Thinking about buying a Condo but unsure where to start? We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions to guide you through every step – from eligibility and financing to booking and resale. Find the answers you need and make informed decisions with confidence. If you have more questions, we’re just a call away!
A private condominium is fully private housing with no restrictions on eligibility, while an Executive Condominium (EC) is a hybrid public-private housing scheme with initial eligibility rules similar to HDB. ECs typically become fully private after 10 years, whereas private condos are unrestricted from day one.
Any Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident (PR), or foreigner (subject to ABSD rules) can purchase a private condominium. There are no family nucleus or income ceiling restrictions, unlike HDB flats and ECs.
Yes, foreigners are allowed to purchase private condos in Singapore. However, they must pay Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) on top of the standard Buyer’s Stamp Duty.
It depends on your residency status and how many properties you already own. Singapore Citizens pay ABSD on their 2nd and subsequent properties, while PRs and foreigners pay ABSD even on their first purchase.
BSD is payable on all property purchases. It is calculated on a tiered basis (1% to 6%) depending on the property price or market value, whichever is higher.
Use the Stamp Duty calculator to check how much loan is your Stamp Duty.
Yes, CPF Ordinary Account (OA) funds can be used for the downpayment, monthly mortgage servicing, and stamp duties, subject to CPF usage limits and property valuation.
Most buyers take a bank loan. The maximum loan amount is subject to the Loan-to-Value (LTV) limit and the Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) framework. Unlike HDB loans, private condos cannot be financed through HDB loans.
The current LTV limit is up to 75% of the purchase price or property value, whichever is lower, for your first housing loan. It decreases if you already have outstanding housing loans.
The TDSR caps the total monthly debt obligations (including housing loan, car loan, credit cards) at 55% of your gross monthly income, limiting how much you can borrow.
For a bank loan, the minimum downpayment is 25% of the purchase price: at least 5% in cash and the rest can be paid using CPF or cash. Buyers without a loan must pay 100% upfront.
No, government housing grants such as CPF Housing Grants are only available for HDB flats and Executive Condominiums (ECs). Private condo buyers must finance their purchase without grants.
For new launches under construction, buyers follow a progressive payment scheme where payments are made in stages as the building progresses (foundation, structure, completion). This spreads out the cashflow until TOP (Temporary Occupation Permit).
Monthly fees vary depending on unit size and share value, but typically range between $250 – $500 per month. Larger developments with more facilities may charge higher fees.
Yes, private condo owners can rent out their units with no Minimum Occupation Period (MOP). However, short-term rentals (less than 3 months, e.g., Airbnb) are not permitted under URA regulations.
There is no MOP for private condominiums. Owners can rent out or sell their units anytime after purchase, subject to loan lock-in periods or legal completion timelines. There is Seller Stamp Duty (SSD) of 4 years (dated 4 Jul 2025)
Booking a unit typically involves:
Registering your interest with the developer’s sales team.
Obtaining an Expression of Interest (EOI) or cheque submission.
Attending the ballot or preview day.
Selecting your preferred unit and signing the Option to Purchase (OTP).
Freehold condos: Ownership is permanent and does not expire.
Leasehold condos (99 years): Ownership lasts 99 years from the start of the lease. Freehold units generally command higher prices and stronger resale demand.
Legal fees include conveyancing charges, Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD), ABSD (if applicable), and miscellaneous fees for registration. These usually range between $2,500 – $4,000.
To resell, you will need to engage a lawyer and property agent. There is no MOP for private condos, so resale can take place anytime. However, Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD) applies if sold within 4 years of purchase (policy dated: 4 July 2025).
Tampines West is an attractive location because it combines the convenience of a mature estate with excellent connectivity and long-term growth potential. As part of Tampines, one of Singapore’s key regional centres, residents enjoy immediate access to shopping malls, schools, parks, healthcare facilities, and daily amenities.
The area is well served by Tampines West MRT on the Downtown Line, offering direct connectivity to the city and major employment hubs, while major expressways such as PIE and TPE provide easy island-wide access for drivers. Unlike newer towns that take years to fully develop, Tampines West offers ready infrastructure and established demand.
With continued government investment in Tampines as a regional hub and limited new private housing supply in mature estates, buying a condo in Tampines West offers a strong balance of lifestyle convenience, family-friendly living, and long-term value preservation.
For full project details, please visit the Official Pinery Residences Page
