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what is the most imp thing i should know before getting keys. PS First time buyer
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Mark, your RIGHT choice
Propnex Read More
Mark, your RIGHT choice
Propnex Read More
Hi,
Congratulations on purchasing your first home!
One of the most important things before collecting your keys is to understand what you are taking over, both in terms of the property's condition and your responsibilities as the new owner.
If you are purchasing a resale property, I would suggest arranging a final inspection before completion. Check that the property is in the agreed condition, any items included in the sale are still there, and the seller has removed their belongings unless otherwise agreed.
Pay particular attention to water leakage, electrical fittings, plumbing, windows, air-conditioning and any alterations that may require approval.
If you are collecting keys to a brand-new property, familiarise yourself with the defects inspection process and the applicable defects liability period before commencing renovations.
You should also ensure that your financing, insurance and other completion payments are properly arranged.
May I know whether you are purchasing a BTO, resale HDB flat or private condominium?
Also, have you engaged a property agent to assist with your purchase? If so, has your agent arranged the necessary inspections and explained what you should look out for before key collection?
If this is an HDB purchase, we have also recently released an HDB market report covering resale price trends and the market outlook. I would be happy to share a copy if you are interested.
Geryl Lim
9278 7772 Read More
Congratulations on purchasing your first home!
One of the most important things before collecting your keys is to understand what you are taking over, both in terms of the property's condition and your responsibilities as the new owner.
If you are purchasing a resale property, I would suggest arranging a final inspection before completion. Check that the property is in the agreed condition, any items included in the sale are still there, and the seller has removed their belongings unless otherwise agreed.
Pay particular attention to water leakage, electrical fittings, plumbing, windows, air-conditioning and any alterations that may require approval.
If you are collecting keys to a brand-new property, familiarise yourself with the defects inspection process and the applicable defects liability period before commencing renovations.
You should also ensure that your financing, insurance and other completion payments are properly arranged.
May I know whether you are purchasing a BTO, resale HDB flat or private condominium?
Also, have you engaged a property agent to assist with your purchase? If so, has your agent arranged the necessary inspections and explained what you should look out for before key collection?
If this is an HDB purchase, we have also recently released an HDB market report covering resale price trends and the market outlook. I would be happy to share a copy if you are interested.
Geryl Lim
9278 7772 Read More
1
Hi, first establish exactly what you are taking over and when possession is due. The checklist differs for a new home and a resale purchase.
For resale, arrange the agreed final inspection before completion: check the documented inclusions, condition and any promised rectification. Record issues promptly with your agent and lawyer rather than assume they can be sorted out after handover. Do not make unilateral deductions or delay completion without advice.
For a new home, understand the developer’s or HDB’s defect-reporting procedure before starting renovation. At handover, account for keys, access cards, remotes, meter readings and essential manuals. Arrange utilities, required insurance and moving access in advance.
Are you collecting keys for BTO, resale HDB or a private property?
Silas Tan | Huttons | TRIBE
Free property guides and calculators: https://tribesg.com Read More
For resale, arrange the agreed final inspection before completion: check the documented inclusions, condition and any promised rectification. Record issues promptly with your agent and lawyer rather than assume they can be sorted out after handover. Do not make unilateral deductions or delay completion without advice.
For a new home, understand the developer’s or HDB’s defect-reporting procedure before starting renovation. At handover, account for keys, access cards, remotes, meter readings and essential manuals. Arrange utilities, required insurance and moving access in advance.
Are you collecting keys for BTO, resale HDB or a private property?
Silas Tan | Huttons | TRIBE
Free property guides and calculators: https://tribesg.com Read More
The single most important rule before collecting keys is: **complete your full defect/handover inspection and activate utilities & insurance *before* any contractor begins renovation works.** Once renovation starts, you lose your leverage to claim defects against HDB, a developer, or a resale seller.
---
### 1. Pre-Collection Essentials (1–2 Weeks Before)
* **Activate Utilities (SP Group):** Set up your electricity, water, and gas accounts online at least 2–3 days ahead so you can test taps, power points, and aircon units immediately on handover day.
* **Sort Out Mandatory Insurance:** If taking an HDB loan, purchase **HDB Fire Insurance** beforehand. If using CPF OA for monthly instalments, ensure **Home Protection Scheme (HPS)** coverage is in place.
* **Prepare Documents & Funds:** Bring physical/Singpass NRICs for all owners, your appointment/completion letter, and a device with Singpass for final CPF/cash disbursement.
---
### 2. What to Do the Moment You Get the Keys
* **For New Homes (BTO / New Launch Condo):** You have a **1-year Defects Liability Period (DLP)**, and HDB advises submitting initial defects within **7 to 30 days**. Inspect hollow tiles, window seals, water drainage gradients, and power sockets thoroughly—either yourself or with a defect specialist—**before** your contractor hacks or paints anything.
* **For Resale Homes (HDB / Condo):** Do a final walkthrough **before legal completion** (or immediately at handover) to verify vacant possession, ensure all seller debris/furniture agreed to be cleared is gone, and confirm fixtures (aircons, heaters, built-ins) work as inspected. Note final meter readings and MCST/Town Council handover dates.
