Buying a resale condo in Singapore can be a smart move – immediate availability, mature amenities, and lower entry price compared to new launches are all big plus points. But before you rush to make an offer, it’s crucial to look beyond the surface. Here are 5 key red flags you should never ignore when viewing a resale condominium.
1. Badly Maintained Development
Broken tiles, leakages and poor landscaping. This may hint at low sinking funds or an inactive MCST. Older condos or boutique developments sometimes have surprisingly high monthly maintenance charges, which can eat into your rental yield or long-term affordability.
👉 What to do: Always check the latest MCST minutes or monthly statements. Compare fees with nearby condos of similar age and facilities.
2. Unauthorised Renovations
Hacked walls or added partitions? This could cause legal or safety issues down the road. If the unit has had major structural changes or excessive hacking, it could indicate potential compliance issues with BCA or MCST rules. Not all renovations are approved, and you may inherit problems that become costly to rectify later.
👉 What to do: Request renovation permits and approval documents and ensure that you have the standard clauses in the option to purchase. If anything looks overly customised or irregular, ask the seller or agent for details.
3. Low Remaining Lease
Less than 60 years left? While leasehold condos with 99-year leases are common in Singapore, those with fewer than 60 years left can present financing and resale challenges. Banks may reduce loan quantum (LTV), and resale demand may shrink significantly in the long run.
👉 What to do: Check the lease commencement date of the project and calculate the remaining tenure. If you’re planning to sell or upgrade in future, make sure there’s enough lease balance to attract future buyers and secure loan eligibility.
4. Water Stains, Cracks, or Mould
These are classic signs of water leakage or poor ventilation, often hinting at hidden structural issues. If left unaddressed, you might end up footing a hefty repair bill.
👉 What to do: Look closely at ceilings, corners, and around air-conditioning units or windows. You can usually spot subtle discolourations and surface flaws around the walls near toilets where pipes are concealed.
5. High entry price
This would increase your future breakeven price and affect your ease of exit in the event that you need to do so. If you just compare resale prices to new launch prices, that is merely scratching the surface. There is more analysis to be done to determine if you are paying a fair price.
👉 What to do: Compare the asking price with at least 3 sources of valuations, asking prices and supply of comparable units.
Final Thoughts
Buying a resale condo is more than just finding a unit you like—it’s about doing your due diligence so you don’t end up with buyer’s remorse. By being alert to these 5 red flags, you’ll make a smarter, safer, and more confident purchase.
Need help reviewing your shortlisted condos? Let’s have a chat—I’ll guide you through the red flags and green lights.
