Buying basics · PROPERTY GUIDE

A subsale home budget goes beyond the down payment

Build a cash plan for the deposit, legal work, stamp duty, valuation and financing before committing.

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Written and reviewed by Vivien Lim Sze Ting, REN 43762 · Reviewed 2026-09-28

A subsale home budget goes beyond the down payment

Start with the agreed price and likely financing margin, then calculate the cash gap. Add legal fees and disbursements for the sale, purchase and financing documents, applicable stamp duty, valuation costs and any required insurance or takaful.

Do not rely on one headline percentage. Stamp duty and tax treatment depend on the instrument, buyer profile and rules in force when the transaction is signed. Ask the lawyer and bank for written estimates before paying a non-refundable sum.

Keep a separate buffer for repairs, moving and the first months of ownership. A lower instalment does not remove the need for sufficient upfront cash.

This article is general educational information and is not legal, financing or financial advice. Rules and procedures can change; confirm your circumstances with the relevant authority and qualified professional.

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Reviewed: 2026-09-28

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