Walking into a sales gallery can feel like entering a stage set. Scale models gleam, brochures are neatly stacked, and everyone seems ready to help. In that atmosphere, many buyers forget to ask the questions that really matter, and they only remember them on the drive home.
Preparation solves this. With a short list of well-chosen questions, you can leave the gallery with solid information instead of vague impressions. This guide offers ten questions worth asking, along with the reasons behind them. They apply whether you visit the Lentor Heights Showflat, the Lentor Signature Showflat or any other new launch.
1. What Is the Tenure of the Project?
Tenure is one of the most fundamental facts about a property. Freehold, 99-year leasehold and other arrangements affect long-term considerations, including resale and financing. Ask for the exact tenure, and for leasehold projects, the start date of the lease.
Get the answer in writing, or find it in the official documents. Never rely on a casual verbal reply. Knowing the tenure helps you compare projects on equal footing.
2. When Is the Expected Completion Date?
New launches take time to build. Ask for the expected completion timeline and what could cause delays. This affects your planning, especially if you are paying rent elsewhere while you wait.
Also ask how the developer communicates progress. Some projects provide regular updates, and knowing the schedule helps you prepare financially and logistically.
3. How Does the Payment Schedule Work?
Progressive payments are common for projects under construction. Ask when each payment is due, how much it is and what milestones trigger it. Understand what portion is covered by cash, what may be covered by CPF where eligible, and what you may need to finance through a loan.
Request a written payment schedule. Compare it with your income and savings to confirm that you can manage each stage comfortably.
4. What Does the Unit Specification Include?
Showflats may feature finishes, fittings and appliances that differ from the standard offering. Ask for the specification list, and go through it line by line. Check flooring, wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, sanitary ware and electrical points.
If something you admired in the showflat is not included, ask whether it can be purchased as an upgrade, and at what cost. This avoids disappointment at handover.
5. What Are the Estimated Maintenance Fees?
Maintenance fees depend on the size of the development and the facilities it offers. They are a recurring cost, so they should factor into your budget from the start. Ask for estimated figures, and understand that they may change over time.
Compare estimates across projects. A development with extensive facilities may charge more than a smaller one, and you should consider whether you would use what you are paying for.
6. How Are the Units Oriented?
Orientation affects heat, light and views. Ask which way different stacks face and how blocks are positioned relative to each other. If you can see the site plan, study it carefully.
When researching the Lentor Signature Showflat, or any similar presentation, remember that a model and a site plan reveal more about orientation than the interior alone. Ask for clarification wherever you are unsure.
7. What Surrounds the Site Today and in the Future?
Neighbouring land uses influence your daily experience. Ask what is currently near the site and what may be planned. Official planning resources are publicly available, so verify what you hear.
Be cautious about promises regarding future developments. Plans can change, so base your decision on confirmed information.
8. What Facilities Are Provided, and Which Are Confirmed?
Brochures may display many features. Ask which are confirmed and which may still be subject to change. Understand the size and location of key facilities, and whether they are shared by all residents.
Think about whether you would use them. A long list of facilities looks attractive, but daily convenience matters more than the number of features.
9. What Are the Terms for Defects and Warranties?
Ask about the defects liability period and how to report issues after handover. Understanding the process in advance makes you more prepared when you receive your keys.
Also ask what warranties apply to appliances or systems. Keep this information in a folder for later reference.
10. Can I Have Everything in Writing?
This final question may be the most valuable. Verbal assurances are easy to forget and hard to prove. Request brochures, price lists, floor plans, specifications and payment schedules.
At the Lentor Heights Showflat, as at any gallery, it is reasonable to ask the team to confirm important points in writing. If something is not available in writing, treat it cautiously.
Bonus Tips for Your Visit
A few extra habits can strengthen your visit:
- Bring a notebook or use your phone to record answers
- Take a family member or friend as a second listener
- Ask the same question to different team members to see if answers align
- Do not feel obliged to decide on the spot
- Review everything calmly afterwards
What to Do After the Visit
Once you leave, sit down with your notes and compare them with your budget and priorities. Highlight anything unclear, and follow up with the sales team or your lawyer.
Research the area independently. Visit the site if possible, study transport options and check what is nearby. Combining the gallery information with your own research gives you a more complete picture.
Final Thoughts
Good questions turn a sales presentation into a source of reliable information. Ask about tenure, timelines, payments, specifications, fees, orientation, surroundings, facilities, defects and documentation. Take notes, request written confirmation and give yourself time to think. A confident buyer is one who has the facts, and these ten questions are a solid way to gather them.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
