What happens at the final inspection before completion?

By the time completion approaches, most of the transaction is already locked in, price agreed, financing arranged, legal work nearly done. The final inspection is your last real chance to confirm what you are actually receiving matches what you agreed to buy.

What the inspection is for

Unlike buying a brand new unit from a developer, a resale property is bought largely as is. The final inspection exists to confirm the unit still matches what you saw and agreed to, that the fittings and fixtures listed as included in the sale, such as air conditioning units, built in wardrobes, or specific appliances, are still there and in working order, and that no material damage has occurred since your earlier viewings. It is not an opportunity to renegotiate the deal, only to confirm the deal is being honoured.

Who arranges it and when

The buyer, often together with their agent, arranges the inspection directly with the seller, typically scheduled a day or two before the completion date. There is no fixed legal timeline for this, it is standard practice rather than a formal step in the conveyancing process, so it needs to be proactively scheduled rather than assumed to happen automatically.

What to check during the inspection

• Confirm every item listed as included in the OTP or Sale and Purchase Agreement, fittings, fixtures, and any agreed inclusions, is present and functioning.
• Test taps, switches, air conditioning, and any built in appliances included in the sale.
• Look for new damage, water stains, cracks, or wear that was not present during your earlier viewing.
• Check that any agreed repairs the seller committed to have actually been completed.

What happens if something is wrong

If you find an item missing or a new problem, raise it immediately with your lawyer and the seller, before completion, while you still have leverage to withhold or delay payment until it is resolved. Once completion happens and funds are released, resolving a dispute becomes significantly harder and may require formal legal action. This is exactly why the inspection should happen close to, but before, completion, not skipped or rushed.

Does the defects liability period apply?

Generally, no, for a resale purchase. The defects liability period, typically around 12 months, is a feature of buying a new development directly from a developer under the Sale and Purchase Agreement, covering construction defects discovered after handover. A resale unit does not usually come with that protection, you are buying the property largely as is, which is precisely why the final inspection carries more weight for resale buyers than for new launch buyers.

Frequently asked questions

Is the final inspection a legal requirement?

No, it is a practical safeguard, not a formal step required by law or by HDB. Buyers arrange it directly with the seller or through their agents, typically a day or two before completion.

What if I find a problem during the final inspection?

Flag it immediately to your lawyer and the seller before completion happens, not after. Once completion is done and payment released, resolving a dispute becomes far harder, so any issue found should be dealt with while you still have leverage.

Does the 12 month defects liability period apply to a resale purchase?

Generally no. The defects liability period, typically 12 months, applies to new developments bought directly from a developer under the Sale and Purchase Agreement. A resale purchase is usually bought on an as is basis, which is exactly why the final inspection matters more for resale buyers.

Winfred Quek is an Associate Marketing Consultant at Crestbrick Pte Ltd (CEA Licence No. L31010886H). CEA R073319H. This page is for general information only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Rates and rules reflect the position as at 9 Aug 2026; verify current figures with IRAS, HDB, or MAS before making any decision.