The Year-End New Launch Buyer Checklist (2026)

Information accurate as at October 2026. Buying a new launch condo in the year-end window — between the Q4 previews and the December holiday slowdown — rewards preparation. Launch-weekend units go to buyers who arrive with financing and paperwork already done. This checklist is the exact sequence we recommend to readers.

Four weeks before your target launch

• Check ABSD status. Citizens buying a first property pay no ABSD; PRs pay 5% on a first property and foreigners 60% (2026 rates — verify with the ABSD calculator and our 2026 ABSD guide).
• Apply for In-Principle Approval. Banks issue IPAs in 3–5 working days. It locks your borrowing ceiling under the 55% TDSR cap and costs nothing.
• Map your CPF OA. Know exactly how much CPF you can deploy before you fall in love with a unit. The CPF guide covers withdrawal and valuation limits.

Two weeks before

• Shortlist three projects and compare them on the compare tool — PSF, quantum, tenure, TOP date.
• Register for showflat previews (you can book directly from any project page, e.g. Pinetree Hill).
• Prepare the 5% booking fee in cash or cashier's order — the Option to Purchase is issued on the spot at launch.

Launch weekend

• Arrive with two or three acceptable stack choices, not one — ballot order is luck.
• Exercise the OTP within the 3-week validity: pay the balance of the 5% option fee and instruct your conveyancing lawyer immediately.
• Calendar the 8-week point: the Sale & Purchase Agreement must be signed and stamp duties (BSD + ABSD) paid within 14 days of signing.

After booking

Under the progressive payment scheme, payments follow construction milestones — foundation, concrete framework, TOP, CSC. The OTP vs completed purchase timeline lays out every stage. Finally, diarise the defects liability period: inspect thoroughly at key collection, and report defects within 12 months.

Buying before 31 December 2026? Also read the Q4 2026 round-up for what is actually launching this quarter.