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Hi all, seeking advice from anyone with experience in this situation.

I am currently an undischarged bankrupt and need to purchase a resale HDB flat with my spouse urgently. Our application for an HDB loan was rejected by the Housing & Development Board due to the 30 months wait-out period after disposing of a private property, so our only option now is to take a bank loan under my spouse’s name.

I have a substantial CPF OA balance that I hope to use for the purchase, but I understand that given my financial status, I may only be listed as an essential occupier and not a co-borrower. However, I have read that in some cases, a spouse can still be listed as a co-owner (but not a co-borrower), which would then allow the use of CPF savings (as advised generally by the Central Provident Fund Board).

Has anyone here encountered a similar case where an undischarged bankrupt spouse was allowed to be a co-owner of the flat while the loan is solely under the other spouse? Were banks generally open to such arrangements?

We are in urgent need of stable housing for our family, so any shared experiences or professional advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
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5 Answers

Good day to you.

I’ve managed several cases that employed the suggested framework: having two owners while designating only one of them as the borrower. However, your specific situation presents some unique challenges that affect this approach:

a) As a co-owner, you indeed have the option to utilize your CPF OA funds to help finance the property. However, it’s important to note that private properties do not offer the same level of creditor protection as HDB flats under the Housing Development Act. This means that once you become a co-owner of the private property, your Official Assignee will have the ability to access and potentially liquidate your share to repay any outstanding debts to creditors.

b) Additionally, before you can proceed with co-owning the private property, you will need to secure a Letter of No Objection from the Official Assignee. This requirement indicates that the Official Assignee has acknowledged and approved your intention to hold joint ownership, but it also ties back to the concern regarding creditor access mentioned in point A.

c) Banks generally assess their risk based on the status of the mortgagor, and it is a common practice for them to avoid properties with a "Dirty Title Deed." This term refers to situations where there may be outstanding liens, claims, or other legal complications associated with the property, which can deter lenders from approving a mortgage.

Considering these challenges, have you and your spouse thought about renting a unit for 15 months instead? By doing so, you could secure a temporary living arrangement without overextending your finances. After this rental period, you might be in a better position to purchase a resale HDB flat without relying on any housing grants. This approach not only provides a stable roof over your head but also allows for a more manageable transition into homeownership without the immediate pressures associated with private property financing.

Navigating a property transaction can feel overwhelming, especially when it intersects with major life events.
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    Hi. Thank you for the prompt response. I am looking to buy a resale hdb flat and only option is bank loan with me as co-owner (undischarge bankrupt) & spouse as borrower. Are you able to assist on the loan part or who should i seek?
What you are proposing should be possible, I can help you check with the bank and HDB.

I'm a Harvard graduated real estate agent with a degree in economics, and I have a decade of experience working on Singapore public policy.

Drop me a message below asap and let's see work together for this.

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It would be advisable to consult with HDB to determine the most suitable approach tailored to your specific circumstances and objectives. Read More
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My wife is a co-owner of our current matrimonial home but she is not a borrower, therefore if your spouse can undertake the loan required for the purchase, this is a viable option to consider.

——

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✔1 CPF OA can be used but private property shares may be accessible to creditors.

✔2 Letter of No Objection from the Official Assignee is required.

✔3 Banks may hesitate to finance properties with legal or ownership complications.

✔4 Renting temporarily can provide flexibility before planning a future HDB purchase.

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