation / communication shall also include the scope of works, duties and undertakings by the Agencies;
• Agents shall conduct themselves at all times in a professional manner that would not prejudice the standards and reputation of their agency or the real estate industry.


Interpretation

In this document,

“Agents” mean individual real estate agents who represent their agency;

“Clients” means all those who engage, use or retain the services of an Agency;

“Professional fee / commission” means all forms of remuneration including commission, Brokerage fee, finder’s fee, service fee, disbursements or any other sum payable by clients to The Agency;

“Gross rental” means total monthly rental (including rental of furniture, maintenance charge and sinking fund, where applicable);

“HDB” means the Housing and Development Board constituted under the Housing and Development Act (Cap 129);

“HUDC flats” means flats in the housing estates known as HUDC housing estates which maintenance and management are not under the Housing and Development Board (HUDC Housing Estates Act – Cap 131);


Professional Fee / Commission

• Sale by Private Treaty, Auction or Tender (All types of properties except HDB Resale Flats and Non-Privatized HUDC Flats)
• Sale of HDB Resale Flats and Non-Privatized HUDC Flats
• Rental (All types of properties except HDB Flats and Rooms)
• Rental of HDB Flats and Rooms
• Assignment (All types of properties)
• Management (All types of properties)

Sale by Private Treaty, Auction or Tender (All types of properties except HDB Resale Flats and Non-Privatized HUDC Flats)
   
Party Professional Fee Commission Payable to Agency
Vendor Minimum two percent (2%) of contracted price as sales commission.
Purchaser One percent (1%) of contracted price as finder's fee (if the agency is the appointed representative).



An Agent shall not accept any commission from both the Vendor and Purchaser in the same transaction without the prior knowledge or written consent of the Vendor and Purchaser of the transaction.

Commission shall become due immediately upon completion of sale and purchase or as otherwise agreed between the parties.

Sale of HDB Resale Flats and Non-Privatized HUDC Flats
   
Party Professional Fee Commission Payable to Agency
Vendor Minimum two percent (2%) of contracted price as sales commission.
Purchaser One percent (1%) of contracted price as service fee

An Agent shall not accept any commission from both the Vendor and Purchaser in the same transaction without the prior knowledge or written consent of the Vendor and Purchaser of the transaction.

Commission shall become due immediately upon completion of sale and purchase or as otherwise agreed between the parties.

In a co-brokerage, the agents shall collect the commission from their respective clients as in the table above or as otherwise agreed between the parties.

Rental (Private and HDB Properties)
   
Party Professional Fee Commission Payable to Agency
Landlord One (1) month's gross rental for lease of first twelve (12) months or up to twenty four (24) months, and an additional one half (1/2) a month's gross rental for every subsequent twelve (12) months' lease or less.
Tenant One half (1/2) of a month's gross rental for less than twelve (12) months' lease.

One (1) month's gross rental for lease of first twelve (12) months or up to twenty four (24) months.

The professional fee is chargeable regardless of the rental amount.

An Agent shall not accept any commission from both the Landlord and Tenant in the same transaction without the prior knowledge or consent of the Landlord and Tenant of the transaction.

Commission shall become due immediately upon execution of the tenancy agreement by landlord and Tenant.

An Agent shall not accept any commission from both the Landlord and Tenant in the same transaction without the prior knowledge or consent of the Landlord and Tenant of the transaction.

Commission shall become due immediately upon execution of the tenancy agreement by Landlord and Tenant.

In a co-brokerage, the co-broking agents shall collect the commission from their respective clients as in the above or as otherwise agreed between the parties.

Assignment (All types of properties)
Party Professional Fee Commission Payable to Agency
Assignor (party giving up) Ten percent (10%) of assignment consideration or one (1) month's gross rental - whichever is higher.
Assignee (party taking over) Five percent (5%) of assignment consideration or one half (1/2) of a month's gross rental - whichever is higher.

An Agent shall not accept any commission from both the Assignor and Assignee in the same transaction without the prior knowledge or consent of the Assignor and Assignee of the transaction.

Commission shall become due immediately upon completion of the assignment.

Management (All types of properties)
   
Basis of Management Professional Fee Commission Payable to Agency
For Individual Unit Ten percent (10%) of gross monthly rental or $100.00 per month - whichever is higher.
For Management Corporations under the Land Title (Strata) Act (Cap 158) By negotiation

Commission is due to Agency monthly in advance upon receipt of rental from Tenant. For Management Corporations, commission payable would generally be on an accrued basis.

The Agency may, by prior agreement with client, claim disbursements for expenses such as long distance phone calls (in the case of overseas client), postage and stationery, transport costs, etc.


Other Charges

The agency / agents may also impose charges other than the agreed commission, provided that such charges are agreed to between the parties.

Forfeited Deposit In the case of an aborted sale or tenancy, the commission shall be one half (1/2) of the amount of the deposit forfeited by the party plus GST subject to a maximum sum equivalent to the agreed commission plus GST.

Goods & Services Tax (GST) - The agency shall charge their clients and co-brokers the prevailing GST even if the other party / Agency are not GST-registered.


Professional Services for customers

All our customers are offered with a full range of services to ensure that their experience with us is a pleasant one. We are striving towards customer satisfaction and a company that consumers can trust. We provide:

• Home Warranty Plan
• HDB Deposit Guarantee Programme
• Home Sellers’ Guide
• Service Excellence Report
• Customer Feedback Survey
• Customer support centre
• In house legal support
• In house disciplinary board
• In house mediation board
• Professional Indemnity insurance for agents to protect the customers
• Our agents are issued with Professional Practitioner Certificate and Professional Proficiency Certificate and must fulfill Continuous Professional Development (CPD) points.