EC Conveyancing for Tengah Garden Walk: Legal Process, Costs, and Timeline

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Sarah had bought a resale HDB before. She thought buying an EC would be similar. “It’s completely different,” her solicitor told her at the first meeting. “Different process, different fees, different timeline.” She wished someone had explained it earlier. This guide does that.

Step 1 — Option to Purchase (OTP)

At the showflat, you sign an Option to Purchase and pay 5% of the purchase price in cash. No CPF is allowed for this payment. The developer typically gives you an exercise date — you have until then to decide whether to proceed.

For Tengah Garden Walk EC, this cash payment must be ready by April 11 at the VVIP Preview. Don’t show up without it.

Step 2 — Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA)

Within 8 weeks of exercising the OTP, you sign the Sale and Purchase Agreement and pay an additional 15% of the purchase price. This can come from your CPF OA. Your solicitor will handle the transaction with the developer’s lawyers.

At this point, your Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD) also becomes payable. BSD for a $1.5M EC unit is:

• First $180,000 at 1% = $1,800
• Next $180,000 at 2% = $3,600
• Next $640,000 at 3% = $19,200
• Remaining $500,000 at 4% = $20,000
• Total BSD: ~$44,600

BSD must be paid within 14 days of signing the SPA. You can use CPF OA for BSD.

ABSD: Is It Payable on Your EC?

Here’s where EC buyers have a significant advantage. Singapore Citizens buying their first residential property pay 0% ABSD. Even if you currently own an HDB flat, ECs are treated differently — you must dispose of the HDB within 6 months of TOP (not at the time of purchase), so you’re not paying ABSD upfront for that HDB.

PRs buying their first property pay 5% ABSD. Second and subsequent property buyers pay higher ABSD rates.

Step 3 — Progressive Payments During Construction

After the SPA is signed, payments follow the construction milestones. Your bank loan draws down progressively. Each milestone triggers a payment instruction — your solicitor coordinates with the bank to release funds.

You don’t make lump-sum mortgage payments during construction. Interest servicing on the drawn-down amount is typical during this phase.

Step 4 — Legal Completion at TOP (Est. 2029)

When TOP is obtained, legal completion occurs. Final mortgage disbursement from the bank, CPF refund of principal (not yet — it stays in the property), and title transfer all happen simultaneously. Your solicitor handles all of this.

The moment legal completion occurs, you legally own the unit. Key collection follows within 30–60 days.

Legal Fees: What to Budget

Conveyancing legal fees for a new EC purchase typically range from $2,500 to $4,000, depending on the firm and purchase price. Some developer packages include a legal fee subsidy — ask your agent if Qingjian offers this for Tengah Garden Walk.

Additional costs:

• Mortgage legal fees: ~$1,000–$1,500
• Caveat lodging: ~$300–$500
• CPF board charges: ~$200–$300

Choosing a Solicitor for Your EC Purchase

You’re free to choose your own solicitor. The developer will have a recommended panel of lawyers, but you’re not obligated to use them. Look for a firm experienced in new launch EC transactions — the progressive payment structure has nuances that require experience to manage correctly.

Ready to Register for VVIP Preview?

Tengah Garden Walk EC opens for VVIP Preview on April 11, 2026. Get your finances, solicitor, and documentation sorted before that date.

📱 WhatsApp Alvin: +65 8488 8648

Alvin provides full buyer guidance — from financing to legal process to unit selection — at zero cost to you.

Related: Tengah Garden Walk EC Booking Process | Progressive Payment Scheme Guide