* **Change Locks Immediately:** For resale units, change the main door lock cylinder or digital lock master PIN on Day 1.
---
### 3. Don't Rush Renovation Mobilisation
* Confirm **HDB renovation permits** or **condo MCST renovation deposits and lift-padding bookings** are approved before scheduling deliveries.
---
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
SGAgent.com | SGRealtor.com | SGCommercial.com | SGCBD.com
SGShowflat.com | SGNewLaunch.com
Integrated Services: SGCash.com | SGRepair.com | SGLegal.com
Social (Facebook & TikTok): @sgcommercial Read More
---
### 1. Pre-Collection Essentials (1–2 Weeks Before)
* **Activate Utilities (SP Group):** Set up your electricity, water, and gas accounts online at least 2–3 days ahead so you can test taps, power points, and aircon units immediately on handover day.
* **Sort Out Mandatory Insurance:** If taking an HDB loan, purchase **HDB Fire Insurance** beforehand. If using CPF OA for monthly instalments, ensure **Home Protection Scheme (HPS)** coverage is in place.
* **Prepare Documents & Funds:** Bring physical/Singpass NRICs for all owners, your appointment/completion letter, and a device with Singpass for final CPF/cash disbursement.
---
### 2. What to Do the Moment You Get the Keys
* **For New Homes (BTO / New Launch Condo):** You have a **1-year Defects Liability Period (DLP)**, and HDB advises submitting initial defects within **7 to 30 days**. Inspect hollow tiles, window seals, water drainage gradients, and power sockets thoroughly—either yourself or with a defect specialist—**before** your contractor hacks or paints anything.
* **For Resale Homes (HDB / Condo):** Do a final walkthrough **before legal completion** (or immediately at handover) to verify vacant possession, ensure all seller debris/furniture agreed to be cleared is gone, and confirm fixtures (aircons, heaters, built-ins) work as inspected. Note final meter readings and MCST/Town Council handover dates.
* **Change Locks Immediately:** For resale units, change the main door lock cylinder or digital lock master PIN on Day 1.
---
### 3. Don't Rush Renovation Mobilisation
* Confirm **HDB renovation permits** or **condo MCST renovation deposits and lift-padding bookings** are approved before scheduling deliveries.
---
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
SGAgent.com | SGRealtor.com | SGCommercial.com | SGCBD.com
SGShowflat.com | SGNewLaunch.com
Integrated Services: SGCash.com | SGRepair.com | SGLegal.com
Social (Facebook & TikTok): @sgcommercial Read More
Good day to you,
Depending on the condition of the unit, I would pay particular attention to the following:
a) Application for utilities.
b) Critical checklist during the inspection, before HDB completion.
c) Securing your fire insurance.
d) Preparing to change your door lock, or get a padlock, if there is no intention to change the door.
As every case is different, there might be tasks which would outweigh my suggestion.
Navigating a property transaction can feel overwhelming, especially when it intersects with major life events.
With over 15 years of experience as a property consultant, my role goes beyond market knowledge — it is to provide clarity, structure, and peace of mind through complex decisions.
I regularly assist clients with sensitive and non-standard situations, including:
• Divorce & Asset Settlement — guiding parties toward fair, practical outcomes for shared properties
• Intestate & Estate Planning — helping families navigate inherited property and future planning with confidence
• Complex Property Matters — including cases involving Lasting Power of Attorney, bankruptcy, or special circumstances
If you’re seeking clarity rather than pressure, I’m happy to have a conversation to understand your situation and outline possible next steps.
Mike Lim
CEA Reg No: R026708F | SN Real Estate
WhatsApp: 96929209
Email: m52i@yahoo.com
If you’d like short, educational breakdowns on common property questions, you may also find these helpful:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HomeMoveCompass
Instagram: https://instagram.com/homemovecompass Read More
Depending on the condition of the unit, I would pay particular attention to the following:
a) Application for utilities.
b) Critical checklist during the inspection, before HDB completion.
c) Securing your fire insurance.
d) Preparing to change your door lock, or get a padlock, if there is no intention to change the door.
As every case is different, there might be tasks which would outweigh my suggestion.
Navigating a property transaction can feel overwhelming, especially when it intersects with major life events.
With over 15 years of experience as a property consultant, my role goes beyond market knowledge — it is to provide clarity, structure, and peace of mind through complex decisions.
I regularly assist clients with sensitive and non-standard situations, including:
• Divorce & Asset Settlement — guiding parties toward fair, practical outcomes for shared properties
• Intestate & Estate Planning — helping families navigate inherited property and future planning with confidence
• Complex Property Matters — including cases involving Lasting Power of Attorney, bankruptcy, or special circumstances
If you’re seeking clarity rather than pressure, I’m happy to have a conversation to understand your situation and outline possible next steps.
Mike Lim
CEA Reg No: R026708F | SN Real Estate
WhatsApp: 96929209
Email: m52i@yahoo.com
If you’d like short, educational breakdowns on common property questions, you may also find these helpful:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HomeMoveCompass
Instagram: https://instagram.com/homemovecompass Read More