Glossary

The “as is where is” clause stems from an English legal doctrine known as the “caveat emptor” rule which is now part of Singapore law.    In Latin, “caveat emptor” means “let the buyer beware”. This principle puts the risks and burdens of a transaction on the buyer, and it is the buyer’s duty to do his due diligence and checks when deciding whether to go ahead with the transaction.    Therefore, if a property is being sold on an “as is where is” basis, this means that it is being sold in its current condition, whatever this condition happens to be. As the buyer, you are deemed to have checked the property for defects of quality (even if you haven’t actually done so) and have found the property acceptable.  (Ying, 2018)