Answer
Legal Fees for Property Purchase in Singapore
Every property purchase requires a lawyer for conveyancing. Here are the typical fees and what you get.
Answer: Legal fees for an HDB purchase are $1,800\u2013$2,500 (one lawyer handles purchase + mortgage). For a condo, expect $2,500\u2013$3,500 for conveyancing plus $1,500\u2013$2,000 for the bank\u2019s mortgage lawyer \u2014 total $4,000\u2013$5,500. Fees can be paid from CPF OA if the lawyer is on CPF Board\u2019s panel.
Legal Fees Summary
| Property Type | Purchase (Conveyancing) | Mortgage | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDB resale (HDB loan) | $1,800\u2013$2,500 | Included | $1,800\u2013$2,500 |
| HDB resale (bank loan) | $1,800\u2013$2,500 | $1,500\u2013$2,000 | $3,300\u2013$4,500 |
| Condo (resale) | $2,500\u2013$3,500 | $1,500\u2013$2,000 | $4,000\u2013$5,500 |
| Condo (new launch) | $2,500\u2013$3,500 | $1,500\u2013$2,000 | $4,000\u2013$5,500 |
| Landed property | $3,000\u2013$5,000 | $1,500\u2013$2,500 | $4,500\u2013$7,500 |
All fees inclusive of GST (9%). Disbursements (title search, registration, stamp duty admin) typically $300\u2013$800 extra.
What\u2019s Included in Conveyancing Fees
| Service | HDB | Private |
|---|---|---|
| Title search & due diligence | Included | Included |
| Review / draft S&P agreement | Included | Included |
| Stamp duty filing (IRAS) | Included | Included |
| CPF withdrawal application | Included | Included |
| HDB resale portal submissions | Included | \u2014 |
| SLA registration | N/A (HDB title) | Included |
| Mortgage documentation | Included (HDB loan) | Separate fee |
| Completion & key collection | Included | Included |
Disbursements (On Top of Legal Fees)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Title search (SLA / HDB) | $20\u2013$50 |
| Caveat registration | $65\u2013$100 |
| SLA registration fee | $65\u2013$100 |
| Stamp duty admin fee | $50\u2013$100 |
| CPF Board admin fee | $20\u2013$50 |
| Courier / transport | $30\u2013$80 |
| Photocopying / misc | $20\u2013$50 |
| Typical total disbursements | $300\u2013$800 |
Disbursements are pass-through costs. Some firms bundle them into a fixed quote; others itemise separately.
CPF Panel Lawyer Requirement
If you want to use CPF OA to pay for your property purchase and legal fees, your lawyer must be on CPF Board's panel of approved solicitors. Most established conveyancing firms are on the panel, but always confirm before engaging.
| Payment | CPF Panel Lawyer? | Non-Panel Lawyer? |
|---|---|---|
| Legal fees from CPF OA | Yes | Not allowed |
| Legal fees in cash | Yes | Yes |
| CPF withdrawal for property | Can apply | Cannot apply |
Check the CPF Board website for the current list of panel solicitors.
Conveyancing Timeline
| Stage | HDB Resale | Private Resale |
|---|---|---|
| OTP granted \u2192 Exercise OTP | 21 days | 14 days (or as agreed) |
| Exercise OTP \u2192 Submit resale application | ~1 week | \u2014 |
| HDB processing / S&P exchange | 6\u20138 weeks | 8\u201310 weeks |
| Completion & key collection | Week 8\u201310 | Week 10\u201312 |
| Stamp duty payment deadline | Within 14 days of completion | Within 14 days of S&P |
Your lawyer coordinates all deadlines. Late stamp duty filing incurs penalties from IRAS.
Factor legal fees into your total cash needed.
Legal fees are part of the closing costs alongside stamp duty, down payment, and valuation. Run the full numbers.
FAQ
How much are legal fees for buying an HDB flat?
Legal fees for an HDB resale purchase typically cost $1,800–$2,500 inclusive of GST. This covers the conveyancing (transfer of ownership), CPF withdrawal application, mortgage documentation (if HDB loan), and stamp duty filing. HDB purchases usually need only one lawyer for both purchase and mortgage.
How much are legal fees for buying a condo?
For a private condo purchase, legal fees are $2,500–$3,500 for conveyancing (purchase) plus $1,500–$2,000 for the mortgage (if bank loan). Total: $4,000–$5,500. You typically need two separate engagements — one for the purchase and one for the bank’s mortgage, though the same firm can handle both.
Can I use CPF to pay legal fees?
Yes, legal fees for the purchase of your property can be paid from your CPF Ordinary Account. However, the lawyer must be on CPF Board’s panel of solicitors. Not all firms are on this panel, so check before engaging. Legal fees for mortgage can also be paid from CPF OA.
What is included in conveyancing legal fees?
Conveyancing fees include: title search and due diligence, drafting/reviewing sale & purchase agreement, stamp duty filing with IRAS, CPF withdrawal application, mortgage documentation, registration with SLA (Singapore Land Authority), and completion/key collection coordination.
Do I need a separate lawyer for the mortgage?
For HDB flats with an HDB loan, one lawyer handles both purchase and mortgage. For bank loans (HDB or condo), the bank appoints its own lawyer for the mortgage, and you pay their fees ($1,500–$2,000). You can request the same firm to handle both to save on disbursements.
How long does the conveyancing process take?
HDB resale: 8–10 weeks from OTP exercise to completion. Private property: 8–12 weeks from S&P execution to completion. New launch condo: legal work starts closer to TOP (Temporary Occupation Permit), which can be 3–4 years after booking. Your lawyer handles the timeline coordination.
Related
Last updated Feb 2026. Fee ranges based on market rates from conveyancing firms in Singapore. This is informational, not legal advice.