Your Ultimate New Private House Buying Guide

All You Need To Know To Get A New Launch Condo or Apartment
Published by admin on 16 Aug 2021 Last Updated on 17 Apr 2022
BACKGROUND
This page applies only for new launch private houses (especially condos). For HDBs, check out our respective guides for buying a BTO, SBF, New EC Flat or Resale HDB / DBSS / EC Flat. For resale private properties, see our guide for buying a Resale Private Property.

ARRANGE FINANCING
You need to secure a bank loan for your property (unless paying full in cash). See our Mortgage & Financing Guide for important info and calculations for your housing loan.

I recommend Redbrick (and specifically Daniel) for their mortgage advisory services. They will provide you an optimal loan package and a conveyancing law firm at an attractive rate. Also, they cost you nothing as they take their fees from the banks.

  • Redbrick Mortgage Advisory — Daniel Ong (+65 9875 4262)

SELECTION & BOOKING
  • Check online property websites (mainly Property Guru, SRX, 99.co) for new private launches.
  • Walk-in or arrange an appointment with the developer or sales representative to view the new launch condo you are interested in (See: Finding Your Perfect Home).
  • Once you have made your decision, make a price offer to the developer or sales rep.

SUCCESS > RECEIVE OTP & COMPLETE FINANCING
  • If your offer is accepted, pay the Option Fee (5% of purchase price) to the developer who will grant you an Option to Purchase (OTP).
  • Discuss with your bank representative/mortgage advisor to secure a Mortgage Package, Conveyancing Law Firm (Property Lawyer), and Letter of Offer (LO). 

EXERCISE OTP & SIGN S&P
  • Within 2 weeks of receiving the OTP, sign the OTP and return it to the developer to "exercise" the OTP (details may differ according to developer).
  • Also sign the Letter of Offer and return it to the mortgage bank.
  • Your lawyer will receive the Sales & Purchase Agreement (S&P) from the developer and will arrange an appointment for you to sign the S&P at the law firm office.
  • If you decide not to purchase the property, you will forfeit 25% of the Option Fee.

COMPLETE PAYMENT

PROGRESSIVE PAYMENTS
  • You will now pay the developer according to certain construction milestones:
    • First 6-9 months: Foundation Work — 10% (5% Cash or CPF, 5% Bank Loan)
    • Subsequent 6-9 months: Reinforced Concrete Framework — 10%
    • Subsequent 3-6 months: Partition Walls — 5%
    • Subsequent 3-6 months: Roof — 5%
    • Subsequent 3-6 months: Doors, Windows, Plastering, Electrical Wiring, Piping — 5%
    • Subsequent 3-6 months: Car Park, Roads, Drains — 5%
    • Subsequent 3-6 months: Building, Roads, Drainage, Sewerage, Water, Gas, Electricity — 25% (Usually also TOP Date)
    • Subsequent 1-12 months: Final Payment Date — 15% (Usually also Certificate of Statutory Completion (CSC) Date)

TOP & KEY COLLECTION
  • After 3-4 years (as above timeline), your new house is complete and will have the Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP). You can then collect your keys from the developer and move-in.

RESTRICTIONS
  • For condos and apartments, check with your Estate Management on pet restrictions.

Back < FINDING YOUR PERFECT HOME   |   Next > CREATING YOUR PERFECT HOME

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