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Hi gurus. I am a buyer of a resale HDB unit. The sellers are requesting for extension of stay, as they are upgrading to a bigger resale HDB unit through contra and will require time for the renovation of their new place to be completed. I would like to ask – what’s the market norm/practice between buyer and seller in negotiating the extension of stay? How can the buyer even start the conversation? Can the buyer ask the seller to bear the full costs of non-owner-occupied property taxes, town council service and conservancy charges, and utility (water, electricity, gas) bills during the period of extended stay? Any other bills to note?

From your experience, what has been the usual common ground between buyer and seller in extension of stay for a resale HDB unit?

Thank you!
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7 Answers

Good day to you.

I believe the advertisement should have mentioned the seller's need for an extension of stay as part of the package. You are correct about the costs the buyer will incur by providing this convenience to the seller. Please feel free to discuss this concern with them and work toward a satisfactory resolution before committing to the Option to Purchase (OTP). I am sure that your representing agent will also be willing to assist you accordingly.

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Hi

If your seller is doing concurrent sale and purchase, the 3 month extension after completion is typically quite fixed since they need that for the transition plus renovation. It may be a deal breaker if you cannot provide the 3 month extension.

As for the costs incurred during the period, typically the seller will still pay for utilities, town council s&cc costs and property tax at non-owner occupier rates. How the payment arrangements are done depends on both parties during the negotiation. Some buyers will pay first, keep the receipts, and get the reimbursement once paid.

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 :)

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Yes, it’s common for sellers to request an extension of stay, especially when doing contra and renovations.

As a buyer, you can negotiate for the sellers to cover:
– Utility bills (water, electricity, gas)
– Town council S&CC
– Non-owner-occupier property tax (if applicable)

Some buyers also request a security deposit or token rent. Start the conversation early, and always get the terms in writing via HDB’s extension form.

Want a sample agreement or advice on your situation? Drop me a message, happy to help. Read More
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Hi,

1) In general, the seller will bear all cost during their stay.
2) Having said that, there are some seller left behind some bills unpaid when they leave, such as utilities, town council, etc.
3) It is quite sticky especially when the seller left without contact. It is also difficult to chase for the short change.
4) We always keep our finger crossed when such unpleasant situation arised.
5) So, other than a proper paper agreement has to be signed. It is also a must to submit this extension of stay to the HDB properly.

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 
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckling/
https://agents.huttonsgroup.com/R056727F/

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Hi, appreciate your sharing. Do you have an agent to assist you on the matter ? Have to negotiate the term before proceeding.
Looking forward to assist you at 9696 4398  or email me at stewartlim96964398@gmail.com

Cheers
Stewart-PropNex (Senior Associate Division Director) Read More
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1. If your seller is doing a **concurrent sale and purchase**, the **3-month extension after completion** is usually non-negotiable — they need that buffer for **transition and renovation**, so it’s often a deal breaker if you can't agree to it.
2. During this extension period, the **seller typically continues to cover**:

* Utilities
* Town Council S\&CC charges
* Property tax (usually at **non-owner occupier** rates)
3. As for how payments are handled, it’s up to **mutual agreement** — some buyers might pay first and get **reimbursed** later with receipts as proof.

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HI, based on the way you are asking, i assume you are a direct buyer.

During the extension of stay, seller is supposed to pay for the S&CC, non-owner occupied tax and all utiltities etc. At the same time, the max period of extension is capped at 3 months.

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