Do I need to update my new name in the title? #
If your name on your Identity Card or passport has been recently changed, you may be wondering whether you need to update your name on the title deed of your immovable property.
If you own immovable property, such as private real estate or an HDB flat, you may wish to update the name on the title deed with your new name. This is generally optional unless you need to lodge an instrument at the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), such as a transfer or mortgage.
Before updating your name in the title deed, ensure that your name has been officially changed on your Identity Card. It is advisable to engage a Singapore law firm to assist in submitting an Application to Note Change of Name at the SLA. This application requires supporting documents, such as the original Deed Poll or a certified true copy (certified by a solicitor), along with your updated Identity Card.
Please note that updating your name on the title deed is not always mandatory, and the necessity depends on your specific circumstances. The process may also involve legal complexities, especially if the property is mortgaged or subject to other charges. We recommend consulting with a lawyer to determine the best course of action for your situation.
If the Property is Mortgaged #
If your property is mortgaged to a bank or financial institution (mortgagee), the process of updating your name in the title deed can be more complex and potentially more costly. You will likely need to seek the bank’s approval and request a temporary release of the title deeds, which may include the Certificate of Title, Subsidiary Strata Certificate of Title, or Subsidiary Certificate of Title.
- Notify the Mortgagee: First, you may wish to reach out to the mortgagee to notify them of your name change and inquire about any necessary steps to update the title.
- Engage a Lawyer: If you choose to engage a lawyer to liaise with the mortgagee, your lawyer will handle the request for the mortgagee’s consent to update your name in the title deed and arrange for the temporary release of the original title deed. In the case of a suppressed title, your lawyer may need the mortgagee to sign the “Authorisation Form – Suppressed Title” (AFS) to enable the application to be lodged with the SLA. This process will incur additional legal fees due to the necessary coordination with the bank or financial institution.
If Property is subject to CPF Board Charge #
If your property is still subject to a CPF Board charge and there are no other charges, such as a mortgage, your lawyer will need to seek consent from the CPF Board to update your name in the title deed. The lawyer will also request the Board to sign the AFS to enable the application to be lodged with the SLA. This process will also incur additional legal fees.
What are the Supporting Documents required? #
To update your name on the title deed of your immovable property, you will need to provide the following supporting documents (not exhaustive):
- Deed Poll or a certified true copy (certified by a practising solicitor in Singapore)
- Singapore Identity Card (with your new name) or a certified true copy (certified by a practising solicitor in Singapore)
- Passport(s) or certified true copies (certified by a practising solicitor in Singapore) – to evidence the chain of name changes leading to your current name
- Court order(s), if applicable, or certified true copies (certified by a practising solicitor in Singapore)
If you produce any original documents to us, our solicitor can certify them as true copies for lodgement at SLA. If SLA requests for additional supporting documents, you will need to comply.
Engaging Loh Eben Ong – What Are the Charges? #
Loh Eben Ong LLP can assist you in updating your name on the title deed of your property.
If your property is mortgaged, we recommend first liaising with your mortgagee to determine whether updating your name on the title is necessary. Alternatively, you may choose to wait until the next lodgement of an instrument to update your name.
To provide an accurate fee quote, please inform us whether your property is mortgaged and, if so, the name of the mortgagee (e.g., DBS, UOB, OCBC). Please also let us know if the property is subject to any other charges, such as CPF Board charge.
For your convenience, you may wish to obtain a free digital copy of your property title from the My Property portal and forward it to us along with your enquiry. You may wish read our help article on how to download your digital title from My Property.
Disclaimer #
The information provided in this FAQ is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure that the content is accurate and up-to-date, laws, regulations, and procedures may change over time. We recommend that you consult with a qualified legal professional for advice tailored to your specific situation. Loh Eben Ong LLP is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this FAQ. For personalized assistance or further clarification, please contact our firm directly.
