Top 10 Tips to Sell Property in Singapore

5. Viewing Your Property

In Singapore’s high-end property market, especially with premium listings, viewings are no longer just a walkthrough. They are a curated experience designed to evoke emotions, establish trust and necessitate decision-making. How and when you show your property can make the difference between a casual browser and a serious buyer.

1. Prime the Timing, Not Just the Space
A daytime viewing may flood the home with natural light, while an evening slot can showcase relaxed ambient lighting, city views, or the quiet charm of a residential street. Be intentional. Morning is best for units with east-facing balconies. For landed homes, twilight brings out landscape lighting and architectural drama.

2. Create Sensory Cues That Anchor Memory
Sight and space are obvious. But what about scent, sound and ‘feel’? Soft background music can mask street noise and create a soothing atmosphere. Subtle scents (nothing overpowering—think lemongrass or sandalwood) evoke calm. These cues matter more than you think and can help buyers visualise living in a space.

3. Remove Emotional Baggage
Buyers don’t want to see your life; they want to imagine theirs. Remove clutter, family photos, laundry baskets and overly personal decor. Neutral, depersonalised spaces feel larger, calmer and more aspirational.

4. Flexibility Signals Seriousness
Buyers often operate on tight, shifting schedules. Being inflexible with appointments, even with short notice, can cost you a sale. Work with your agent to create viewing windows across weekdays and weekends, with access pre-cleared at security or reception.

6. Anticipate Objections Before They’re Raised
If the unit faces a less-than-ideal direction or has layout quirks, address them before the buyer does, and do so with solutions. For example, “while this room gets less morning sun, it stays cool in the afternoons and is perfect for a study”. Anticipated transparency builds credibility.

6. Negotiating the Right Price

In Singapore’s prestige property segment, negotiations aren’t won with discounts but with confidence, clarity and data-backed storytelling. Buyers of high-value homes aren’t just looking at square footage or psf rates. They’re weighing legacy, location rarity and the property’s future potential. Start your negotiation by anchoring price expectations with recent landmark transactions in the same building and within comparable prestige clusters. Frame your property not as a number but as a benchmark: “This isn’t just another unit at 21 Anderson – it’s one of two full-floor penthouses available in the Orchard vicinity with a private roof deck”.

Then shift the conversation to future value. A freehold property near a future MRT interchange or next to a major URA transformation zone should be priced considering what’s coming. Use this forward narrative to widen your Zone of Possible Agreement (ZOPA). Buyers are more likely to stretch if they believe today’s premium is tomorrow’s opportunity.

Don’t rush the silence. In high-stakes negotiations, patience is a powerful asset. When a buyer pauses, let the silence hang. It signals you’re not desperate, that you’re confident in the property’s value, and often this quiet will give them a chance to clarify their intent and recognise what you are offering.

Above all, know when to stand firm. In a market where prestige homes are few and buyers are savvy, value isn’t just about what’s on the table, it’s about what they can’t get anywhere else.

7. Legal Procedures and A Conveyancing Lawyer

Navigating the legal procedures involved in selling property can be overwhelming, but hiring qualified lawyers can make the selling process smoother and more efficient. A conveyancing lawyer handles all legal aspects, prepares the Option to Purchase (OTP), and assists in the transfer of ownership.

Conveyancing fees can vary significantly based on the complexity of the transaction, generally ranging from $2,000 to $5,000. Additional costs of selling property in Singapore, such as legal fees, property appraisals, and inspections, may arise, so it’s essential to clarify these expenses upfront. Engaging an experienced conveyancing lawyer helps navigate the complexities of property transactions with confidence and expertise. SHE Real Estate can recommend top-tier conveyance lawyers to help mediate your sale.

8. Option to Purchase (OTP) Process

The OTP grants the buyer the exclusive right to purchase the property for a specified period. For HDB transactions, the standard OTP form must be used. For private properties, the OTP can be customised. The option fee for HDB flats must be at least $1 but not more than $1,000. For private properties, the option period is usually negotiated but is often 14 days.

If the buyer allows the OTP to lapse without exercising it, the seller keeps the option fee. When the buyer exercises the OTP, they must also pay the applicable Buyer’s Stamp Duty within 14 days of exercising the OTP. Understanding the OTP process helps manage buyers’ expectations and ensures a smooth transaction.

9. Signing the Sales and Purchase Agreement

The sales and purchase agreement (SPA) is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions of the property sale, including price and payment methods. Sellers must disclose any known property defects in the SPA to ensure transparency and fairness in the transaction. The completion date in the SPA is crucial as it marks the transfer of ownership and the buyer’s possession.

Legal requisitions must be made to obtain necessary information about the property, including any outstanding charges and legal issues. Conditions precedent in the SPA must be fulfilled before the sale can proceed, which could include obtaining necessary regulatory approvals and the next steps for the acquisition.

Ensure all details are covered in the SPA to avoid potential disputes and ensure a smooth sale.

10. Completion

Finalise the seller’s payment to pay the seller’s stamp duty and taxes before completing the sale. The buyer takes ownership of the property once all the necessary legal documents have been processed and the sale is finalised. Possession of the property is then handed over to the buyer, marking the end of the seller’s stamp duty transaction.

For private properties, key handover happens upon legal completion, once the seller’s lawyer confirms receipt of full payment and lodges the transfer with the Singapore Land Authority (SLA). For HDB flats, keys are handed over at the second appointment at the HDB office, following final approval and disbursement of CPF funds.

Selling Your Property with SHE Real Estate

As you can see, selling a property in Singapore can be complicated and time-consuming, but it can be significantly easier with professional assistance. SHE Real Estate has the expertise and experience in the Singapore private property market to market your property to the right buyers effectively. Whether you need help with valuation, marketing or legal procedures, our team is here to assist you every step of the way. Contact SHE Real Estate today to start your journey to selling your property.