Buying a Home in Singapore?
Don’t Make These Costly Mistakes.

The step-by-step checklist used by 5,000+ buyers — navigate TDSR, ABSD, leases, valuations, and legal deadlines without overpaying or missing a thing.

📥 Get the Free Checklist + PDF

Here’s what most first-time buyers don’t know until it’s too late:

• A misunderstood ABSD rule costs upgraders $50,000+
• The wrong mortgage rate adds $30,000+ in unnecessary interest
• A poor location can stall capital appreciation for a decade
• Missing a stamp duty deadline incurs 4% monthly penalties

This checklist catches every single one of these before they happen to you.

🏷 Loan Eligibility (TDSR + LTV)

• TDSR: Caps repayments at 55% of gross income. Includes ALL debt — car, credit card, study loan.
• LTV limits: 1st → up to 75%. 2nd → up to 45%. 3rd+ → up to 35%.
• HFE letter mandatory for HDB. Get before viewing flats.
• AIP/IPA from 2-3 banks. Compare board rate + spread + lock-in.

💸 Cash, CPF & Hidden Costs

• Cash needed: First 5% must be cash (if LTV > 55%).
• BSD: 1% on first $180K, up to 6% beyond $3M.
• ABSD: SC first 0% → SC second 20% → Foreigner 60%.
• Other costs: Legal $2.5K-5K. Valuation $200-500. Moving $500-3K.

📍 Location

• MRT proximity: 800m walk max. Check actual route, not crow-flies.
• School zones: Check MOE balloting data.
• URA Master Plan: Future MRT = 10-20% value boost.
• Flood risk: Check PUB maps. Visit at different times for noise.

🏠 Property Type

• See the full comparison table in the PDF version below.

⏰ Leasehold vs Freehold

• Freehold premium is 10-20% but only worth it in prime districts (9, 10, 11).
• Banks need 30+ years at loan maturity. A 2000-built condo has 73 years left.

🔍 Showroom Reality Check

• Bring floor plan. Check orientation (North-South ideal).
• Water stains = #1 defect. Test all switches and taps.

📄 Legal Timeline

• OTP (1%) → Exercise (4%) → BSD/ABSD due within 14 days → Loan drawdown → Completion.
• Late stamp duty = 2% monthly penalty.
• Engage a conveyancing lawyer BEFORE submitting an offer.

🔧 Renovation & Moving

• Get 3+ quotes. Book mover 4 weeks ahead. Update ICA within 14 days.

📄 Download the Full Checklist as PDF

Get the complete 9-section checklist with comparison tables, legal timeline, and move-in checklist — in a printable PDF you can take to property viewings.