Buying a condominium in Singapore is a significant financial commitment and a long-term lifestyle decision. With more new launches entering the market every year, many buyers may find themselves making decisions under pressure, or influenced by glossy brochures, showflat impressions, or fear of missing out.
However, several important considerations can affect your daily living experience in a Singapore condo. From maintenance fees and management quality to layout efficiency and legal fine print, overlooking these key details could lead to costly surprises in future.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or upgrading from an HDB flat, learning to be condo-savvy is key.
That’s why we’ve rounded up 7 essential things every condo buyer in Singapore should know before signing, so you can buy with confidence, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure that the home you choose truly fits your lifestyle and financial goals.
1. Understand the Location & Surroundings
Location is one of the most crucial factors when purchasing a condominium in Singapore. Being close to public transport, schools, shopping malls, healthcare facilities and workplaces will make daily living more convenient while also adding long-term value to your home.
Additionally, take time to explore the neighbourhood at different times of the day. While the area may be quiet on a weekday afternoon, this is not always the case during peak hours or late at night. Consider the noise levels from surrounding roads and MRT tracks, as well as nearby schools or commercial developments.
Privacy is another concern. Take note of your unit’s surroundings, especially if it faces another block or a busy street. Accessibility also matters. Do check how easy it is for your family to enter and leave the condo development by car or on foot, and whether there are sheltered walkways to protect you from rain and hot sun.
Beyond the condo’s current conditions, it’s vital to understand what may change in the future. Review the URA Master Plan to check for upcoming developments nearby, such as new expressways, transport hubs, commercial buildings or neighbouring residential projects.
While future growth can boost property value, it may also mean increased traffic, greater noise levels, or reduced accessibility and restricted views. Being aware of these plans helps you make a more informed decision and avoid unpleasant surprises after moving in.
2. Look Up the Developer and Past Projects
All condominiums are built and managed differently, which is why the developer’s track record is so important. A trusted and reputable developer in Singapore with a strong portfolio typically offers better construction quality and more reliable after-sales support.
Be sure to research the developer’s past and current projects. If possible, visit some of their completed condo projects and observe how well they have aged over time. Look for signs of good workmanship and maintenance in the landscaping, facilities, and common areas.
You can also check online reviews to obtain a sense of how management and maintenance issues are handled at the condo.
Ultimately, choosing a condo by a reliable developer gives you greater peace of mind, both as a homeowner and as an investor.
3. Assess Unit Layout and Practicality
The size alone is not enough to tell you whether a condo is the right choice for your needs.
For instance, a well-designed layout can make even a small unit feel functional and comfortable. On the other hand, a poorly planned condo with a large floor size can still feel cramped.
Beyond the unit’s size, take note of its shape and layout efficiency. Irregular room shapes can limit the proper placement of furniture, such as sofas and cabinets, leading to awkward layouts and unused spaces.
Natural lighting and ventilation are also essential for daily comfort. Check the unit’s window placements to see whether each room receives adequate daylight and airflow. Well-ventilated units not only feel more pleasant but can also improve indoor air quality, supporting better health.
If you’re unsure whether a condo layout works for your lifestyle, Rezt+Relax’s interior designers can advise on practical space planning before renovation begins.
4. Check Condo Facilities and Maintenance Fees
Condominium facilities can enhance your lifestyle, with amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, BBQ pits, and clubhouses available for use to all residents.
However, the service charges for these facilities are a long-term expense that you must account for in your budget. Find out what the monthly maintenance charges cover, including security, cleaning, landscaping, lift maintenance, and repairs.
Higher fees do not always guarantee better upkeep, so compare the fees against the overall condition of the condo and similar developments in the same area to evaluate whether they are reasonable.
A well-managed condo typically strikes a balance between useful facilities and sustainable maintenance costs. By observing the condition of common areas and facilities, you’ll get a clearer picture of how efficiently the condo development is being managed.
