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Not sure why you would opt to deal direct with the seller agent directly in your private condo purchase. More than 90% of buyers in Singapore utilize buyer agents to support them because it is free for them to do so.

A buyer agent will be able to support you on sourcing, valuation, price analysis, negotiation, financial management, timeline management, buyer-protection and paperwork, all for free.

Feel free to reach out if you decide to utilize a buyer-agent. I'm a Harvard graduated real estate agent with a degree in economics, and have supported clients on more than $1 billion in transactions. Would be happy to be on your team so you can secure your dream home at a safe price and without being taken advantage of by seller-agents.

On your specific case, the seller agent could indeed have other intentions with your offer to purchase, such as using your offer to purchase to dangle to other buyers to bid up the price before issuing you the option.

Kay Cloud
The Harvard Educated Agent
Propnex Realty Pte Ltd
cloud@propnex.com
Tel: (+6.5.) 8.5.6.7.4.5.8.5
Whatsapp -> https://wa.me/6585674585 Read More

Dear sir/mdm,

The Offer To Purchase is the first document I always let purchaser sign to state down the terms and conditions they like to put up in black and white for the vendor's consideration. While it has no legal bearings most of the time, it helps the process of negotiation to the vendor in my opinion instead of just handling a cheque over or worse case, pure verbal offer which may not show the sincerity of the offer.

I have dealt with both direct buyers and cobroke agents for my cases before, and I must say that many nowadays have opt for the short cut in the process which does not help much in the negotiation process.

——

I have been in the real estate business since 2009, with more than 15 years of experience serving the Singapore real estate market.

I am very active in the residential segment of Singapore real estate market, having transacted hundreds of deals from HDBs to private condominiums and landed properties in Singapore, and have handled many unique cases in sales and purchases as well as rental deals.

Over the years, I have also established a network reaching out to more than 15,900 expatriates, bringing my market presence to both in and outside of Singapore. This has created an additional exposure when I manage my client's portfolios, on top of the conventional on and offline platforms, where other estate agents are relying on. This has allowed me to consistently convert leads into results.

With an evolving market, where change is the only constant, I have also been investing in upgrading of my knowledge and skills sets to improve myself and meet the demands of current and future market.

We are offering our clients a complimentary first consultation without obligations (Absolutely FREE!). Schedule for your FREE session today!

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Hi,

1) Although it is uncommon to have an Offer to Purchase when dealing in a resale transaction, it is practice by some agents.
2) This is to lock down the price and terms when either the buyer or seller is unsure whether to go ahead with the transaction, or when, seller or the buyer is unavailable on the spot to confirm the deal.
3) This is like a Letter of Intent in the commercial world. Both buyer and seller can back out of the deal anytime.
4) It is more common to offer with a 1% deposit in exchange for a OTP to secure a loan from the bank directly.
5) Most of the time, the sellers' agent will contact the seller immediately and secure the deal on the spot.

All The Best!!!

Hope the above answers your main concerns, but if there are more queries, please feel free to contact me at 90110636  or email: ling.ck7@gmail.com if more information is needed.
I'll be glad to assist.

Best regards
Ling CK
 90110636 
ling.ck7@gmail.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckling/
https://agents.huttonsgroup.com/R056727F/

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Hi

The Offer to Purchase nowadays, in my opinion, is more of a formality step since by then all the terms and timeline would have been agreed upon by both parties, and it allows the agent to bring up to the seller a concrete proposal usually attached with a cheque for the 1% option fee. It is quite the norm in the era where instant payment transfer like PayNow or bank transfer is not prevalent or available. This allows the seller to have a better idea that the buyer is motivated to go through the deal and is ready to put up the 1% offer, versus another buyer who may have just been communicating verbally.

It typically sets out the terms like offer price, option expiry date, and amount of option fee. Not sure where the concern is coming from, because some buyers would prefer to set out all these in black and white, before presenting to seller's consideration so to avoid miscommunication and to have them sign on the Offer to Purchase as well so it can lead to Option to Purchase phase asap.

Hope the above clarifies. I am well-versed with HDB and private property transactions, having helped more than 100 homeowners transit smoothly with their housing plans. Please reach out to me at 97432395  for a more in-depth discussion :)

May I have more info on your requirements so as to make better recommendations? Thanks and looking forward to chat more

Warm Regards,

Ivan Ng Realtor
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Hi, as a seller agent, it is common for them to ask for Offer to purchase to safeguard their seller's interest. It will be a binding contract if the seller accepts it.

May i know have you actually signed the offer to purchase?

About Me:
I am a dedicated and knowledgeable real estate professional committed to helping clients find their dream property or secure the best value for their investments. With a strong understanding of the local market trends, personalized service, and transparent communication, I strive to make the buying, selling, or renting process smooth and stress-free. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, an investor, or looking to upgrade, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s connect and turn your property goals into reality!

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1. Most buyers in Singapore choose to work with buyer agents because their service is **free and very helpful** throughout the process.

2. A buyer agent assists with **property search, valuation, price checks, negotiation, financing, timelines, protection, and paperwork**—all at no cost to you.

3. The Offer to Purchase (OTP) is a formal step where buyers put their terms in writing for the seller’s consideration, usually including a 1% option fee cheque.

4. While the OTP may not always be legally binding, it shows **serious intent** and helps prevent miscommunication compared to verbal offers or handing over a cheque alone.

5. The OTP outlines key details like **price, option expiry, and option fee**, helping to move the transaction smoothly toward the Option to Purchase stage.

Feel free to contact me if you want guidance or to work with a buyer agent to make your purchase easier and more secure.

“Plans are nothing; planning is everything.” — Dwight D. Eisenhower
WhatsApp me at: ABLE Toh (65) 9856-9255  or through this link.:https://wa.me/6598569255

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Yes, it does sound a bit unusual. Typically for a condo resale in Singapore, the process is:
1. Option to Purchase (OTP) – You pay the option fee (usually 1% of the purchase price) to secure the unit and get the right to exercise the purchase within the option period (usually 14–21 days). The OTP itself contains all the key terms: price, completion date, conditions, etc.
2. Signing the Sale & Purchase Agreement (S&P) – Once you exercise the OTP, you pay the balance of the downpayment and proceed to formalise the S&P with HDB/CPA approval if applicable.

An “Offer to Purchase leading to an OTP” is not standard in Singapore resale transactions. Usually, you either:
• Negotiate and pay the booking/option fee directly via OTP, or
• Deal through the agent who issues the OTP, where terms are clearly stated upfront.

If a seller’s agent asks you to sign something that precedes the OTP, make sure:
• It doesn’t obligate you to buy before you see the full OTP.
• The terms of the OTP (price, completion date, conditions) are clearly stated.
• You’re not paying any funds that should normally be part of the OTP option fee.

It’s safest to clarify in writing with the agent or your lawyer before signing. You could also request to proceed with a standard OTP directly—this is the recognised and protected method. Read More