What is TOP (Temporary Occupation Permit)?

TOP, Temporary Occupation Permit, is issued when a new development is cleared for occupation, the point buyers collect keys, typically 2 to 4 years after booking. It is followed roughly a year later by the Certificate of Statutory Completion, when the building is certified fully complete.

What is TOP? — Singapore property glossary

What is TOP? TOP, Temporary Occupation Permit, is issued when a new development is ready for occupation, marking the point a buyer can collect keys and move in, typically 2 to 4 years after booking a new launch unit. A further payment milestone under the Progressive Payment Scheme falls due at TOP, and a Certificate of Statutory Completion follows roughly a year later.

For a new launch bought under construction, TOP is the milestone every buyer is waiting for: it means the building has passed the authorities' checks for safe occupation, and keys can be collected. Under the standard Progressive Payment Scheme, a payment instalment is due at this stage, on top of everything paid across earlier construction milestones.

TOP is not the final word on the building's completion, though. The Certificate of Statutory Completion (CSC) follows, typically about a year after TOP, when the developer settles the final retention sum and the building is certified as fully complete against approved plans. The gap between TOP and CSC is also relevant to the Defects Liability Period, which runs from TOP and gives buyers a window to flag defects for the developer to fix.

Sub sale of a unit before TOP is treated differently for Seller's Stamp Duty than a sale after completion, so the TOP date is also a marker buyers weighing an early exit should track.

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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. Verify current figures with IRAS, HDB, CPF Board, or MAS before making any decision.

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