Buying a new launch condo

Check the project and the unit details

Review the developer’s licence and official sales information. Look at the approved plans, tenure, unit area, layout and expected vacant-possession date. Confirm which showflat finishes and fittings are included in the unit you are considering; the furnished display is not the contract specification.

Compare stacks as homes you will use

Rank your preferred layouts before booking day. Consider room usability, orientation, surrounding roads, neighbouring blocks, lift access and daily travel. Ask what is known, proposed or still subject to change. A model or marketing image cannot establish a guaranteed future view.

• Compare the total price as well as price per square foot.
• Check usable space against furniture and household needs.
• Compare relevant resale homes rather than assuming a newer project is always better value.

Plan progressive payments and interim housing

For an uncompleted property, payments follow the contractual milestones. Match these to your cash, usable CPF and financing facility. Interest typically grows as more of the loan is disbursed, so an early low instalment is not the eventual full-loan repayment. Budget for where you will live while construction is ongoing.

Read the option and sale agreement before committing

Have your conveyancing lawyer review the Option to Purchase, Sale and Purchase Agreement, payment schedule and deadlines. Confirm what happens if you do not proceed, what changes may be permitted and how defects or completion issues are handled. Use the project’s current documents rather than another launch’s timeline.

Keep your existing home in the picture

If you are selling to fund this purchase, check the funds and duties required before sale proceeds arrive. Plan your sale and purchase sequence, use the ABSD calculator as an estimate, and compare a realistic budget before choosing a unit.

Take these checks to the preview

• Furniture fit: bring measurements for your bed, sofa, dining chairs and desk. Mark them on the scaled unit plan and check door swings and walking routes.
• Unit comparison: record exact unit references, floor, facing, layout, dated price and a price ceiling. Keep a backup that still meets your brief.
• Evidence: save the floor plan, specification, developer information and written answers. Note which showflat features are display-only.
• Funding dates: ask your lawyer and lender for the actual exercise, payment and drawdown dates. Check when sale proceeds or CPF will be available.

Use the interactive new launch purchase timeline for a stage-by-stage action list, or save the preview checklist.