What Happens to Your HDB Flat After You Pass on Without Leaving a Will?

Rule of Inheritance in Singapore

As the sole remaining family member of your parents, you can retain ownership of their HDB flat, provided you meet the eligibility criteria set by HDB.

But things can be complicated. If you have been divorced, remarried, and already have more than one kid or step-kids, you will need to think twice. Also, co-ownership, loans, and debts can also add on more complications. So, what happens after you pass away? Everything depends on whether you have written a will in Singapore or not. Let's discuss the different possible scenarios.

Co-Ownership with Joint-Ownership Scheme

If a couple or partner bought an HDB flat under the joint-ownership scheme, both will have equal shares (50%-50%). If one passes away, the surviving owner will take the ownership. But they should be a Singaporean citizen or permanent resident with a minimum age of 21 etc.

Co-Ownership with Tenancy-In-Common Scheme

If the co-ownership isn't equal (70%-30%, 80%-20%, or 60-40%) and the HDB flat is bought under a tenancy-in-common scheme, his/her part of the share will be distributed according to your will or Intestate Succession Act.

If you have created a will, you can transfer your ownership to the people of your choice. We suggest contacting a reputed will writing service in Singapore. If the deceased did not leave a will, the Intestate Succession Act will come into play.

If you only have a spouse and no parents, your estate will be entirely inherited by your spouse. If you have kids, then half to spouse (25 %) and half to kids (25%) in equal shares.If you have no spouse and only kids, then the distribution of the whole asset will be equal between the kids.If you have only a spouse and elder parents left behind, there will be a 50% -50% distribution.If there's no one left behind, it will go to the government.

In the presence of a will, the grieving family should engage a lawyer to initiate the Grant of Probate application. This grants the Executor the legal authority to administer the estate in alignment with the deceased's expressed wishes.

In The End

It's clear what will happen to your HDB flat if you pass away. If you want to distribute your estate to the people you love, you must write a will. If you are looking for cheap will writing in Singapore, NobleWills is the best choice. It offers the most comprehensive online will writing platform at a low cost.