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Hi,

Generally, normal wear and tear refers to deterioration arising from everyday use and ageing, while red flags are signs of potentially more serious problems that may require costly repairs.

Some examples of normal wear and tear include faded paint, minor surface scratches, slightly worn flooring and ageing cabinet hinges.

However, I would pay closer attention to the following:

1. **Water seepage:** Damp patches, bubbling paint, mould or swollen cabinets may indicate ongoing leakage or waterproofing issues.
2. **Cracks:** Hairline plaster cracks may be cosmetic, but widening cracks, exposed reinforcement or spalling concrete warrant further investigation.
3. **Flooring:** Loose or hollow tiles, particularly where tiles are lifting or popping, may indicate underlying problems.
4. **Electrical and plumbing:** Frequent circuit trips, leaking pipes, poor drainage or inconsistent water pressure should be checked.
5. **Unauthorised renovations:** Altered walls or structural modifications without the necessary approvals can become an issue during resale.

My advice is not to judge a property solely by its appearance. A newly renovated unit can still have underlying defects, while an older unit with some cosmetic wear may actually be well maintained.

If you are purchasing a resale property, it is worth identifying potential repair costs before committing to an offer. Where there are signs of serious defects, consider engaging a qualified professional for further inspection.

May I know whether you are asking from the perspective of a buyer, seller or tenant? Also, is this an HDB flat, condominium or landed property?

Have you engaged a property agent to assist you? If so, has your agent helped assess these concerns during the viewing?

I would be happy to share some practical pointers on what to look out for.

Geryl Lim
 9278 7772  Read More

Hi, faded paint, light surface scratches and ageing fittings may be cosmetic wear. I would investigate recurring damp patches, swollen timber, lifting tiles, significant or changing cracks, exposed steel, burning smells or repeated electrical trips more carefully.

The important question is the cause, not just how the defect looks. Fresh paint can cover a stain without resolving a leak. Ask about previous repairs and whether the problem returned, and have concerning defects assessed by a suitably qualified professional before committing.

If this concerns a tenancy deposit, responsibility also depends on the agreement, the move-in condition and evidence of how the damage occurred. Photos and the inventory are useful. Are you assessing a purchase or a rental handover?

Silas Tan | Huttons | TRIBE
Free property guides and calculators: https://tribesg.com Read More

Normal wear and tear is the gradual, unavoidable cosmetic aging of a home from everyday living, whereas a red flag (or chargeable damage/defect) indicates structural deterioration, water intrusion, safety hazards, or avoidable negligence.

Whether you are inspecting a resale flat to buy or doing a rental handover, separate cosmetic aging from underlying defects across the unit:

| Area | Normal Wear & Tear (Cosmetic / Expected) | Red Flag (Structural / Leakage / Chargeable Damage) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Walls & Ceilings** | • Faint paint fading from sunlight | |

• Light furniture scuff marks

• Fine, superficial hairline plaster cracks | • Yellow/brown water stains or damp rings (ceiling seepage)

• Bubbling, peeling, or powdery paint (trapped moisture)

• Wide, diagonal, or stepped structural cracks

• Heavy black mould patches |
| **Flooring & Tiles** | • Light surface scratches on parquet/vinyl from foot traffic

• Minor grout discolouration over time

• Slight seasonal wood expansion gaps | • Hollow-sounding, popping, or tenting floor tiles (debonding)

• Deep gouges, burn marks, or warped/water-swollen wood

• Uneven sloping floors |
| **Windows & Doors** | • Slightly stiff sliding tracks or loosened hinges from regular use

• Faded curtains/blinds from sun exposure | • Water stains or rotting sills around window frames (failed exterior sealant)

• Rusted window rivets/hinges (safety hazard in high-rise units)

• Cracked glass or broken latches |
| **Bathrooms & Kitchen** | • Slight yellowing of silicone sealant in humid corners

• Dullness or minor tarnish on older tapware

• Light countertop surface scratches | • Active dripping under sinks, leaking WC bases, or slow floor-trap drainage

• Swollen, crumbling cabinet carcasses (hidden pipe leak)

• Countertop burn marks or cracked basins |
| **Electrical & Aircon** | • Loose switch plates from years of daily toggling

• Burnt-out light bulbs | • Scorch marks around sockets, flickering lights, or tripping DB breakers

• Aircon trunking leaks, ice build-up, or musty/chemical smells |

---

### Quick Rule of Thumb During Inspections

* **Fresh Paint in One Corner:** If an entire flat was repainted, that is normal prep; if *only one ceiling patch* or lower wall section looks freshly painted, check closely for hidden water seepage or dampness.
* **The Cause Test (For Rentals):** Ask whether the issue happened because of **time and normal living** (landlord's wear and tear) or a **specific incident, impact, or lack of basic maintenance** like skipping quarterly aircon servicing (tenant's liability).

---

Gan Eng Joo Onassis 颜荣裕, REALTOR®

MSc BIT (Middlesex, UK); BBA (UniSA)

CEA Reg No: R021244C | Mobile: (+65) 8889 9918 

Email: onassis@sgagent.com

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