How long does buying a house take?
Quick answer: Subsale: usually 3–6 months from offer to keys — the SPA gives 3 months to complete plus a 1-month extension; longer if state consent is needed (e.g. leasehold or Bumi lots). New launch: keys (VP) within 24 months for landed homes and 36 months for strata from the SPA date, under the Housing Development Act.
Key facts
| Subsale | 3–6 months |
|---|---|
| New launch (landed) | 24 months from SPA |
| New launch (strata) | 36 months from SPA |
| Defect period | 24 months after VP |
New launch
| Stage | Usual time |
|---|---|
| Booking & documents | 1–2 weeks |
| Loan approval | 1–4 weeks |
| Sign SPA & loan agreement | 2–4 weeks |
| Construction (progressive payments) | 24 months (landed) / 36 months (strata) from the SPA |
| Keys (VP) & defect period | 24-month DLP after VP |
Subsale
| Stage | Usual time |
|---|---|
| Offer & earnest deposit (2–3%) | 1 week |
| Loan approval & valuation | 2–4 weeks |
| SPA signed, balance deposit paid | usually within 14 days of the offer |
| SPA completion period | 3 months + 1-month extension (from the consent date if state consent is needed) |
| Transfer & keys | after the bank releases payment |
What slows it down?
- Incomplete loan documents — see the document checklist.
- State consent for leasehold or Bumi-lot property.
- The seller redeeming an existing loan with another bank.
- Strata titles not yet issued.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a subsale purchase take?
Usually 3–6 months. A subsale SPA typically allows 3 months to complete with a 1-month extension, longer if state consent is required.
How long until I get keys to a new launch?
Under the Housing Development Act, 24 months from the SPA for landed homes (Schedule G) and 36 months for strata (Schedule H).
How long does a bank take to approve a home loan?
Usually 1–4 weeks after complete documents are submitted, including valuation for subsale.
What if the developer hands over late?
Buyers are entitled to LAD (liquidated damages), usually 10% a year of the purchase price for the period of delay.