The frequent practice of buyers concluding their purchases at "licensed" developers' residential property launches is relatively "safe" as the Options to Purchase are prescribed by the Housing Developers' Rules (or if there are amendments, will be subject to the prior written approval of the Controller of Housing). The Rules contain the standard conditions of sale which constitute a fair bargain as deemed by the Government, and provide sufficient protection for the purchasers.

Nevertheless, there are still risks such as the title of the property may be defective or the developers may not be financially sound. You should consider, amongst others, the reputation of the developers (although not foolproof), the type of project (if you are a Singapore Permanent Resident or a foreigner) and the tenure of the property (freehold, statutory land grant or leasehold). If you are in doubt, request your Lawyer to conduct the following searches:-

(1) title search on the property
(2) bankruptcy or winding up/judicial management search(es) on the Seller/Developer