If the buyer discovers a missing balcony sliding door after taking over the unit, should the seller be responsible for providing a replacement door

If the buyer discovers that the balcony sliding door is missing after taking over the unit, the first step is to refer to the Sale and Purchase Agreement (S&PA) to determine if the unit was to be delivered with the balcony sliding door in place. In Singapore, standard agreements typically require the seller to hand over the property and all its fixtures in their agreed or original condition, unless otherwise stated.

If the missing door was not mentioned or excluded in the contract, the seller is generally responsible for providing or reinstating it, since the buyer is entitled to receive the property as contracted. The buyer should immediately notify the seller in writing about the missing door and request rectification. If the seller refuses, the buyer may seek legal advice and potentially pursue a claim for breach of contract, which may compel the seller to install the door or compensate for its cost.

For condominiums or strata-titled properties, it is also advisable to inform the Management Corporation (MC), as common property and safety standards may be affected. Maintaining records, correspondence, and photographs of the condition at takeover is recommended in case of disputes.