Housing

No, you cannot sell your HDB flat before completing the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP), which is typically 5 years from the date of key collection.

Yes, you can pass your HDB flat to your child through a will — but only if the child meets HDB’s eligibility conditions (e.g., citizenship, age, ownership rules) at the time of inheritance.

Subleasing your HDB flat without HDB’s prior written approval is illegal and may result in fines up to $5,000, compulsory repossession of the flat, or both.

Yes, HDB flat owners can rent out rooms, but only if they meet eligibility conditions and comply with HDB’s regulations, including minimum occupation period and citizenship/residency requirements.

Unauthorised renovation in HDB flats can result in a fine of up to $5,000 and/or prosecution under the Housing and Development Act. HDB may also require reinstatement of the flat to its original condition.

Yes, as a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR), you can buy a resale HDB flat — but only with another PR or a Singapore citizen, and you must meet eligibility conditions like the 3-year minimum occupation period.

Yes, you can operate a home business in your HDB flat, but only if it complies with HDB’s Home-Based Business Scheme and does not violate Housing and Development Act s. 56.

On divorce in Singapore, your HDB flat may be transferred to one spouse, sold, or ordered for sale by the court — subject to HDB’s eligibility rules and approval. The Housing and Development Act gives HDB authority to approve or refuse transfers.

Yes, you can add your spouse's name to your HDB flat as a co-owner, provided you meet HDB’s eligibility conditions — including being a married couple and fulfilling the minimum occupation period (MOP) of 5 years.

If your tenant refuses to vacate after the lease expires, you must apply to the Magistrate’s Court for a writ of possession — self-help eviction (e.g., changing locks or cutting utilities) is illegal in Singapore.

In Singapore, there is no general statutory requirement for landlords to return tenancy deposits — the terms depend entirely on your written tenancy agreement. You may negotiate with your landlord or pursue civil recovery through the Small Claims Tribunals if the amount is ≤ S$20,000.

Yes, your landlord entering your flat without notice may amount to trespass under Singapore law, as tenants have exclusive possession and landlords must give reasonable notice before entry unless an emergency exists.

Yes, but only certain types of residential property and subject to strict conditions — most foreigners need government approval to buy landed property or restricted residential units.

Yes, the Singapore government can acquire your property for public use under the Land Acquisition Act, not the Residential Property Act — the RPA does not govern compulsory acquisition.

ABSD (Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty) is a tax imposed on property purchases in Singapore to cool the property market. Buyers who are not Singapore citizens, or who already own residential properties, generally have to pay it.

Yes, you can use your CPF Ordinary Account (OA) savings to buy property in Singapore, subject to eligibility rules, withdrawal limits, and the property type.

An en-bloc sale of a condo in Singapore requires approval by at least 80% of owners (by share value and area) for developments 10+ years old, or 85% for younger ones, followed by a collective sale agreement and application to the Strata Titles Board.

The minimum percentage for collective sale consent in Singapore is 80% of the share values and 80% of the total number of lots in the development.

Yes, the MCST can restrict or prohibit pets if the restriction is properly passed as a subsidiary legislation under the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act.

The neighbour (or their contractor) is generally responsible for damage caused during renovation. Under Singapore law, the owner carrying out works must take reasonable care to avoid damage to neighbouring property.

The owner of the unit causing the water leakage is legally responsible for repairs and damages under Singapore’s Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act.

The management corporation (MC) must justify any maintenance fee increase with proper budgeting and approval at an AGM; unreasonable increases may be challenged under the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act.

If your condo delivery is delayed, you may claim liquidated damages from the developer under the Sale and Purchase Agreement — the Housing and Development Act does not apply to private condos.

You can request the MCST to repair common property under the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act, and if they fail, you may apply to the Commissioner for Buildings for an order compelling repairs.

During the defects liability period, a developer must fix all defects in the common property and individual units that arise from faulty design, materials, or workmanship, as required under the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act.