SingaporeI granted a mortgage. What happens if I default?
If you default on a mortgage in Singapore, the mortgagee (lender) may take possession of the property and sell it to recover the debt, as permitted under the Land Titles Act.
What the Law Says
The Land Titles Act governs how mortgages over registered land operate in Singapore. Section 75 sets out the legal powers available to a mortgagee when a mortgagor defaults.
When you grant a mortgage over land in Singapore, you give the lender (mortgagee) certain legal rights. If you fail to repay the loan or breach other terms — such as failing to maintain insurance or pay property taxes — this is considered a default.
Under section 75 of the Land Titles Act, the mortgagee has statutory powers to take action without needing a court order. These include entering and taking possession of the mortgaged property, collecting rents and profits from it, and selling the property to recover the outstanding debt.
The mortgagee must act reasonably and in good faith. They cannot use force to enter the property unless authorised by court order, and any sale must be conducted fairly and transparently.
Statutory Text—
— Land Titles Act, s. 75 —
What to Do
Review your mortgage agreement to understand what constitutes default and any grace periods.
Contact your mortgagee immediately if you anticipate missing a payment — many lenders offer temporary relief or restructuring options.
Seek legal advice before the mortgagee takes possession or sells the property.
If possession is taken, you may still have rights to redeem the property by repaying the full amount owed plus costs before the sale is completed.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.