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Hi,

I downgraded and bought a 3 room resale flat this year in Jan 2024. The flat overall is ok, except for 1 pet peeve - the next door neighbour's birds which chirp and screech almost everyday, both in the morning and at night.

I don't recall the seller higlighting this issue last year when I visited the place, for whatever reasons. At the time, I was focusing on the unit itself and other aspects, and it did not occur to me to ask the seller about the next door neighbour and whether they kept any birds or pets.

I didn't realise this would be an issue until this month, when I notice the birds chirping and screeching almost everyday, which affects my concentration when I'm at home working or watching TV.

I know it's too late now, since I've already bought the flat and am now the new owner. And I'm partly to blame for not doing sufficient due diligence last year to ask the seller about this. But on hindsight, is the seller also to blame for not mentioning this upfront last year when I visited the unit?

Also, when it comes to buying and selling properties here in Singapore, besides just highlighting the positive aspects of their properties, are sellers also obligated or required to inform potential buyers about the negative aspects as well including their next door neigbours?

Hope to be able to hear from some experts soon. Thank you.
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4 Answers

Hi, for the birds chirping, it is not a defect of the house, and usually homes are sold on a as it is basis, meaning you have to accept the condition of the house once you purchase it, as long as it is not a intentionally hidden defect or anything. If you asked the seller about the neighbours when purchasing the house and they intentionally hid the fact of the birds, then maybe it may be slight misrepresentation. As the birds don't relate to his direct unit, some sellers may choose not to mention it, or perhaps he himself was fine with it and did not mention it to you.

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  • JC
    Hi Landon,

    thanks for your reply.
Seller Disclosure and Noisy Neighbors in Singapore
Here's a response regarding your situation with noisy birds from your neighbor's flat:

Seller Disclosure and Negative Aspects:

No Legal Obligation for Everything: In Singapore, sellers aren't legally obligated to disclose every negative aspect of the property. However, there's an expectation of good faith and avoiding misrepresentation.

Material Defects vs. Neighborhood Noise: The focus is typically on disclosing material defects affecting the property itself (e.g., water leaks, structural issues). Noise from neighbors might be considered an environmental factor beyond the seller's direct control.

Possible Courses of Action:

Difficult to Pursue Seller: Legally pursuing the seller for not mentioning the birds might be challenging due to the distinction between material defects and environmental factors.

Focus on Solutions: Consider solutions like soundproofing your unit or politely conversing with your neighbor about the birds.

Future Reference: Ask During Viewings:

Importance of Due Diligence: During future property viewings, actively ask sellers and potentially existing neighbors about any potential noise sources or nuisances.
General Tips:

Review Seller's Disclosure: Carefully review any disclosure documents provided by the seller during the buying process.

Consider Past Experiences of Neighbors: If possible, talk to existing neighbors to gain insights into common noise issues in the building.

Remember:

While legal action might be difficult, focusing on solutions and increased awareness during future purchases can help manage expectations and avoid similar disruptions in the future.
POSSIBLE SOLUTION > TALK TO OWNER OF BIRD >> MAYBE ARD 7PM >> ASK OWNER TO PLACE A COVER OVER CAGE AND LET THE BIRD " SLEEP" FROM 7PM ONWARDS SO THAT IT WON'T DISTURB YOU FROM 7PM ONWARDS :)
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  • JC
    HI Able,

    Thanks for your reply.

    Will definitely do more due diligence in future when the time comes for me to sell this flat and upgrade to another location.
This issue could be an issue to you, but not an issue to the seller. There is no need to highlight for this unless you asked the question if there is birds chirping day and night, then seller or agent will need to answer accordingly. If you just asked any issues, then how are sellers or agent suppose to answer you if they don't find it an issue?

Typical questions buyers asked will be any loanshark issues or anyone died in the unit, which sellers or agents have a duty to answer truthfully, if they are aware of it. Read More
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Let's seal this affinity by technology; please PM me your contact for assistance with your real estate needs. So, I believe in Affinity (Chinese word: 缘份) :), let's SEAL this AFFINITY Not by blood but by Technology > Please PM, Private Message your contact so that I CAN BE (EXTRA) PAIR OF HANDS / BRAIN and LEGS to Assist you NOW or FUTURE REAL ESTATE NEEDS!

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