Real Estate Law
Buying, selling or financing property in Singapore, explained plainly and handled carefully.
General information on buying and selling property in Singapore, not legal advice. For advice on your own circumstances, speak with one of our lawyers.
What we handle
- Buying private property
- Selling private property
- HDB flat purchases and sales
- Mortgages and refinancing
- Powers of attorney for property matters
Fees
Fees depend on the scope of the matter. Ask us for a quote.
| PurchaseActing for you from the option to completion. | On enquiry |
|---|---|
| SaleActing for you from the option to completion. | On enquiry |
| Mortgage or refinancingActing on a new loan or a change of bank. | On enquiry |
Where to start
Call us on 6222 6608 or email lawyers@archilex.com.sg with a short outline of the property and where things stand, and we will advise on the next step.
Common questions
How does the Option to Purchase work for private property?
The seller gives you the sole right to buy at an agreed price for a short period, in return for an option fee. If you exercise the option in time, usually by signing and paying a further deposit, it becomes a binding contract. If you do not, the option lapses and you generally lose the option fee.
Read the full guide →What are the main steps in buying an HDB resale flat?
You first get an HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter, then agree a price and receive HDB's standard Option to Purchase, which you have 21 days to exercise. Buyer and seller then submit the resale application to HDB, and completion usually follows around eight weeks after HDB accepts it.
Read the full guide →What stamp duty do I pay when buying property?
Every buyer pays Buyer's Stamp Duty, charged in bands on the higher of the price or market value. Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty may also apply to residential property, depending on who you are and how many homes you already own. Both are usually due within 14 days of exercising the Option to Purchase.
Read the full guide →Will I pay Seller's Stamp Duty if I sell soon after buying?
If you sell residential property within the holding period, Seller's Stamp Duty applies. For homes bought on or after 4 July 2025, the holding period is four years and the rate runs from 16% in the first year down to 4% in the fourth (as at August 2026). It is charged on the price, whether or not you made a profit.
Read the full guide →What does a conveyancing lawyer do, and do both buyer and seller need one?
A conveyancing lawyer checks the title, reviews the contract, coordinates the bank loan, CPF and stamp duty, and registers the transfer at completion. Buyer and seller each have different things to protect, so each side normally has its own lawyer. If a bank loan is involved, a lawyer is effectively required.
Read the full guide →Can I use my CPF to buy property, and what happens when I sell?
In most cases you can use your CPF Ordinary Account savings, subject to limits that depend on the property, the loan and the remaining lease. When you sell, the CPF money you used must go back to your CPF account with the interest it would have earned, before you receive any cash.
Read the full guide →Can I buy or sell property in Singapore while I am overseas?
Yes. You can give someone in Singapore a power of attorney to sign for you. If you are already abroad, you can sign it before a notary public or a Singapore consular official where you are, then send it back to be filed with the court before it is used.
Read the full guide →Still have a question? Ask us directly.
Have questions?
Send us a quick note below and let's figure things out together.