Certificate of Statutory Completion (CSC)
What is CSC (Certificate of Statutory Completion)?
A Certificate of Statutory Completion (CSC) is issued by Singapore's Building and Construction Authority (BCA) when a building has met every statutory requirement and has all the clearances it needs. It usually follows the Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP), and for a new-launch home it triggers the last 15% of the purchase price.
Key facts
- Issued by
- The Commissioner of Building Control, BCA
- Issued when
- The development has complied with all statutory requirements and obtained all clearances
- Processing time
- Within 7 working days of a complete application; longer if many defects are unresolved
- Payment due (new launch)
- The final 15% of the price
- Occupation without TOP or CSC
- An offence: fine up to $20,000, jail up to 6 months, or both
As of 6 Nov 2026. Source: BCA, Singapore Statutes Online.
How the CSC works
The CSC is the final sign-off on a new building. The developer’s Qualified Person applies to BCA once every outstanding item from the TOP stage has been cleared by the relevant agencies. BCA then confirms that the building complies with the building regulations and other written laws, and issues the certificate.
| TOP | CSC | |
|---|---|---|
| What it confirms | The building is fit to occupy | Every statutory requirement is met |
| Outstanding items allowed? | Yes, with BCA’s written directions | No |
| Payment under the standard S&PA | 25% of the price | The last 15% of the price |
| Can residents live there? | Yes | Yes |
Example
You bought a new-launch condo for $1,500,000 and paid 25% at TOP. You complete the purchase before the CSC is issued, so the last 15% ($225,000) is handled like this:
- On completion you pay $30,000 (2%) to the developer and $195,000 (13%) to the Singapore Academy of Law, which holds it as stakeholder.
- After the CSC is issued, the stakeholder releases $120,000 (8%) to the developer.
- On the final payment date, when the 12-month defects liability period ends, it releases the last $75,000 (5%), less any authorised deductions, for example for defects the developer did not fix.
This way, part of the price stays protected until the defects liability period is over.
Common mistakes
- Thinking CSC affects whether you can live there. Residents can already live in the building from TOP.
- Forgetting the last 15%. Keep this sum ready, even if the CSC comes months after you move in.
- Mixing up CSC and strata titles. Individual strata titles for each unit are a separate step, issued by SLA.
Frequently asked questions
How is the CSC different from the TOP?
The TOP lets residents move in once the building is fit for occupation, while some technical clearances may still be outstanding. The CSC confirms that every statutory requirement has been met. Under the Building Control Act, a TOP is only prima facie evidence that the building is suitable for occupation.
How long after TOP is the CSC issued?
There is no fixed gap. It depends on how quickly the developer clears the outstanding items. BCA can attach written directions to a TOP that set a time limit for completing outstanding work.
What happens to the last 15% if I complete my purchase before the CSC?
Under the standard sale and purchase agreement, you pay 2% to the developer and 13% to the Singapore Academy of Law as stakeholder. It pays 8% to the developer after the CSC is issued and the last 5%, less any authorised deductions, on the final payment date.
Related terms
Sources
- Application for TOP/CSC (BCA)
- Building Control Act 1989, section 12 (Occupation of buildings) (Singapore Statutes Online)
- Housing Developers Rules (standard Sale and Purchase Agreement payment schedule) (Singapore Statutes Online)
Every figure on this page was checked against the official government sources above on 6 Nov 2026. See our editorial policy.
This is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice.