Buying a Resale Property in Singapore
Buying Resale Properties
Are you are looking to buy a private property or HDB flat in Singapore? Ensure that you know the pitfalls before you sign on the dotted line. Here are some of the major things you should look out for to avoid getting into a tussle during the transaction.
Are you are looking to buy a private property or HDB flat in Singapore? Ensure that you know the pitfalls before you sign on the dotted line. Here are some of the major things you should look out for to avoid getting into a tussle during the transaction.
- Selecting an Real Estate Agent
- Ownership
- Eligibility to sell
- Bankruptcy
- Eligibility to Buy
- Considering Factors
- Financial planning
- Illegal Renovations/Alterations
- Making an Offer
- Option Money/Deposit
- Scheme of Purchase
- Ethnic Integration
- Completing the Sale
- Commission
- Viewing Etiquette
Selecting an Real Estate Agent
You need to select an agent to service you. Find one who is familiar with the location and type of property you have in mind. Make sure the agent is from an accredited Housing Agency. Discuss your requirements with him and be specific. This will allow him to advise and assist you in a professional manner.
Ownership
Always ensure that the seller is the actual owner of the property. You may wish to request for proof of ownership when you are making the purchase.
Eligibility to sell
Ensure that the seller of the property is eligible to sell the property. For a private property that is mortgaged to a bank and is a negative sale that is if the seller has lost money on the sale, and is unable to top up the shortfall on his bank loan, the bank may not allow the seller to go through with the sale transaction.
Bankruptcy
On some occasion the seller of the property may be a bankrupt. With the written consent of the Official Assignee, the seller will then be eligible to sell the property. However, the Official Assignee may request for all monies, including the option money or deposit, to be paid to the Official Assignee.
Eligibility to Buy
Check beforehand on your eligibility to buy a property if you currently own a HDB flat. Check if you have fulfilled the minimum occupation period (MOP). Also check if your name appear in the ownership of the HDB flat that you co-own with your parents as co-lessee to finance the flat.
You need to select an agent to service you. Find one who is familiar with the location and type of property you have in mind. Make sure the agent is from an accredited Housing Agency. Discuss your requirements with him and be specific. This will allow him to advise and assist you in a professional manner.
Ownership
Always ensure that the seller is the actual owner of the property. You may wish to request for proof of ownership when you are making the purchase.
Eligibility to sell
Ensure that the seller of the property is eligible to sell the property. For a private property that is mortgaged to a bank and is a negative sale that is if the seller has lost money on the sale, and is unable to top up the shortfall on his bank loan, the bank may not allow the seller to go through with the sale transaction.
Bankruptcy
On some occasion the seller of the property may be a bankrupt. With the written consent of the Official Assignee, the seller will then be eligible to sell the property. However, the Official Assignee may request for all monies, including the option money or deposit, to be paid to the Official Assignee.
Eligibility to Buy
Check beforehand on your eligibility to buy a property if you currently own a HDB flat. Check if you have fulfilled the minimum occupation period (MOP). Also check if your name appear in the ownership of the HDB flat that you co-own with your parents as co-lessee to finance the flat.
Considering Factors
Decide beforehand on a few likely locations that you'd like to live in. Take into account
things like,
Decide beforehand on a few likely locations that you'd like to live in. Take into account
things like,
- The distance to work places, schools, transportation and places that you visit frequently with your family's lifestyle in mind.
- Size - How large a home do you need? Have you thought about the next couple of years - are members of your family likely to move in or out? How many bedrooms do you need? Where do you and your family spend most time?
- Facilities - Would you like the advantage of a swimming pool, tennis courts and other condominium type facilities? Or, would you prefer to join a recreation club and enjoy a wider variety of leisure?
- Amenities - Are shops, banks, and markets within a short distance away?
Financial planning
Once you've decided on a location and size of home that you'd like, think about how much you'll be willing to spend. Bear in mind other monthly expenses that come with owning or renting a home. Providing your agent with accurate data regarding your financial status is vital and will help him to formulate a proper financial plan. If you're buying, talk to two or three banks and discuss a financial plan that you're comfortable with. Your banker will also be able to advise you on the loan quantum available to you. This will help you decide on your budget. Remember, Banks and HDB require documentary proof of income.
Illegal Renovations/Alterations
Ask the seller if the renovations or alterations in the property are legal and approved. Get the understanding from the seller that should the relevant authorities require the seller to rectify any of the renovations or alterations, the seller will be responsible for the rectification, at his own expense.
Making an Offer
Once you find a home that you like, discuss with your agent with regards to the asking and market price for the property. Compare that property with those that you have viewed. Refer to your notes about the property. Your agent should be able to help you to decide on an offer price. The rule is to start the offer at a price that seems fair to you and wait for a counter offer. If the seller is serious, you should receive a counter offer.
Option Money/Deposit
Confirm that the option money or deposit will be of the standard amount. For private property, the option money is usually one per cent of the purchase price while for HDB resale flats, the deposit should not exceed $5,000.
Once you've decided on a location and size of home that you'd like, think about how much you'll be willing to spend. Bear in mind other monthly expenses that come with owning or renting a home. Providing your agent with accurate data regarding your financial status is vital and will help him to formulate a proper financial plan. If you're buying, talk to two or three banks and discuss a financial plan that you're comfortable with. Your banker will also be able to advise you on the loan quantum available to you. This will help you decide on your budget. Remember, Banks and HDB require documentary proof of income.
Illegal Renovations/Alterations
Ask the seller if the renovations or alterations in the property are legal and approved. Get the understanding from the seller that should the relevant authorities require the seller to rectify any of the renovations or alterations, the seller will be responsible for the rectification, at his own expense.
Making an Offer
Once you find a home that you like, discuss with your agent with regards to the asking and market price for the property. Compare that property with those that you have viewed. Refer to your notes about the property. Your agent should be able to help you to decide on an offer price. The rule is to start the offer at a price that seems fair to you and wait for a counter offer. If the seller is serious, you should receive a counter offer.
Option Money/Deposit
Confirm that the option money or deposit will be of the standard amount. For private property, the option money is usually one per cent of the purchase price while for HDB resale flats, the deposit should not exceed $5,000.
HDB Resale
Lastly, when buying an HDB resale flat, it is also important to take note of the following.
Check with your agent if you are in doubt.
Lastly, when buying an HDB resale flat, it is also important to take note of the following.
- Scheme of Purchase
- Ethnic Integration
- Completing the Sale
Check with your agent if you are in doubt.
Viewing Etiquette
Once you have decided on the type of home to purchase, your agent will arrange for you to view all available homes matching your criteria. Bring a small notebook and take notes for later comparison. Put down the positive and negative points about the property. This will help you make an informed decision later. Be punctual for viewing appointments. Dress casually but smartly.
Once you have decided on the type of home to purchase, your agent will arrange for you to view all available homes matching your criteria. Bring a small notebook and take notes for later comparison. Put down the positive and negative points about the property. This will help you make an informed decision later. Be punctual for viewing appointments. Dress casually but smartly.
