Progressive Payment Scheme For Singapore’s New Launch Properties
Navigating Singapore’s property market can feel like decoding a complex puzzle, especially when you’re eyeing a new launch property from the developer. You’ve probably encountered the term – Progressive Payment Mode or Progressive Payment Scheme. But what is it in layman’s terms?
Think of it as an installment plan for new homes. Instead of paying the full price where your full loan kicks in for your dream condo immediately, the Progressive Payment Scheme breaks down the cost into manageable stages, aligning with construction milestones.
With a surge in searches like “buying new launch property in Singapore” and “new launch property payment schedule,” it’s evident that Singaporeans want clarity on their home-buying journey. Understanding this payment method makes you one step closer to making informed decisions in the bustling Singaporean property landscape.
Understanding the Dynamics of the Progressive Payment Scheme
The essence of the Progressive Payment Scheme lies in its structured approach, which aligns payments with the construction stages of a property. This ensures that if construction delays occur, payment timelines will adjust accordingly.
Upon completing each construction phase, developers communicate with your legal representatives, signaling the due payment for that specific milestone. Based on your financial setup, the next steps involve either a direct cash payment from your end or a prompt from the bank to disburse the relevant loan amount.
It’s vital to note that payments should be made to the developer within a 14-day window from receiving the developer’s notice. Delays beyond this period might incur additional charges.
The following table clearly explains the stages of a typical payment breakdown for a new launch condominium unit under the progressive payment scheme.
The Benefits of the Progressive Payment Scheme?
As the name “progressive payment scheme” suggests, the payments will increase progressively at different stage when the developer building construction progress.
One advantage is that you will have lower monthly installments initially, and even if the developer delays the construction, the monthly installment stay at where you last paid.
Another advantage is that the progressive payment scheme also serves as a reminder for the developer to keep building construction progress on time to recover the payment and deliver the property in time for the future homeowner.
Different stages of the Progressive Payment Scheme
| Stage of Construction Completion | % of Purchase Price |
|---|---|
| Booking of Unit | 5% Cash |
| Upon signing S&P Agreement or within 8-weeks from date of Option | 15% Cash or CPF |
| Completion of foundation work | 5% Cash or CPF 5% Cash or CPF or Loan |
| Completion of reinforced concrete framework | 10% Cash or CPF or Loan |
| Completion of partition walls | 5% Cash or CPF or Loan |
| Completion of roofing | 5% Cash or CPF or Loan |
| Completion of door frames, windows frames, electrical wiring, internal plastering and plumbing work | 5% Cash or CPF or Loan |
| Completion of car park, drains and roads serving the housing project | 5% Cash or CPF or Loan |
| Obtained Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) | 25% Cash or CPF or Loan |
| Obtained Certificate of Statutory Completion (CSC) | 15% Cash or CPF or Loan |
The monthly installment will kick-start once the bank makes the first disbursement, which depends on your loan-to-value (LTV) for the purchase. For example, if you secured a 75% loan, your first disbursement will be on completion of the foundation stage, where you will start your monthly installment on the foundation stage. If you secured a 60% loan, your first disbursement will be on completion of the partition walls stage, and your monthly installment will start at this stage.
Do note that sometimes the developer may notify more than one stage completion at once, where the bank will disburse the total sum based on the completion stage being called for.
If you purchase the unit later, for example, 12 months after the initial launching day, the developer will likely call for several stages of progressive payments at one go after you sign the sales and purchase agreement. For example, if you purchase the new launch condo after the completion of the “reinforced concrete framework” stage, the developer will likely call for “foundation stage” (10%) + “reinforced concrete framework” (10%) payment after you sign the sales and purchase agreement.
Example of Calculating the Progressive Payment Scheme for New Launch Property
Assuming you are Singaporean and have decided to purchase your first residential property at $1,750,000, a new launch condominium unit from the developer.
The bank loan details are as follows:
- LTV 75%
- Mortgage Interest Rate 3%
- Loan Tenure 30 Years
Here is the breakdown of what you need to pay at each stage.
Booking Fee
Once you decide to book a unit, you must pay a booking fee to secure the Option to Purchase (OTP).
Booking fee = 5% x $1,750,000= $87,500
Please note that you cannot loan or use CPF OA savings for the booking fee. Thus, you must prepare and get this sum in your bank by issuing the developer the $87,500 cheque to book the unit.
If you need one, you may also apply for a mortgage loan after receiving the OTP from the developer.
Exercise OTP and Sales and Purchase (S&P) agreement
The developer will deliver the Sales and Purchase (S&P) agreement to you within 14 days from the OTP date.
Please note that the OTP will expire 3-weeks after receiving the S&P agreement. Thus, you will need to exercise the OTP by signing the S&P agreement within the 3-weeks and return the S&P agreement to the developer if you decide to proceed with the purchase.
At this stage, you need to prepare:
- Any stamp duty payable (Cash or CPF), The IRAS here explains the stamp duty payable, and
- legal fee (Cash or CPF)
Initial Downpayment Payable
Lastly, you must pay the initial downpayment within 8 weeks from the option date.
- Initial Downpayment of 15% x $1,750,000 = $262,500 (Cash or CPF)
Thereafter, the mode of payment you will enter into is the progressive payment scheme as follows:
Progressive Payment Scheme Starts Here (Progressive Payment Scheme Breakdown Details)
If you apply for a home loan, the bank will disburse the fund to the developer at a different stage when the developer completes each building stage. You will start your monthly installment once the bank disburses the funds to the developer.
Below is a detailed explanation of the payment breakdown and monthly installment at each completion stage.
