Answer
What Happens During Conveyancing? — 2026
You've signed the OTP and now your lawyer takes over. But what exactly are they doing for 8–12 weeks? Here's the full timeline so you know what to expect and when.
Answer: Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership. For private property: 8–12 weeks from OTP to completion. Your lawyer handles title searches, S&P agreement, mortgage docs, stamp duty filing, and completion. Cost: $2,500–$4,000 for private property, $1,800–$2,500 for HDB.
Step-by-Step Timeline — Private Property
From OTP to keys
| Week | What Happens | Who Does It |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Option to Purchase (OTP) granted — pay 1% option fee | Buyer → Seller |
| 1–2 | Exercise OTP — pay 4% exercise fee, appoint lawyer | Buyer |
| 2–3 | Title search & due diligence (caveats, encumbrances, title defects) | Buyer's lawyer |
| 3–4 | Sale & Purchase (S&P) agreement prepared and signed | Both lawyers |
| 3–5 | Apply for bank loan, bank valuation, Letter of Offer issued | Buyer + Bank |
| 4–5 | Stamp duty payment (BSD + ABSD if applicable) filed with IRAS | Buyer's lawyer |
| 5–6 | Mortgage documents prepared, CPF withdrawal application submitted | Buyer's lawyer |
| 6–8 | Lodge caveat with SLA, pre-completion searches | Buyer's lawyer |
| 8–12 | Completion — balance payment, keys handed over, ownership transferred | Both lawyers + Bank |
Timeline assumes no complications. Title issues, mortgage delays, or caveats can add 2–4 weeks.
Conveyancing Costs Breakdown
What you're paying for
| Item | Private Condo | HDB Resale |
|---|---|---|
| Legal fees (purchase) | $2,500–$3,500 | $1,800–$2,200 |
| Mortgage documentation | $500–$800 | $300–$500 |
| Title search fees | $50–$100 | — |
| Caveat registration | $65 | — |
| Stamp duty filing | Included | Included |
| Total (buyer's side) | $2,500–$4,000 | $1,800–$2,500 |
Prices are typical ranges for 2026. Complex transactions (multiple owners, trust structures) may cost more. Always get a fixed-fee quote upfront.
HDB vs Private Conveyancing
Key differences between the two
| Aspect | Private Condo | HDB Resale |
|---|---|---|
| Timeline | 8–12 weeks | 8–10 weeks |
| Title search | Lawyer does full search | HDB handles |
| Valuation | Bank-appointed valuer | HDB provides valuation |
| Completion venue | Lawyer's office | HDB Hub |
| Eligibility checks | Buyer's responsibility | HDB verifies |
| Lawyer cost | $2,500–$4,000 | $1,800–$2,500 |
HDB conveyancing is more structured because HDB manages many steps centrally. Private property conveyancing gives lawyers more work (and more to charge for).
What Your Lawyer Actually Does
1. Due Diligence
Searches the title at SLA (Singapore Land Authority) to check for encumbrances, caveats, mortgages, or legal disputes. Verifies the seller actually owns what they're selling and can legally sell it.
2. S&P Agreement
Drafts or reviews the Sale & Purchase agreement. This is the main legal document governing the transaction — price, completion date, conditions, what happens if either party backs out.
3. Stamp Duty Filing
Files stamp duty with IRAS within 14 days of exercising the OTP. Calculates BSD and ABSD, submits payment, gets the stamped document back. Late filing incurs penalties.
4. Mortgage Documentation
Coordinates with the bank on mortgage documents, ensures loan conditions are met, arranges for CPF withdrawal (if applicable), and schedules the loan disbursement to align with completion.
5. Completion
On completion day, your lawyer disburses the balance purchase price to the seller's lawyer, registers the transfer of ownership with SLA, and you get your keys. The whole thing is anticlimactic — in a good way.
Know your total buying costs upfront
Legal fees are just one part of the picture. Get the full breakdown of what you'll pay at closing.
FAQ
What is conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from seller to buyer. It covers everything from the Option to Purchase (OTP) through to the final handover of keys. In Singapore, you need a lawyer for this — you can’t DIY it.
How long does conveyancing take for a private condo?
Typically 8–12 weeks from exercising the OTP to completion (key collection). The S&P agreement usually sets completion at 8–12 weeks. If there are complications (title issues, mortgage delays), it can stretch to 14 weeks.
How much does a conveyancing lawyer cost?
For private property: $2,500–$4,000 for the buyer’s lawyer. Seller’s lawyer is similar. HDB transactions are cheaper: $1,800–$2,500. These fees cover the S&P agreement, title search, mortgage documentation, stamp duty filing, and completion.
Do I need separate lawyers for the purchase and the mortgage?
Usually no. Most buyers appoint one law firm to handle both the purchase conveyancing and the mortgage documentation. The bank may require you to use a lawyer from their approved panel. Check with your bank first.
What is the difference between HDB and private conveyancing?
HDB conveyancing is simpler because HDB handles much of the process (valuation, eligibility checks, appointment scheduling). HDB transactions use the HDB Hub for completion. Private conveyancing requires more due diligence — title searches, caveats, encumbrances, and your lawyer does everything.
Can I switch lawyers during conveyancing?
Technically yes, but it’s costly and causes delays. You’ll pay the original lawyer for work done, plus the new lawyer charges from scratch. Only switch if there’s a serious issue (negligence, unresponsiveness). Get it right the first time.
Related
Last updated Feb 2026. Timelines and costs are typical estimates. Actual conveyancing may vary by complexity. This is general information, not legal advice.