Understanding progressive payment schemes
June 15, 2025 · HOS Editorial
Standard Payment Scheme or Deferred Payment Scheme? The timing and cash-flow consequences of each, illustrated for a typical mid-tier purchase.
New launch purchases in Singapore are paid progressively, with payments tied to construction milestones rather than a single completion date. Buyers can generally choose between two schemes: the Standard Payment Scheme (SPS) or the Deferred Payment Scheme (DPS), where the DPS is available.
Standard Payment Scheme (SPS)
Under SPS, payments follow the construction milestones from foundation through TOP. A typical sequence:
- Option: 5% cash
- Signing S&P: 15% (CPF/cash)
- Foundation: 10%
- Reinforced concrete framework: 10%
- Partition walls: 5%
- Roofing/ceiling: 5%
- Door, window, plumbing, electrical: 5%
- Carpark, roads, drains: 5%
- TOP: 25%
- Certificate of Statutory Completion (CSC): 15%
Deferred Payment Scheme (DPS)
Under DPS, most of the payment is deferred to TOP. Buyers typically pay 20% up front and the balance at TOP, giving more cash-flow flexibility at the cost of a premium on purchase price (typically 2–5%).
DPS is not available for all projects. Developers introduce it selectively, usually later in a project’s sales cycle or on specific units. Confirm availability with the developer before assuming it as an option.