Pre-Booking Checklist for Tengah Garden Walk EC: 12 Things to Do Before April 11

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Susan had been to three EC launches before Tengah Garden Walk. Twice she’d gone in unprepared and left empty-handed. The third time — Altura — she used a preparation checklist. She got her unit on launch day. Here’s the list.

The 12-Item Pre-Booking Checklist

1. Verify HDB EC Eligibility
Use HDB’s online eligibility checker with Singpass/MyInfo. Confirm citizenship status, income ceiling compliance, property ownership history, and application scheme (Public Scheme, Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme, JSS).

2. Confirm Your Income Ceiling Position
Calculate your combined household gross income. If you’re near the $16,000 ceiling, check whether any upcoming income changes (promotion, bonus, commission) could push you over. Consider timing of application accordingly.

3. Get a Bank In-Principle Approval (IPA)
Apply for an IPA from at least 2 banks. Compare offered amounts and rates. The IPA confirms your maximum loan, which determines your realistic budget for unit selection.

4. Check Your CPF OA Balance
Log into CPF portal and note your current OA balance. Ensure you have enough for the 15% downpayment component + BSD + legal fees for your target unit price.

5. Set Aside the 5% Cash
The 5% cash downpayment must be available as liquid cash on launch day. For a $1.5M unit: $75,000 cash ready. This cannot be replaced by CPF.

6. Clarify Your First or Second-Timer Status
Understand your ballot priority position. First-timers compete for 70% of units; second-timers for 30%. Know your status before you queue.

7. Calculate Your Resale Levy (If Second-Timer)
If you’re a second-timer, know your resale levy amount. Factor this into your total purchase cost and budget accordingly.

8. Decide on Your Target Unit Type
Have a primary and backup unit type preference ready. If 3-bedroom is the target, also decide if 4-bedroom or 2+Study are acceptable alternatives. Going in without a clear hierarchy wastes critical launch day seconds.

9. Research the Stack Orientation
Get the site plan from the developer’s sales team before launch. Identify your preferred stacks based on view (forest, waterway, pool) and orientation (avoid west-facing if heat-sensitive).

10. Register With the Developer/Agent
Formal registration for the VVIP Preview. This secures your slot, may influence your ballot sequence, and gets you pre-launch price information and floor plans. Register through Alvin: +65 8488 8648.

11. Review the Floor Plan Critically
Study the actual unit floor plans — bedroom sizes, kitchen layout, bathroom windows, balcony dimensions. A 90sqm unit can feel very different depending on how the space is configured.

12. Discuss With All Co-Applicants
Ensure all co-applicants (spouse, fiancé/fiancée, JSS partners) are aligned on: target unit, maximum budget, preferred location within the development, and what happens if preferred unit isn’t available.

Register Now — April 11 Is Closer Than You Think

VVIP Preview: April 11, 2026. Complete your checklist before then — not on the day itself.

📱 WhatsApp Alvin: +65 8488 8648

Alvin provides the floor plan, stack analysis, and personalised buyer briefing to all registered buyers. Free, no obligation.

Related: First Timer Complete Buyer Guide | Final Decision Guide: Is EC Right for You?