Do I Need a Real Estate Agent to Buy a Property in Singapore?

Buying a home in Singapore is a big financial and emotional decision—especially if it’s your first time. Between navigating HDB eligibility rules, comparing private and resale options, and understanding market trends, the process can feel overwhelming.

One question many buyers ask is: Do I need a real estate agent to buy a property?

The short answer: Not necessarily. The better answer: It depends on your confidence, knowledge, and available time. Let’s break down both sides so you can make an informed decision.

Do I Need a Real Estate Agent to Buy a Property? Here’s When It Makes Sense

1. Guidance Through a Complicated Process

A licensed property agent in Singapore does more than just show homes. They provide professional advice, coordinate with sellers or co-broke agents, and guide you through financial checks, eligibility requirements, and paperwork.

If you're unfamiliar with the HDB resale process, an agent can be especially valuable—from securing your HLE letter to handling the Option to Purchase (OTP) and resale application timelines.

2. Negotiation and Market Insight

An experienced real estate agent brings in-depth knowledge of market trends and fair valuation. They can flag overpriced units, advise on how much to offer, and negotiate better terms—saving you time and potentially thousands of dollars.

3. Saving Time and Avoiding Mistakes

From filtering listings to arranging multiple viewings, a property agent can streamline the entire journey. This is especially helpful if you have a tight schedule or want someone to handle admin-heavy tasks like coordinating with lawyers and mortgage brokers.

Real Estate Agent vs DIY: What’s Right for You?

Some buyers prefer to go the do-it-yourself route, using portals like PropertyGuru or the HDB Resale Portal to find listings and contact sellers directly.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison:

Feature	Real Estate Agent	DIY Approach
Market knowledge	Offers professional insight	Must research everything on your own
Time investment	Saves time with scheduling and paperwork	Requires significant effort
Help with negotiation	Experienced negotiator	You negotiate directly
HDB paperwork support	Manages full HDB resale process	Must handle all forms, deadlines, and submissions
Real estate commission	Buyer’s agent typically charges 1%	No commission, but more DIY risk
Risk of mistakes	Lower (guided by expert)	Higher if unfamiliar with process

What You Should Know About Real Estate Commission in Singapore

In Singapore, real estate agents usually earn a commission from completed transactions. If you're a buyer engaging an agent, the real estate commission is commonly about 1% of the purchase price, though this is negotiable.

Here’s a breakdown:

• HDB resale: Buyer agents may charge ~1%

• Private property: Often co-broked (seller pays both sides), but check the arrangement

• DIY buyers: No commission paid, but you’ll manage everything yourself

Paying commission can feel like a downside, but the right agent can often help you save more through better negotiation and avoiding costly errors.

Can You Buy an HDB Without a Property Agent?

Yes, you can. The HDB has made it easier for buyers to handle their own transactions through the HDB Resale Portal. But “easier” doesn’t mean simple.

Here’s what you’ll need to manage on your own:

• HLE or bank loan eligibility check

• Shortlisting properties

• Booking viewings

• Drafting and submitting the Option to Purchase

• Coordinating with HDB, your solicitor, and the bank

• Tracking deadlines and document submissions

If you're confident and willing to do the homework, buying a home in Singapore without an agent is possible. Just know that there’s little room for error when legal and financial paperwork is involved.

When DIY Might Backfire: Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Going the DIY route might save you commission—but it comes with risks, especially for first-time buyers.

Here are a few scenarios where doing it alone could lead to serious problems:

• Misunderstanding HDB rules like EIP/SPR quotas or grant eligibility

• Overpaying due to lack of recent transaction knowledge

• Missing critical deadlines, causing delays or cancellation

• Buying a unit with issues, such as lease decay or unauthorized renovations

A qualified property agent in Singapore can guide you past these traps—and help you make smarter, safer choices.

What a Property Agent Actually Does for You

1. Understands Your Goals

They’ll help assess your buying purpose—own stay vs. investment—and tailor the search to your financial and lifestyle needs.

2. Finds and Filters Listings

Agents save time by shortlisting suitable homes and booking multiple viewings efficiently.

3. Gives Market Advice

They help interpret valuation reports, advise on current price trends, and warn about overpaying or bad locations.

4. Negotiates the Best Deal

A skilled agent works to get you better terms and pricing—especially useful in a competitive market.

5. Manages Paperwork

From the HDB resale process to private condo purchase paperwork, agents help ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

6. Offers Ongoing Support

They coordinate with mortgage bankers, lawyers, and even assist after the transaction with renovation contacts or tenancy planning.

Real-Life Example: Why a Couple Hired an Agent

Shawn and Lydia, a newlywed couple, tried DIY for weeks but soon got overwhelmed.

“We couldn’t keep up with viewings and paperwork,” said Lydia. “Agents were moving faster than us.”

After hiring a property agent in Singapore, they received curated listings, closed a deal on a 4-room HDB at $20,000 below market rate, and had every form submitted on time.

“We paid commission,” Shawn added, “but we got peace of mind, a better price, and zero stress.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I negotiate agent commission?

Yes. For buyers, 1% is common, but you can always discuss rates upfront.

What should I look for in a property agent?

Choose someone who’s CEA-registered, knows the area or property type, and communicates clearly.

Do agents help with bank loans or grants?

They aren’t financial advisors, but they often work closely with bankers and can guide you through HLE/IPA applications and grant eligibility.

Can I still use an agent if I found a property myself?

Absolutely. An agent can still step in to help you negotiate, handle paperwork, and make sure the process is legally sound.

Final Thoughts: So, Do I Need a Real Estate Agent to Buy a Property?

Legally, no—you don’t. But realistically? Having a professional guide you through Singapore’s fast-moving, regulation-heavy market can be a major advantage.

If you're confident, organized, and experienced, real estate agent vs DIY becomes a fair toss-up. But for most buyers—especially first-timers or those handling HDB resale process—an agent can be the difference between a stressful journey and a smooth one.

Let’s Make Property Simple

At Haofeng.sg, we believe informed buyers make better decisions. Whether you're just starting or ready to make an offer, our team is here to support your journey.

No pressure. No hard sell. Just straight answers, practical help, and real results.

Thinking about buying a home in Singapore? Reach out today and let’s explore your next move—together.