The One Check That Can Separate a High-Quality Property from a Costly Mistake
- Stuart Chng
- Dec 25, 2025
- 5 min read
This article applies to both new launch projects and resale properties.
One of the most common concerns I hear from friends and clients is this:
“I’m afraid of buying a new launch because I can’t trust what I’ll eventually get."
When purchasing a new launch property, buyers are committing without being able to physically inspect the finished product. You can’t assess the workmanship, test the fittings, or experience the ventilation, noise levels, or overall living environment. All these unknowns naturally amplify anxiety.
In contrast, resale properties—despite their age—offer a sense of certainty. You can walk through the unit, inspect the finishes, and make a more informed judgement before committing.
Unfortunately, there have been real cases where buyers received their keys only to discover extensive defects and poor workmanship upon obtaining the Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP). While such cases are not common, even one highly publicised incident is enough to deter buyers from future new launch investments for years.
When Construction Quality Goes Wrong
A well-known example that raised serious red flags involved Kingsford Developments.
Projects such as Kingsford Waterbay and Hillview Peak attracted attention in 2017 after two major safety breaches led to fines and construction suspensions. Following completion, buyers voiced their dissatisfaction online over construction quality issues.
The situation escalated to the point where mediation was required between homeowners, the developer, and a Member of Parliament. Eventually, this resulted in the first-ever no-sale licence being issued by the Controller of Housing for Kingsford’s subsequent project, Normanton Park.
In another extreme scenario, buyers of Sycamore Tree and Laurel Tree by Astoria Developments faced project delays after the developer went bust—the first such cases since the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997. Some buyers were left waiting for years, with their savings effectively locked in limbo.
The emotional stress, financial strain, and opportunity costs from such experiences are enough to permanently turn buyers away from new launch investments.
Learning from Others—Without Paying the Price Yourself
So, how can buyers reduce the risk of ending up with a poor-quality property?
Whether you’re considering a new launch—or even evaluating a resale condominium—there is one powerful yet often overlooked indicator that can significantly improve your odds.
It’s not foolproof (nothing ever is), but in my experience, it works remarkably well.
Enter CONQUAS: A Key Indicator of Construction Quality
What Is CONQUAS?
CONQUAS, short for Construction Quality Assessment System, was introduced by Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA) in 1989.
Despite being widely used within the construction industry, many homebuyers remain unaware of this valuable benchmark.
Today, its relevance is more critical than ever. As highlighted by then-Minister for National Development Mr Lawrence Wong in November 2017:
“Higher land prices and more stringent stamp duty requirements may cause developers’ profit margins to come under pressure. This may in turn lead some to compromise on construction quality. The URA and BCA will be stepping up checks in this regard.”
Why CONQUAS Matters
CONQUAS was created to:
Standardise construction quality assessments across projects
Measure workmanship against defined standards and specifications
Raise the overall quality benchmark of Singapore’s built environment
The assessment covers three key areas:
Structural Works – evaluating safety and structural integrity
Architectural Works – assessing workmanship of finishes and components
Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) Works – reviewing selected systems and installations
For private residential developments, CONQUAS assessments are not mandatory unless stated in land sale conditions.
That said, my view is simple:
If a developer takes pride in their work and has confidence in their standards, they will have no reason to avoid independent quality assessment. Transparency strengthens reputation, accountability, and long-term buyer confidence.
Buying a Resale Condo? Here’s What to Check
CONQUAS scores can be especially useful when comparing resale condominiums.
In some cases, projects with more luxurious designs or higher price tags may actually score lower in workmanship quality than more modest developments. That’s because CONQUAS focuses strictly on construction workmanship, not aesthetics or materials.
A low score could signal higher future maintenance and rectification costs—which ultimately fall on owners through management fees and special levies.
Buyers can search for CONQUAS scores of assessed projects online. If a development doesn’t appear, it may have been built before 1989 or was simply not assessed. This alone doesn’t mean poor quality—but it does mean you’ll need to be more cautious.
Buying a New Launch? Look Beyond the Brochure
For new launches, the most important step is to review the CONQUAS track record of the developer and main contractor.
Consistent scores across multiple projects often reflect strong management oversight and disciplined construction processes. To me, consistency in quality usually mirrors consistency in leadership.
But wait, there's more! You can do your own checks here at Developer CONQUAS score.
While rankings such as “Top 10 Developers or Contractors” are helpful, being outside the top tier doesn’t automatically indicate poor quality—many firms score very closely together.
What matters more is the overall trend and reliability.
Final Thoughts: One Simple Check, Greater Peace of Mind
Whether you’re purchasing a resale condominium or committing to a new launch, checking CONQUAS scores is a small step that can prevent major headaches down the road.
It helps reduce the risk of defects, unexpected costs, and unpleasant surprises—giving you greater confidence that you’re investing in a property built to last.
In real estate, peace of mind is priceless.
If this article helped clarify your decision-making process, feel free to share it with someone who might benefit from it too.
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Stuart Chng, Executive Group District Director at Huttons, is a renowned leader and personality in the real estate industry.
He adores music and can play a few instruments decently without upsetting his neighbours. When not doing so, he enjoys pillow fighting with his son and coming up with silly puns which barely amuses his wife.
Professionally, he is a licensed real estate agent, avid investor in options, stocks and real estate, team leader, speaker and columnist for several property newsletters and blogs and is often quoted in media interviews on 938FM, Channel 8, PropertyReport, PropertyGuru and other publications.
Throughout his career, he has helped many clients grow their wealth through selecting great real estate investments and managing their portfolios actively. Read his clients' reviews here.
Stuart has also coached many top million dollar producing agents from top Singapore real estate agencies. Read his agents' reviews here.
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