Top 5 things to look for in a home you can move into before Chinese New Year

There’s something special about welcoming a new year, and a new chapter, in a new home. But if you’re hoping to move in before Chinese New Year (CNY), timing becomes everything. Completing a property transaction and moving in usually takes about 8 to 12 weeks for HDB resale flats and around 10 to 12 weeks for private condominiums. That means every step, from choosing the right unit to finalising legal paperwork, needs to move quickly and efficiently.

If you’re serious about settling in before the festivities, you’ll want to focus on homes that minimise every possible delay. To help you get there, here are five key things to look out for when buying a move-in-ready home before CNY.

1. Make sure you home fits your needs

Before diving into the details of renovation or financing, start by ensuring that the home you’re eyeing truly fits your lifestyle. Beyond just looks and layout, your home should align with your daily routines, family needs, and long-term priorities – from convenience and comfort to accessibility.

What to look out for

• Location and accessibility: Choosing the right neighbourhood is often the first step. A well-connected area means shorter commutes, quicker errands, and easy access to daily essentials like groceries, clinics, and public transport. Mature estates such as Toa Payoh, Kallang Whampoa, and Bishan are known for their established amenities and excellent connectivity. Meanwhile, non-mature towns like Tampines, Punggol, and Sengkang continue to appeal to buyers seeking newer developments, growing town centres, and long-term potential.
• Nearby amenities: Your surroundings should make everyday life easier – especially if you’re moving in with family. Look out for nearby schools, parks, and supermarkets that match your household’s lifestyle. Having these conveniences within reach saves time and helps you settle into your new environment more comfortably.
• Lifestyle suitability: Think about how the space and its surroundings will work for you over time. Whether it’s being close to your workplace, having recreational spots nearby, or living within a vibrant community, the right fit ensures lasting comfort – not just for the festive period, but for years ahead.

2. Family-friendly layout – ready for hosting

When choosing a home, layout plays a bigger role than most people realise. Beyond just size, the right layout can make a world of difference in how comfortably you live – and how easily you can host friends and family. Especially if you’re moving in before Chinese New Year, a home that’s already functional and welcoming means one less thing to worry about.

Look for these features

• At least 3 bedrooms: More rooms give you the flexibility to grow with your family, set up a home office, or comfortably host relatives when needed. Whether it’s accommodating a new family member or turning a spare room into a study, extra space always adds long-term value.
• Open-plan living and dining areas: Open layouts are highly sought after because they create a sense of space, light, and connection. They’re ideal for both daily living and occasional gatherings – from casual get-togethers to festive occasions like Chinese New Year. Plus, they offer flexibility without the need for wall hacking or renovation permits.
• Functional kitchen: The kitchen is the heart of the home – whether you’re preparing everyday meals or cooking for a family celebration. A layout with generous counter space, quality fittings, and good ventilation makes cooking easier and more enjoyable from the start.
• Smart storage solutions: Built-in cabinets, storage rooms, or flexible shelving help keep your home organised and clutter-free. As families grow, having ample storage becomes essential to maintaining a comfortable and tidy environment.

If you find a layout that already meets these needs, you’ll save precious time – and enjoy a home that’s ready to welcome family the moment you get the keys.

3. Absolute move-in readiness – the zero-renovation rule

If you’re hoping to move in before Chinese New Year, renovation is the biggest roadblock in your way. Even small touch-ups can derail your schedule, so the best approach is to look only for homes that are fully ready for you to settle in immediately – what we call “furnish-and-settle” properties.

Why renovation might not be the way to go

Renovation might seem manageable at first, but the timeline rarely works in your favour, especially this close to CNY. A full renovation for a resale HDB flat usually takes around 10 to 14 weeks, while major overhauls can stretch to 12 to 16 weeks. Even if you’re only doing extensive carpentry or custom work in a new BTO flat, it still takes about 8 to 12 weeks.