5. Understand Legal & Financing Aspects
Beyond location and design, the legal and financing aspects of buying a condominium can have a significant impact on your affordability and long-term financial commitments.
Before committing to a purchase, it’s important to have a clear understanding of factors including:
| Aspect | What to Check | Why It Matters | Important Note |
| Loan Eligibility | Loan-to-Value (LTV), Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR), and income stability | Determines how much you can borrow and your upfront cash outlay | TDSR value is currently capped at 55% of the borrower’s income |
| Interest Rates | Fixed vs floating rates, lock-in periods | Affects your monthly repayments and long-term affordability | Interest rates can fluctuate. Do plan for the potential of higher repayments in future |
| Cash Flow Planning | Down payment, Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD), legal fees, renovation costs | Prevents financial strain after purchase | A condo down payment can consist of cash in addition to your CPF. |
| Tenure | 99-year vs freehold | Impacts long-term value, financing and resale demand | 99-year condos are generally more affordable but have a finite lease, whereas freehold condos offer perpetual ownership and long-term security, often at a premium. |
| HDB-to-Condo Upgrade | Minimum occupation period (MOP) status, CPF usage, and sale proceeds timing | Affects your eligibility and purchase timeline | HDB owners must fulfil the MOP requirement of 5-10 years before buying private property |
| Resale Financing | Valuation vs purchase price | Impacts the loan amount and cash-over-valuation (COV) | Buyers must cover any shortfall in cash |
Conducting thorough research and seeking professional advice early in your condo purchase journey will help you navigate these steps and avoid costly issues later on.
6. Note the Restrictions for Renovation Work in Condos
Renovating a condo comes with rules and restrictions that protect the building structure, other residents, and overall safety. Being aware of these guidelines can help you avoid fines, delays, or costly reworks:
- Most renovation works require approval from the Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST).
- Condo renovations must follow structural limitations, including no hacking of structural walls or columns, no ceiling or balcony modifications without approval, and more.
- Common areas like hallways, lifts, and shared facilities must be kept clear of renovation debris.
- Renovation work is typically restricted to certain hours (often 9 am–6 pm, with no work on Sundays or public holidays).
- Engaging approved contractors ensures compliance with safety and building regulations.
Professional renovation firms like Rezt+Relax are familiar with condo rules and can advise on what works are permissible.
7. Engage the Right Professionals
Navigating a condo purchase and potential renovation can be complex, so having the right experts on your side is essential:
- Property agents will help identify suitable condo units and guide you through the buying process, negotiations, and paperwork.
- Lawyers will ensure that any contracts are clear and assist with stamp duties and other legal complexities.
- Mortgage consultants will advise on your loan eligibility, financing options, interest rates, and repayment structures.
- Professional inspection service providers can check the condo to identify defects, structural issues, or hidden problems before you make a purchasing decision.
- Renovation and interior design professionals, like Rezt+Relax, can help you design and renovate your condo safely and stylishly, taking care of everything from layout planning to the post-renovation lifetime warranty.
Your Condo Journey Doesn’t End at Purchase
Buying a condominium in Singapore is a major life decision. With proper research and planning, you can make choices that will best support your lifestyle and financial needs.
Once you’ve secured your condo, working with the right professionals is just as important to make your dream home a reality. Partnering with an experienced and reliable company ensures your condo is not only beautifully designed but also compliant with local regulations and restrictions.
With almost 20 years of experience in condominium renovation and interior design projects, the Rezt+Relax team has earned the trust and gratitude of thousands of homeowners across Singapore.
- We are ISO, CaseTrust-RCMA, and SQC certified, a testament to our skills in creative design as well as professional project management capabilities.
- As our client, you will receive real-time updates and support through the exclusive Rezt+Relax Super App, which acts as a central hub for all your renovation details, even for years to come.
- Our exclusive Lifetime Warranty ensures that your home is protected for as long as you own the property. It is also transferable to the next owner, providing
- You will also have direct access to our leadership. Our directors practice full transparency in answering any questions or concerns that clients may have.
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