RES exam question on Private Property Sale: In a private residential resale transaction in Singapore, consider the following…
In a private residential resale transaction in Singapore, consider the following conveyancing statements: (i) The buyer's solicitor should run a title search on SLA's INLIS early, to confirm the seller's ownership and check for mortgages, caveats and other encumbrances. (ii) The buyer's solicitor should lodge a caveat shortly after the option is exercised, to protect the buyer's interest against later dealings. (iii) The transfer is lodged with SLA after legal completion, and the buyer becomes the registered proprietor only when it is registered. (iv) SLA will not register the transfer until IRAS issues a property tax clearance certificate for the seller. Which statements are CORRECT?
- A(i) and (ii) only
- B(ii), (iii) and (iv) only
- C(i), (ii) and (iii) only
- D(i), (iii) and (iv) only
Show answer & explanation
Answer
C. (i), (ii) and (iii) only
Explanation
(i) is right: a title search on SLA's Integrated Land Information Service confirms who owns the property and shows mortgages, caveats and other encumbrances. (ii) is right: after exercise the buyer has an interest under the contract, and a caveat gives notice of it and guards against inconsistent dealings. (iii) is right: under the Torrens system of the Land Titles Act 1993, legal title passes when SLA registers the transfer, not when the price is paid. IRAS says property tax is a charge on the property and that, upon transfer, the buyer becomes liable for any arrears the previous owner has not settled. That is why the buyer's solicitor files a legal requisition, checks for outstanding tax and apportions it at completion, and the seller's solicitor files a Notice of Transfer with IRAS within 1 month. Sources: iras.gov.sg, Essential Information for Lawyers and Selling my Property (current at 21 Sep 2026).
Why the other options are wrong
- (iv) is wrong: SLA does not require an IRAS clearance before registering.
Study the concept behind this question: En Bloc, Auction & the Private Sale Process (Singapore)
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