Verify the recipient of every home purchase payment before releasing funds. If an email changes the bank account, pause the transfer and call the law practice using a number you verified earlier. Even a message in a genuine email thread can contain fraudulent instructions.
Match each payment to its purpose
Ask for a written schedule showing the amount, contractual due date, purpose and payee for each payment. Separate the money paid towards the purchase price from legal fees and disbursements. The option fee and the balance on completion may have different recipients under your documents. Reconcile any deposit already paid against the completion statement. Read the guide to title checks and completion funds.
Understand where solicitors can hold purchase money
Rule 4 of the Conveyancing and Law of Property (Conveyancing) Rules 2011 restricts solicitors from holding conveyancing money outside an escrow agreement or the applicable conveyancing and solicitors’ accounts rules. Rule 5(1) generally requires a solicitor who receives conveyancing money to pay it into the transaction’s escrow account or a conveyancing account, or deposit it with an appointed entity other than an appointed bank, subject to the exceptions in rule 5(2) to (6). Rule 2 defines the conveyancing account, including its account title. A familiar label on an invoice still needs to be matched to the confirmed account. Current rules 2, 4 and 5.
There are specific routes for CPF monies, eligible completion expenses and fees. For example, rule 5(3) permits an amount up to S$5,000 requested for completion of a transaction other than a collective sale to be paid into the solicitor’s client account, provided each disbursement is accounted for and supported in writing. Rule 5(5) and (6) deal with fees, disbursements and certain express payments. Ask which route applies to each amount rather than relying on a single account description for every bill.
Confirm changed instructions by phone
- Call the law practice on the number from your verified engagement records. Ask to speak to the team handling your transaction.
- Read back the property address, file reference, payee, bank, account number and exact amount. Ask why the details changed and request confirmation through the agreed channel.
- If a payment deadline is near, flag it on the call and ask how to meet it safely. If funds have already gone to a suspected fraudulent account, contact your bank immediately and report the matter to the police.
The police advise checking unexpected payment changes through another channel. Before completion, agree which telephone number and people you will use for that check, especially if you will be overseas. Police advisory on changed payment instructions.
Rules checked on 6 November 2026. The appropriate payee and payment arrangements depend on the transaction documents and the rules that apply to them.
Archive photograph for context. Robertson Quay, Singapore – 20110731 (photographed 2011). Photo: Bryanmackinnon.. Source (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Robertson_Quay,_Singapore_-_20110731.jpg) · CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0). Resized and displayed cropped.
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Contact Lin Xuan at 82222556 or Ade at 81888871 for the full project brochure, latest available price list, a viewing, or introductions to bankers who can help you compare home-loan rates and packages to find the best available option for your needs. If you need legal advice on a property purchase, sale or tenancy, we can also put you in touch with property lawyers.
WhatsApp Lin Xuan | WhatsApp Ade. Let us know the project or property question you would like help with. Prices and availability are subject to developer confirmation, while loan terms and approval are determined by the bank.
Lin Xuan: ONG LIN XUAN, CEA registration R069812H. Ade: CHUA MUAY MUAY (ADE CHUA), CEA registration R014252F. ERA REALTY NETWORK PTE LTD, estate agent licence L3002382K.