Now, factor in the Chinese New Year shutdown, when most suppliers, contractors, and factories close for four to six weeks, and your new home could easily remain unfinished well into the festive season.

Even minor works like adding a partition or changing built-ins require an HDB renovation permit, which itself takes about 2 to 4 weeks to process. When every week counts, that’s time you might not be able to spare.

Instead, here’s what to look for

• Brand-new TOP-ed condominiums: These are ideal because they come freshly completed, so you can move in without waiting for renovation permits or structural works.
• Recently refurbished resale flats: Look for resale flats or private condos that have been refurbished in the last three to five years. These homes often come with modern interiors and fittings – and while you may pay a bit more upfront, you’ll save time, stress, and money by skipping renovation altogether.
• Light touch-ups only: If you must make changes, limit them to things like repainting, replacing light fixtures, or professional cleaning. These can be done in one to two weeks and don’t require formal approval.

It’s also wise to check if the seller plans to leave behind major appliances or furniture. Ordering new ones might be tricky around this time since imported items or custom furniture often face delivery delays due to the seasonal factory closures.

4. Seller readiness – choose a clean deal

Even if you find a ready-to-move-in home, delays can still happen – and often, they come from the seller’s side.

When you’re racing the clock, the seller’s situation matters almost as much as the home itself. You’ll want to work only with sellers who are fully prepared to hand over the keys without complications or hidden delays.

A clean deal means that the seller has already sorted out their next move, resolved all financial matters, and is ready to give you full possession of the home right on schedule.

Key things to check

• Vacant possession: This should be non-negotiable. It means the home must be empty and ready for you to move in on the completion date – no lingering tenants, no leftover furniture (unless they’re leaving them behind), and no extensions for the seller to stay temporarily.
• No sale contingencies: Avoid deals where the seller’s move depends on buying another property. Such “chain transactions” are unpredictable and can easily stretch past your deadline.
• Sort out legal matters early: Ask your agent or solicitor to ensure there are no unresolved ownership issues, unpaid taxes, or encumbrances tied to the property. These legal hiccups can delay completion by weeks.

To move fast, appoint your conveyancing solicitor as soon as you decide to buy. Having them check all paperwork early helps prevent last-minute surprises.

5. Aligned pricing – skip the valuation delays

Many homebuyers underestimate how much pricing can slow down the buying process. It might seem like negotiations and valuations are just formalities, but they’re often where valuable weeks quietly slip away. 

One common setback here is the valuation gap. If your agreed price exceeds the official bank or HDB valuation, you’ll have to pay the difference in cash (known as Cash Over Valuation, or COV). Worse, if you can’t bridge that gap, you might need to renegotiate the deal – or lose it entirely.

To avoid these setbacks, you’ll want to make data-backed offers.

Tips to keep things moving

• Base your offer on recent transactions: Use recent sale prices of similar units to guide your bid. This keeps your offer realistic and reduces the chance of valuation mismatch.
• Avoid drawn-out negotiations: Sellers who price their homes too high often take longer to close. If a listing has been on the market for months, it might be a sign that the seller is open to a fair, fast deal.
• Prepare for minor COV: If the difference is small, having cash ready allows you to close without delay.

Working with an experienced buyer’s agent, such as a 99.co Advisor, ensures that every step, from valuation alignment to offer negotiation, is handled strategically, helping you secure the right home quickly and confidently. Book a FREE consultation here. 

You should also make sure your financing is pre-approved before making any offer. For HDB buyers, this means securing your HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter. For private property buyers, it means getting an In-Principle Approval (IPA) from your bank.

When sellers see that you’ve already sorted out financing, they’re more likely to prioritise your offer, helping you lock down the deal faster.

Wrapping up

In a busy season where time feels short, it helps to focus on what truly matters – finding a home that’s ready, practical, and built for how you want to live. Every decision you make now, from the location to the layout, brings you one step closer to a smoother move and a fresh start in the new year.

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