What does TOP stand for?

I have bought a 3 bedroom condominium unit at a show flat about 1 year ago and my friend asked me “So when is TOP?” 

TOP? Oh yes TOP. I am so accustomed to using the acronym TOP that I have almost forgotten what does TOP stand for!! So what does TOP stand for?

Property Jargon Buster: 

  TOP stands for Temporary Occupation Permit 临时入伙证

If you have bought an uncompleted brand new private property during a new launch, you probably have to wait for TOP to be issued. Or for some of us, we may have bought an already TOP private property.

Basically, TOP is a permit that allows homeowners to occupy the building temporarily when the key requirements are met. When a housing developer has obtained TOP, it signifies that your unit is completed and the developer is able to issue Notice of Vacant Possession of the unit to the buyer.

‘Vacant Possession? Too many property jargon! I just wish to know when can I collect the keys to my unit!!

Vacant Possession means that the property is empty, is free of people and is ready to be occupied by a new owner. In a nutshell, when the housing developer has obtained TOP, your unit is ready to move in!

‘But isn’t this Temporary Occupation?  My friend read about CSC.  As my condo development has not received its CSC yet, the sale will not officially be completed until then.  So does this mean that the developer would still need to obtain CSC?’

Yet another jargon buster: What is CSC? The Certificate of Statutory Completion (CSC)`建筑竣工合格证书 is the permit that’s granted once all of the building requirements have been met.

In accordance to the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore (BCA), when the building works are completed, the applicant and the Qualified Person shall apply to the Commissioner of Building Control for a Certificate of Statutory Completion (CSC) or a Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP).

For some Developers who might not have fully completed certain building works such as minor touch up or minor rectification of works to comply with approved building plans or work-in progress condo facilities or yet to construct condo facilities, they will typically choose to apply for TOP first as CSC will take some time to be issued. And these Developers would still need to obtain CSC which will take some time to be granted.

‘Is it safe to move in before CSC is issued then?  After all, it’s supposed to be Temporary Occupation, isn’t it?”

Not to worry…Before the Application for TOP may be considered by BCA, the Housing Developer / Qualified Person need to request for a joint site inspection with BCA of the completed building works. The issuance of TOP will only be considered by BCA after successful site inspection and the submission of all the required documents and clearances from the other relevant technical authorities.

You’ll be able to move in to your new home once either the TOP or the CSC has been obtained. And It’s definitely OKAY and safe to move in even if only TOP has been obtained.

Congratulations!  You are now all set to collect the keys and move into your new home!

📬Let's chat about property.  Whatsapp Karen Woo @ 9159 2692 for an non-obligatory chat.