HDB directs complex resale flat deals to private lawyers

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) has clarified that resale flat transactions with increased complexity should be referred to private lawyers rather than processed through the board's own conveyancing services.

The directive emerged following enquiries from property agents seeking clarification on HDB's role in handling certain resale transactions. Agents had questioned whether the board would decline involvement in transactions where sale prices fell below certain thresholds, raising concerns about accessibility to HDB's conveyancing services.

HDB's position reflects a strategic shift in handling property transactions, with the board reserving its conveyancing services for straightforward cases. Transactions deemed to involve greater complexity—potentially including disputed ownership claims, title issues, or other legal complications—are now expected to be managed by private legal practitioners.

The move aims to streamline HDB's operations while ensuring that more intricate matters receive specialised legal attention. Property agents and buyers should seek private conveyancing services when transactions are anticipated to involve complicating factors beyond standard resale procedures.

HDB has not specified which transaction characteristics would qualify as "greater complexity," and agents are expected to exercise judgment or seek further guidance from the board when assessing whether a particular transaction requires private legal handling.