The Koon Seng en bloc sale, which is comprised of nine pre-war terrace houses and Koon Seng House, a four-storey block of 24 apartments in Joo Chiat, can now go ahead with its sale.
On Tuesday, the Court of Three Judges dismissed the appeal of Goh Teh Lee, the lone objector to the sale. It ruled that the 53-year old man had no standing to carry the suit forward.
After considering the evidence, Justice Chao Hick Tin said he was "very doubtful" of the case, despite Mr. Goh’s firm stand that he had a "very strong case”.
Mr. Goh, who co-owns an apartment with his former wife, had objected to the en bloc sale. His ex-wife, however, had given her consent.
He had also contended that it was not fair to divide the $21.12-million purchase price equally among the 33 units.
“Between you and your ex-wife, you have to act unanimously…besides, your ex-wife’s rights also have to prevail. She is just like you – a joint owner," said Justice Andrew Phang.
The en bloc sale of the apartments and houses was debated at a residents’ meeting held in November 2006.
Although he was not ordered to pay any costs, Mr. Goh will have to fork out $3,000 to cover the expenses of the collective sales.
In the event he does not sign the collective order, the Registrar of Supreme Court will have to sign on his behalf, which will then allow the en bloc sale to proceed.