Not all assets in Singapore require probate. Assets solely owned by the deceased—such as property, bank accounts, and investments—usually require a Grant of Probate to be managed or distributed. Jointly owned assets typically transfer automatically to the surviving owner, while CPF and insurance proceeds with valid nominations are released without probate.

When a loved one passes away, one of the first questions family members often ask is: “Do all assets require probate?” The answer depends on the type of asset, how it’s held, and whether it can be transferred without a court order.

Understanding which assets require a Grant of Probate in Singapore helps executors and beneficiaries save time, avoid legal issues, and ensure the estate is distributed according to the deceased’s wishes.

This article explains which assets need probate, which don’t, and why legal guidance can make the process smoother.

Key Takeaways

Probate is required when assets are solely owned by the deceased.
Jointly owned assets with a right of survivorship usually pass automatically to the surviving owner.
Assets such as bank accounts, property, and investments generally require a Grant of Probate.
CPF savings and insurance policies may be exempt if nominations are in place.
Engaging a lawyer ensures the right documents are filed and assets are transferred correctly.

What Is Probate and Why It Matters

A Grant of Probate gives the executor legal authority to manage the deceased’s estate—collect assets, pay debts, and distribute the balance to beneficiaries. Without it, banks, financial institutions, and the Singapore Land Authority will not release or transfer assets.

If you’re unsure how long the process takes, read our related guide: How Long Does Probate Take in Singapore?.

Assets That Require Probate

1. Solely Owned Property

Real estate registered under the deceased’s sole name (HDB or private property) requires probate before it can be sold or transferred.
The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) will only recognise the executor’s authority after the Grant of Probate is issued.

2. Bank Accounts

Bank accounts under the deceased’s name alone will be frozen upon death.
Financial institutions will only release funds once they receive a certified copy of the Grant of Probate.

3. Investments and Shares

Stocks, unit trusts, or other investment holdings in the deceased’s sole name require probate for transfer or liquidation.
Central Depository (CDP) accounts must also be verified with the Grant of Probate.

4. Vehicles and Personal Belongings

Vehicles registered under the deceased’s name, as well as high-value personal items (e.g., jewellery, artwork), may need probate for ownership transfer.

Assets That Usually Do Not Require Probate

1. Jointly Owned Assets

Property, joint bank accounts, or investments held under “joint tenancy” automatically transfer to the surviving co-owner through the right of survivorship.

2. CPF Savings with Nominations

CPF funds are distributed directly to nominees under CPF Board rules, so probate is not required.

3. Insurance Policies with Nominations

Insurance companies release proceeds directly to the named beneficiaries without a Grant of Probate, provided nominations are valid.

When Probate May Still Be Needed

Even if some assets bypass probate, a Grant of Probate may still be necessary if:

The estate includes a mix of sole and joint assets.
Institutions request court documents before releasing funds.
The will includes specific instructions involving trust or business assets.

Get Help Managing Estate Assets

At YY Lee & Associates LLC, our probate lawyers handle every stage of the estate administration process—from identifying which assets require probate to filing court documents and transferring ownership smoothly.

📞 Call us: +65 8780 2499
📷 Instagram:@yylee_familylaw

FAQ

Yes, if they’re in the deceased’s sole name. Joint accounts usually transfer to the surviving holder automatically.
No, not if valid nominations exist. CPF and insurance payouts go directly to nominated beneficiaries.
If there’s no will, probate cannot be issued; instead, a Grant of Letters of Administration is required.
No. You can only sell or transfer property once the court issues the Grant of Probate.