1.6 State Lands Act 1920
Understand State grants, lease conditions, differential premium, temporary occupation licences and reversion.
The party making a promise. A payment that may arise when the State permits specified changes in land use or intensity under State title conditions. A separate statutory framework for compulsory acquisition.
Course reference: Based on the supplied Real Centre Network Paper One course book, Unit 1.6, printed pp. 49–53 (edition updated 18 December 2020). Original educational explanation, not a reproduction. This historical reference is not a current statement of statutory provisions or examination requirements; verify current rules against official Singapore sources.
What you will learn
- State grants and covenants
- Changes to State land
- Compulsory acquisition
1. State grants and covenants
| Concept | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Covenantor | The party making a promise. |
| Covenantee | The party receiving the promise. |
| Special conditions | Conditions endorsed on State grants or leases. |
| Implied covenants | Obligations supplied by legislation in addition to express conditions. |
2. Changes to State land
| Concept | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Differential premium | A payment that may arise when the State permits specified changes in land use or intensity under State title conditions. |
| Temporary occupation licence (TOL) | Permission to occupy State land temporarily; it is not the same as a grant of an estate. |
| Reversionary interest | The State’s interest when a State lease comes to an end. |
3. Compulsory acquisition
| Concept | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Land Acquisition Act | A separate statutory framework for compulsory acquisition. |
| State Lands Act | Concerns State land grants, leases and related conditions; do not confuse the two Acts. |
Apply it to a Singapore property scenario
A request to change a title restriction may involve State consent and a premium; planning permission alone is not necessarily sufficient.
A TOL does not turn its holder into the freehold owner of State land.
Quick revision
- Covenantor: The party making a promise.
- Differential premium: A payment that may arise when the State permits specified changes in land use or intensity under State title conditions.
- Land Acquisition Act: A separate statutory framework for compulsory acquisition.
Practice MCQs
Choose one answer per question, then check your score and read the explanations.
Sources and currency
Primary course reference: supplied Real Centre Network Paper One course book, Unit 1.6 (printed pp. 49–53; updated 18 December 2020). For current legislation and land registration guidance, see Singapore Statutes Online and Singapore Land Authority. Use the syllabus applicable to your exam sitting.