- What are restricted properties
- Can a foreign person acquire restricted property as a beneficiary through inheritance?
- If the foreign beneficiary is not allowed to acquire restricted property through inheritance, what happens to his beneficial interest?
- Can a personal representative, who is a foreign person or entity, acquire legal title to the property as a trustee or executor?
- What if the personal representative is unable to dispose of the foreign beneficiary’s interest in the property within 5 years?
This article deals with application for acquisition of residential propoerty by personal representative or beneficiary under a deceased’s estate. Essentially, application must be made to the Land Dealings Approval Unit (LDAU) of Singapore Land Authority (SLA). Please click here for LDAU’s FAQs.
What are restricted properties #
Restricted properties include:
- vacant residential land;
- terrace house;
- semi-detached house;
- bungalow/detached house;
- strata landed house which is not within an approved condominium development under the Planning Act;
- townhouse;
- residential shophouse;
- association premises;
- place of worship;
- worker’s dormitory/service apartments/boarding house (not registered under the provisions of the Hotels Act); and
- Commercial & Residential properties.
Can a foreign person acquire restricted property as a beneficiary through inheritance? #
Yes, subject to approval. He is required to submit an application. A non-refundable application fee is payable. The application will be assessed based on the same criteria for an application to purchase a restricted property.
If the foreign beneficiary is not allowed to acquire restricted property through inheritance, what happens to his beneficial interest? #
The personal representatives (i.e. executor(s) or administrator(s)) of the deceased’s estate must dispose of the foreign beneficiary’s interest in the property within 5 years from the date of death of the deceased.
Can a personal representative, who is a foreign person or entity, acquire legal title to the property as a trustee or executor? #
Yes, subject to approval. He is required to submit an application. A non-refundable application fee is payable.
What if the personal representative is unable to dispose of the foreign beneficiary’s interest in the property within 5 years? #
The Personal Representative is required to submit an application for an extension of time to do so. A non-refundable application fee is payable
