Buy Singapore Property
Buying Property in the Lion City? What are some things to look out for
Eligibility
Once you know what kind of property you want to buy, you will then have to check out the eligility of each group of properties. If you are not local, there are certain restrictions on foreign ownership of properties in Singapore so it would be wise to do some research and consult a solicitor before buying. As a foreigner, you may rent a private apartment and landed property by producing documents such as a valid work permit or student pass. Those with Permanent Resident status or Citizenship are allowed to purchase HDB flats either through re-sale or directly from the government.For both locals and foreigners, there are certain criteria you need to fulfill before qualifying for the HDB scheme. In a nutshell the criteria are:
Appointing a solicitor
The best and safest way to go about purchasing a property is to first appoint a solicitor. This will help to overcome the web of legalities and help expedite the process without any unnecessary hiccups. Furthermore, the solicitor will look into the overall phases of the purchase process that includes mortgage if a bank mortgage is sought or withdrawal of funds from the CPF Board if this is your option.
Getting financing for the intended property
Getting a bank mortgage to finance the property isn’t difficult as long as you can provide the proper documentation and have a clean financial record. The approval and mortgage amount you get will depend on your income and capacity to service the monthly repayments, your age, employment history, credit history as well as the valuation of the said property by the bank. Under normal circumstances, Singaporeans may get up to 90% while foreigners up to 80% financing on the amount of the property value. If you are a Singaporean, you may withdraw from your CPF savings for the deposit. If your CPF has a substantial amount you may not need much cash to pay for the property but for foreigners, be prepared to fork out at least 20% in cash which would include certain fees. If purchasing a HDB flat, you may want to check your eligibility for a concession loan from HDB before considering a commercial bank for a mortgage.
Necessary documentation processes you need to know
Option to Purchase
The ‘Option to Purchase’ gives you a 14-day exclusivity period to decide on purchasing the intended property. Upon signing the ‘Option to Purchase’ agreement, 1% of the purchase price is placed as a good faith deposit. If you decide to purchase it within the stipulated deadline, you must return the agreement to the seller together with another 4% or 9% depending on what is agreed on in the agreement. If you fail to honor the agreement within 14 days, your 1% deposit is forfeited and the property may be offered to another buyer.
Offer to Purchase
The ‘Offer to Purchase’ is an agreement where you may not want any time to consider or contemplate on the property but instead prefer to make a binding direct offer to purchase. This agreement is to be prepared by your solicitor or agent, stating the price, completion date and other conditions you want to specify. If the seller accepts the offer, the ‘Offer to Purchase’ agreement must be signed and you can move into the next phase of the process which is the Sales & Purchase Agreement (S&P). At this stage, 5% or 10% of the agreed price is paid to the seller as a deposit.
Sales and Purchase Agreement
During this phase, your solicitor will lodge a caveat on the said property, coordinate with the bank/CPF board for the mortgage up to the preparation of the contracts which will in total take approximately 10 weeks.
Fees and Commissions
You will also need to consider the fees and commissions that will be incurred from the transaction such as:
Once you know what kind of property you want to buy, you will then have to check out the eligility of each group of properties. If you are not local, there are certain restrictions on foreign ownership of properties in Singapore so it would be wise to do some research and consult a solicitor before buying. As a foreigner, you may rent a private apartment and landed property by producing documents such as a valid work permit or student pass. Those with Permanent Resident status or Citizenship are allowed to purchase HDB flats either through re-sale or directly from the government.For both locals and foreigners, there are certain criteria you need to fulfill before qualifying for the HDB scheme. In a nutshell the criteria are:
- You must be a Singapore citizen or PR with at least one other sibling who is a PR.
- You must be at least 21 years old.
- You must form a family nucleus – either married or intending to get married; or with parents, siblings and/or children.
- The combined income of all persons in the application must not exceed S$8,000 a month in order to qualify for CPF Housing Grant (Optional).
- There are other HDB schemes for special cases (visit http://www.hdb.gov.sg/ for more information)
Appointing a solicitor
The best and safest way to go about purchasing a property is to first appoint a solicitor. This will help to overcome the web of legalities and help expedite the process without any unnecessary hiccups. Furthermore, the solicitor will look into the overall phases of the purchase process that includes mortgage if a bank mortgage is sought or withdrawal of funds from the CPF Board if this is your option.
Getting financing for the intended property
Getting a bank mortgage to finance the property isn’t difficult as long as you can provide the proper documentation and have a clean financial record. The approval and mortgage amount you get will depend on your income and capacity to service the monthly repayments, your age, employment history, credit history as well as the valuation of the said property by the bank. Under normal circumstances, Singaporeans may get up to 90% while foreigners up to 80% financing on the amount of the property value. If you are a Singaporean, you may withdraw from your CPF savings for the deposit. If your CPF has a substantial amount you may not need much cash to pay for the property but for foreigners, be prepared to fork out at least 20% in cash which would include certain fees. If purchasing a HDB flat, you may want to check your eligibility for a concession loan from HDB before considering a commercial bank for a mortgage.
Necessary documentation processes you need to know
Option to Purchase
The ‘Option to Purchase’ gives you a 14-day exclusivity period to decide on purchasing the intended property. Upon signing the ‘Option to Purchase’ agreement, 1% of the purchase price is placed as a good faith deposit. If you decide to purchase it within the stipulated deadline, you must return the agreement to the seller together with another 4% or 9% depending on what is agreed on in the agreement. If you fail to honor the agreement within 14 days, your 1% deposit is forfeited and the property may be offered to another buyer.
Offer to Purchase
The ‘Offer to Purchase’ is an agreement where you may not want any time to consider or contemplate on the property but instead prefer to make a binding direct offer to purchase. This agreement is to be prepared by your solicitor or agent, stating the price, completion date and other conditions you want to specify. If the seller accepts the offer, the ‘Offer to Purchase’ agreement must be signed and you can move into the next phase of the process which is the Sales & Purchase Agreement (S&P). At this stage, 5% or 10% of the agreed price is paid to the seller as a deposit.
Sales and Purchase Agreement
During this phase, your solicitor will lodge a caveat on the said property, coordinate with the bank/CPF board for the mortgage up to the preparation of the contracts which will in total take approximately 10 weeks.
Fees and Commissions
You will also need to consider the fees and commissions that will be incurred from the transaction such as:
- Agent's Commission
- Solicitor's Fee
- Mortgage Fee
- Stamp Fee
