In Singapore, newly built residential properties must obtain either a Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) or a Certificate of Statutory Completion (CSC) before they can be legally occupied. So, what do these two certificates mean, and what are the differences between them?

Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) vs Certificate of Statutory Completion (CSC)

A Certificate of Statutory Completion (CSC) is issued when a development complies with all statutory requirements under the Building Control Act & Regulations and has obtained all necessary clearances from the relevant technical departments (e.g. URA, LTA, NParks, SCDF, PUB, NEA). Sometimes, a development may have outstanding issues with certain technical agencies but has nonetheless fulfilled the requirements or clearances necessary for occupation. In such cases, a Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) may be issued in lieu of a CSC.

Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP):
A provisional permit that allows occupancy before the property receives its final Certificate of Statutory Completion (CSC). This means the building is considered safe for occupation—for example, the residential block may be completed, but facilities such as the swimming pool may still be under construction.

Certificate of Statutory Completion (CSC):
A permanent certificate confirming that the entire development has been fully completed and complies with all building regulations and standards.

WHEN CAN A TOP BE ISSUED?
A CSC shall not be granted in respect of any building where:
a.  there are minor requirements still to be complied with under the Building Control Act or its Regulations;
b.  any of the written directions or requirements shown or endorsed on the plans have not been fully complied with;
c.  there are minor deviations or departures from any approved plan of building works; or
d.  the building works have not been fully completed;
Under these circumstances, the Commissioner of Building Control may grant a TOP for the occupation or use of the building if he is satisfied that the non-compliance, deviation or noncompletion of building works is neither of a serious nature nor in any way detrimental to the well-being and safety of the persons who may occupy the building or part thereof.

WHEN CAN A CSC BE ISSUED?
The Commissioner of Building Control may grant a CSC in respect of a building or part thereof if:
a.  the building works have been completed in accordance with the provisions of the Building Control Act and its Regulations;
b.  every report and certificate referred to above has been submitted by the appropriate qualified person to the Commissioner of Building Control;
c.  all the written directions given by the Commissioner of Building Control to the appropriate qualified persons who prepared the plans of the building works or who supervised the carrying out of the building works have been complied with;
d.  all the requirements either shown, implied or endorsed on the approved plans have been complied with;
e.  the full set of as-built detailed structural plans and design calculations incorporating all the departures or deviations from the approved structural plans and design
calculations has been approved by the Commissioner of Building Control; and
f.  such other certificates or documents as may be required by the Commissioner of Building Control have been submitted.

Practical Value of TOP

Once a development has successfully obtained its Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP), residents can collect their keys and move in without having to wait for the entire project to be completed. At this stage, some public facilities may still be under construction, but residents can safely occupy their individual units, as safety is assured. TOP offers flexibility by allowing owners to move in before the building is fully completed, provided it is deemed safe.
For example, the extension to your condominium’s clubhouse cinema may not be finished yet, but this does not prevent you from moving in or even renting out your unit. However, to obtain the Certificate of Statutory Completion (CSC), every detail of the development—right down to the last tile—must be completed.
For developers, TOP enables earlier collection of proceeds from property sales, which helps with cash flow and business operations. For homeowners, it means earlier access to their new homes, potentially saving on rental expenses, and allowing them to start interior renovations and furnishing sooner, so they can settle into their new home more quickly.

TOP Application Process

TOP applications are submitted by the developer.

Standard TOP Application:
• The developer appoints a registered architect/engineer to coordinate building inspections with the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).
• Technical documents and safety certifications are submitted to BCA.
• The Building Control Committee (an independent body under BCA) reviews and approves the application. Approval typically takes about 4 weeks.
Basically, the procedure for TOP application is the same as for CSC Application.
The relevant documents and certificates referred to above have been submitted by the appropriate Qualified Person (QP)
The clearances from the following technical departments for TOP application are to be submitted when relevant:
a. Fire safety Bureau (FSB),Singapore Joint Civil Defence Forces.
b. Central Building Plan Unit, Pollution Control Department, Ministry of Environment for matters relating to sewerage & pollution control.

Note:
These are important clearances for TOP application. This is to ensure that safety requirements have been complied with and basic essential services have been provided before the building can be occupied.
Other TOP clearances which may be required
c. Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)
d. Land and Transportation Authority (LTA)
e. Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS)
f. Land & Estate Organisation, Ministry of Defence (MINDEF)
g. Civil Defence Shelter Engineering Department, BCA for household/ storey shelters.

Important Notes for Homeowners

Even if the property has obtained TOP, homeowners are strongly advised to conduct a thorough inspection upon receiving the keys, with special attention to:
- Structural integrity
- Stability of electrical and plumbing systems
- Fire safety installations
Please note that all newly built condominium units in Singapore come with a one-year Defects Liability Period (DLP). During this period, the developer is responsible for rectifying any defects found within the unit, the overall project, or the common facilities, free of charge. For both HDB flats and private condominiums, the DLP begins either from the day you collect your keys or the 15th day after you receive the Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP), whichever is earlier.

Additionally, if you plan to move in before the entire development is fully completed, you should be prepared for the following:
- Possible construction noise in the vicinity
- Some common facilities may not yet be open or available