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.