Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I pay you any commission when I buy a new launch?
No. You do not have to pay the agent a commission when purchasing a new launch. The developer pays the agent’s commission as part of their marketing programme.
What taxes (stamp duties) should I expect?
When buying residential property in Singapore, you will pay Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD); and depending on your status (Singapore Citizen, PR, Foreigner) and how many properties you already own, you may also pay Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD). For example, foreigners currently pay ABSD at 60%. For official rates and tiers, see the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) page. Try our Stamp Duty Calculator to estimate cost.
I am a Singaporean and i own a HDB. i want to buy a private condo—what should I know?
As a Singapore citizen who owns an HDB flat, you must fulfil the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP)—typically 5 to 10 years—before you can privately buy a condo. Also, if you still hold the HDB at the time you execute the condo Sale & Purchase, ABSD may apply. If you’re selling your HDB, there are time-limited ABSD refund options. We help assess your timeline so you stay compliant.
I’m a PR with a HDB—can I upgrade to private?
Yes—but you must fulfil the MOP for the HDB (5 to 10 years) and you will need to sell your HDB within a mandated window. We’ll guide you through the sale-and-purchase timeline so you avoid complications.
I’m a foreigner—what can I buy?
Foreigners may purchase private condominiums freely in Singapore. However, for landed homes (including strata-landed or cluster houses outside approved condo projects), you must obtain approval from the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) under the Land Dealings Approval Unit.
How does payment work for a new launch (uncompleted) condo?
A typical payment structure may look like this:
5% booking fee
15% payment within 8 weeks of exercising the Sale & Purchase Agreement
The balance then follows progressive payment terms as construction hits milestones (foundation, super-structure, topping-out, CSC). Your bank disburses progressively after your required down-payment is met.
Use our Progressive Payment Calculator to model your scenario.
When do I need loan approval?
You should obtain an In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the bank before making any booking payment. This helps ensure you meet the Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) and Loan-to-Value (LTV) criteria, and protects your initial booking fee from being forfeited. Speak to a Mortgage Advisor to find out about your loan eligibility.
Can I get a refund of ABSD if I sell my existing home?
Under certain conditions, married Singapore citizens may apply for ABSD refund if they sell their first residential property within the stipulated timeframe. We’ll review your eligibility and guide your timing. For official criteria, refer to IRAS’s ABSD remission page.
Can I buy under a company or trust?
Yes, purchasing through a company or trust is possible — however ABSD for entities is high (currently 65% for companies/trusts) and bank lending criteria are more stringent. We will evaluate whether this structure makes sense for your investment or ownership goals.
What’s the fastest way to compare projects (price/PSF, layouts, schools)?
We provide clients with a one-page comparison dashboard including price/PSF trackers, 1-km school catchment lists, and stack notes (sun direction, noise exposure, views). Contact us and we’ll send this complimentary.