How to Buy a Brand-New Landed Property in Singapore: A Step-by-Step Guide

Singapore’s landed property market is an exclusive segment prized for its limited supply, long-term capital appreciation, and family legacy value. Buying a brand new landed home, whether it’s a modern terrace unit or a boutique developer-built bungalow, can be an exciting yet complex journey. 

This guide by PropertyGiant walks you through everything you need to know before signing on the dotted line.

Step 1: Engage a Landed Property Specialist

Start by working with an agent who specialises in landed properties. A good agent will: 

• Provide access to exclusive and off-market listings

• Understand landed zoning rules and redevelopment potential

• Advise on financing, legal considerations, and valuation trends

Tip: Look for someone who knows the ins and outs of your preferred neighbourhood and has experience handling brand new or rebuilt landed homes.

Step 2: Define Your Budget and Needs

Know what you're looking for and how much you're comfortable spending: 

• Property type: Terrace, Semi-Detached, Bungalow, or Good Class Bungalow (GCB)

• Tenure: Freehold (preferred for long-term value) vs 99-year leasehold

• Desired land size, land shape, or frontage dimensions
• Preferred orientation or facing (e.g. north-south, avoid west-facing)
• Number of storeys / levels

• Must-have features: Home lift, swimming pool, open-plan layout, multi-generational configuration

• Overall budget, including renovation and stamp duties

These features can significantly affect a property’s value. For example, homes with more levels, wider frontages, or a swimming pool typically command a higher price.

Step 3: Explore Listings and Shortlist Properties

Your agent will shortlist properties that meet your criteria. In the brand-new landed segment, this often includes homes that are:

• Newly completed

• Under construction (with a clear TOP timeline)

• Recently rebuilt or extensively renovated

Not all landed homes advertised as “brand new” are truly new builds. Some may be newly renovated or refurbished. Some new homes are built by individual homeowners and sold under their personal name, while others are constructed and sold by developers holding a developer’s license.

Always verify with your agent or seller whether the home is a full rebuild, A&A, or newly refurbished, and who the selling party is.

Step 4: Conduct Due Diligence

Conducting proper due diligence protects you from legal, structural, and financial risks that may surface after the purchase. It ensures the property’s status, ownership, and development potential are sound.

Once you’ve found a promising property, your agent and lawyer will help you verify the essentials:

• Title ownership and absence of encumbrances

• Leasehold vs freehold tenure

• Zoning regulations and redevelopment restrictions (URA)

• Compliance for any A&A or rebuilding work

URA Minimum Plot Sizes for Landed Homes

Use this table as a guide to check whether the property you’re considering meets URA’s minimum requirements for plot width and land area:

Step 5: Make an Offer and Negotiate

Once you've found the right property:

• Submit a competitive offer based on market value and conditions

• Typically pay a 1% booking fee to secure the Option to Purchase (OTP), although this may vary depending on the agreed option period

• Negotiate completion timelines, inclusion of fittings, or handling of TOP/CSC where needed
• Check whether there’s a progressive payment schedule – this may differ between licensed and unlicensed projects

Your agent’s experience is crucial here. They’ll know how to structure your offer to appeal to sellers while protecting your interests.

Step 6: Plan Your Financing

Getting your finances in place early is key to avoiding delays. Here are some key things to take note of:

• Secure an In-Principle Approval (IPA) from a bank to confirm your loan eligibility

• Watch for valuation gaps between the bank’s appraisal and the seller’s asking price – you'll need to top up the difference in cash

• If buying a Building Under Construction (BUC) home your payments follow a progressive schedule:

• 5% booking fee (cash)

• 15% down payment (CPF or cash)

• Remaining amount disbursed in stages as the home is built (e.g. foundation, structure, TOP)

• Be ready for related costs like Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD), Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), legal fees, and possibly bridging loans

Tip: Monthly loan repayments begin with the first disbursement. Make sure your cash flow is aligned.

Step 7: Complete the Purchase

Once the OTP is exercised (typically within 14 days): 

• Pay the balance 4% exercise fee 

• Engage a lawyer to handle conveyancing 

• Settle stamp duties and legal fees 

• Sign mortgage documents with your lender 

• Collect your keys, or wait for TOP and CSC if buying a BUC home 

Tip: Stay in close contact with your lawyer and agent throughout this stage to ensure a smooth handover. 

Key Considerations When Buying a Brand-New Landed Home

Location & Property Types

For anyone looking to buy a landed home in Singapore, it’s important to know that different districts typically offer different types of landed properties. For example: 

• D19 (Hougang/Serangoon): Commonly features terrace and semi-detached homes, ideal for people seeking value and community-friendly neighbourhoods

• D10 (Bukit Timah): A well-established prime district with a wide range of detached homes and Good Class Bungalows (GCBs)

• D15 (East Coast): Offers a diverse mix of landed homes a vibrant lifestyle 

When deciding on your preferred neighbourhood, it’s always recommended to look into practical considerations such as proximity to MRT stations and major roads, good schools and childcare facilities, retail and dining options, and nearby parks or green spaces that enhance liveability.

Freehold vs Leasehold

• Freehold: Typically preferred for legacy and capital appreciation 

• Leasehold (99 years): More affordable but may have lower resale value over time 

Ensure you know the exact tenure and remaining lease before purchasing. 

Rebuilding vs A&A Potential

Some “brand new” listings may be:

• Rebuilt: Complete teardown and reconstruction

• A&A: Additions & Alterations to an existing structure

Understanding the difference affects financing, valuation, and future renovation potential. Ask your agent to clarify key information such as the URA compliance, GFA (Gross Floor Area), and setbacks.

Price Per Square Foot (PSF)

PSF varies significantly across: 

• District and street 

• Land shape and orientation 

• Condition (fully rebuilt vs A&A vs original) 

• Developer specifications and materials 

Be cautious of listings with disproportionately high or low PSF. These could reflect mismatched pricing, unusual land-to-built-up ratios, or over/under-spec renovations.

Always confirm whether the PSF is calculated based on land area, built-up area, or gross floor area (GFA), as these can differ widely. Compare PSF against recent transactions using tools like URA caveat search or Squarefoot.

Build Quality & Warranty Coverage

• Ask if the home comes with a defects liability period (DLP) or builder’s warranty 

• Clarify the materials and fittings used, especially for boutique developer homes

Strata vs Single Title

• Check URA’s Master Plan for upcoming MRT lines, new roads, or redevelopment nearby 

• These changes may affect long-term property value, traffic, or noise levels

Future Development & URA Master Plan

• Check URA’s Master Plan for upcoming MRT lines, new roads, or redevelopment nearby 

• These changes may affect long-term property value, traffic, or noise levels

Final Thoughts: Work with the Right Partner

Buying a brand-new landed property in Singapore is one of the most significant investments you’ll make. By following these steps and working with a knowledgeable agent who understands the nuances of the landed market, you can confidently secure your dream home. 

At PropertyGiant, we specialise in helping buyers like you navigate the landed property market. From off-market listings to boutique developments, we know what it takes to find and secure the right home. 

Ready to begin your landed property journey? Get in touch with PropertyGiant today.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this guide is for general reference only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Property regulations, prices, and eligibility criteria are subject to change. Buyers are advised to conduct their own due diligence and consult with qualified professionals before making any property decisions.