A Question about inheritance
Hi Uncle,
Sorry to bother you with the following questions:
1. My parents (foreigners) plan to buy a private condo in Singapore on their own. And they have thought to register this property under their own names only. (1) One day if they pass away without any will, is this property by default inherited by me, or shared by my wife (or my child)? (2) If a will is necessary, is a draft written in Chinese acceptable, or must be in English, or even must go for an official certificate in Singapore? (3) Any fee payable to the government for property inheritance of this private condo?
2. If instead, the condo is registered under my name although my parents pay for it actually, will this condo be shared by my wife legally?
Thank you in advance for your clarification.
纪程振
Reply from Uncleagony
If a property owner passes away in Singapore in the absence of a will the spouse will inherit 50% while any surviving child inherits the other 50%. So in your case if both parents pass away together you will inherit the property with your siblings if any and if none you will be the sole beneficary.
If the will is to be used in Singapore it would be preferable to be in English as there are certain requirements a will needs to be complied with after all a will normally costs $250.00.
A will does not require an official certificate and stamp duty has been abolished in Singapore.