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Registration of Property Transaction

Caveats

1.	What is a caveat? A caveat is a legal document lodged at SLA by someone (known as a "caveator") against a property in which the caveator claims an interest. The Land Titles Act allows any person who claims an interest in the property to lodge a caveat. When a caveat is lodged, the Registrar of Titles will notify it against the property. Click here to watch a video on Caveat Notice click below for subtitles in other languages 中文版 versi Bahasa Melayu தமிழாக்கம்
2.	Who may lodge a caveat? A caveat may be lodged by any party who claims an interest in the property and that party is usually a : buyer who has paid a deposit to buy a particular property; OR financial institution which has granted a loan to the owner or the buyer; OR CPF Board when CPF funds are released from the owner's or the buyer's CPF account(s)
3.	Why does the buyer, financial institution or CPF Board lodge a caveat against the property? The primary purpose of a caveat is to protect the interest in land claimed by the caveator (whether as "purchaser" when a buyer pays a deposit; as "mortgagee" when the financial institution releases the loan; or as "chargee" when CPF Board releases CPF funds). It is a precautionary step taken by the caveator pending completion of his transaction.
4.	What is a caveat notice? Once a caveat is lodged and accepted by SLA, a caveat notice will be sent in accordance with Section 117 of the Land Titles Act. A caveat notice will usually be served on the following persons : the owner of the property; and the buyer of the property if - (i) the financial institution which granted a loan to the buyer lodges a caveat; or (ii) the CPF Board which released the CPF funds from the buyer’s CPF account(s) lodges a caveat.
5.	What must I do when I receive a caveat notice from SLA? You do not need to take any action if you agree with the caveator's claim. For example:- a. if you have sold your property to a buyer; or b. if you have obtained a loan from a financial institution or if your buyer has obtained a loan from a financial institution; or c. if you have used your CPF funds to buy the property or if your buyer has used his CPF funds to buy your property, and the name of the buyer, financial institution or the CPF Board, as the case may be, is stated as the caveator in the caveat notice. However, if you have not, at any point in time, agreed to sell your property OR have not taken any loan from any financial institution OR have not applied to withdraw your CPF funds, please consult your lawyers for legal advice. You should also seek legal advice if there are other types of interest claimed and you do not agree with them.
6.	What is an extension of caveat? A caveat which is accepted by SLA is valid for a period of five (5) years from the date of its lodgment. An extension of caveat is a legal document to extend the caveat for a further period of 5 years before it expires. When an extension of caveat is accepted by SLA, a caveat notice will be served on the relevant parties.
7.	Can I obtain a copy of a caveat lodged against my property? You may purchase a copy of the caveat at INLIS. Each copy of a caveat costs $4.20. Please contact INLIS Helpdesk at 6238 9353 if you require assistance.
8.	The caveator in a caveat has no claim against the land. Can Singapore Land Authority (SLA) remove the caveat? The Registrar has no power under the law to remove a caveat on his own motion. You will have to either obtain an order of court to remove the caveat or lodge an Application to Cancel Vexatious Caveat. It is best that you seek legal advice from a lawyer on the matter. Please refer to Section 127 of the Land Titles Act for more information.

Last Update : 01 July 2013


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