Plain answers to common property questions
General information on Singapore conveyancing and property law, written in everyday language. Read up before you decide anything, then speak with a lawyer about your own situation.
Buying and selling property guides
How property transactions work in Singapore, from the option to purchase to completion, stamp duties and mortgages.
Buying
4 articles
What are the legal steps in buying an HDB resale flat?
HDB resale transactions follow HDB's own forms, portal and approval process. Understanding the steps, and when you need a private lawyer, makes it easier to plan.
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How does the conveyancing process work when buying private property in Singapore?
Buying a resale condominium or landed home moves through a set sequence, from the Option to Purchase to completion. Knowing the order helps you plan your money and avoid committing too early.
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What is an Option to Purchase, and what happens if I do not exercise it?
The Option to Purchase is the document that turns an agreed price into a legal commitment. Its terms, and the date it is exercised, affect the deposit, stamp duty and what happens if either side backs out.
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Which stamp duties do property buyers and sellers pay in Singapore?
Stamp duty can add a substantial sum to the cost of a property transaction. This guide explains who pays which duty and why the timing of the contract matters.
Read the guideSelling and mortgages
2 articles
What happens to my mortgage and CPF when I sell my property?
The sale price is not the amount you receive. Before accepting an offer, it helps to understand how the mortgage, CPF refund and other costs come out of the proceeds.
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Do I need a lawyer to refinance or pay off my home loan?
Switching banks or clearing a home loan is not only a banking matter. The mortgage registered against your title has to be dealt with properly, and timing affects the cost.
Read the guideLawyers and ownership
2 articles
What does a conveyancing lawyer do, and why does the bank's panel matter?
Behind the few documents you sign, a conveyancing lawyer coordinates the title, the money, the bank and CPF Board. The choice of lawyer also interacts with your bank's requirements.
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What is the difference between joint tenancy and tenancy in common?
When two or more people buy property together, they must choose how to hold it. The choice affects what happens on death, estate planning and, in some cases, dealings with creditors.
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These guides are general information, not legal advice. Every situation is different, so ask us about yours in a private, no-pressure conversation.