Power of Attorney FAQ

If you are selling, buying or subletting an HDB flat in Singapore, you may need to handle certain attendances or sign various legal documents personally. However, what if you are not in Singapore to do so, or have been hospitalised and unable to attend to these matter yourself? In such a scenario, the best option is to appoint an Attorney to assist you during your absence.

The Power of Attorney (POA) is required if you are unable to attend personally to these matters. To minimise inconvenience, it is advisable to obtain a POA before leaving Singapore. Notwithstanding the POA, there are still some documents that may need to be signed by you personally.

Once the Power of Attorney is duly deposited at the High Court of Singapore, we will send the original Power of Attorney to you in accordance with the “mode of collection” indicated by you. Additional charges may be incurred if the mode of delivery is by courier, hand, or express mail.

We will then write a Letter of Confirmation to HDB that, amongst others, we have used one of the prescribed HDB Power of Attorney formats, and render HDB a copy of the Power of Attorney (for those that has an HDB Flat address indicated thereon).

After the receipt of the original Power of Attorney from us, you or your Attorney may then proceed to the relevant HDB Department at the appropriate time:-

Important Note: The above table only serves as a general guide, and may not be accurate or correct as at the time of your application. Please note that HDB’s rules and/or procedures may change from time to time or vary from department to department, so it is important that you verify the documents required from the relevant department prior to your application for a Power of Attorney. If you require a certified true copy of the Power of Attorney by the High Court, additional expense payable to the High Court and our service charge will be borne by you.

In October 2002,  HDB has revised its requirements of submission of the original Power of Attorney (POA) or a certified true copy from the High Court for sale, purchase or subletting of an HDB flat.

The new requirement is to submit to HDB any one of the following documents:-

Important Note: The above table only serves as a general guide, and may not be accurate or correct as at the time of your application. Please note that HDB’s rules and/or procedures may change from time to time or vary from department to department, so it is important that you verify the documents required from the relevant department prior to your application for a POA.

There are generally 3 standard formats (see items 1 to 3 in the table below) prescribed by HDB which do not require HDB’s prior approval, and you should inform your Lawyer of the purpose or purposes for the Power of Attorney.