Single & Starting Out – Why Young Adults Need a Will in Singapore

Single & Starting Out – Why Young Adults Need a Will in Singapore

“Wills? A bit early for that, right?”


If you're a single young adult in Singapore, you’ve probably thought estate planning is something for married couples or retirees. But here’s the truth — even without a BTO, kids, or millions in the bank, estate planning in Singapore matters. It’s simpler and more important than you think.


In this post, we break down why will writing in Singapore matters, even if you're young, single, and just starting out — and how Singapore's inheritance laws come into play to save your loved ones from emotional and legal messes tomorrow.


“But I Don’t Own Anything, So Why Do I Need a Will?”


Writing a will might sound unnecessary or even dramatic. No house, no spouse, no kids... so what’s there to pass on?


Actually, you likely have more assets than you realise.


Not having a will could leave your loved ones dealing with months of legal delay, high fees, and avoidable emotional stress — all because of assumptions that didn’t match the legal reality.


What’s Considered Your Estate (Yes, You Have One)


Your estate isn’t just about owning property or a fat bank account. It can include:

  • CPF Savings
  • Insurance Payouts
  • Bank Accounts
  • Investments (including digital assets like crypto)
  • Personal items with sentimental or resale value
  • Properties (if any)


According to Singapore’s Department of Statistics, the median income for 25–34-year-olds is S$4,500/month. That’s over S$200,000 in four years. Even if you’ve saved just 10%, you’ve got a decent five-figure estate — and that's worth protecting.


And when you factor in CPF and insurance? Even more reason to take estate planning in Singapore seriously.


What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Singapore?


If you die intestate (without a will), the Intestate Succession Act decides who gets your assets — not you.


Let’s say you're estranged from a parent or want to leave your savings to a younger sibling, or donate to a cause close to your heart. None of that can happen unless it’s written in a valid legal will.


Plus, your loved ones will need to apply for a Grant of Letters of Administration, which:

  • Takes several months to process
  • Costs S$1,000–S$3,000+ in legal and court fees
  • Can lead to family disputes — especially over personal or sentimental assets


A 2022 Straits Times survey revealed that 48% of Singaporeans don’t have a will, and young adults are the least likely to write one. Common reasons?

 

“Too young lah.”
“No need, won’t die so young one lah.”

 

However, lawyers say the number of intestacy cases under 35 is increasing, and they often catch families off guard. That’s where understanding inheritance law in Singapore becomes essential.


Hidden Truth: CPF Savings Aren’t Covered in Your Will


Here’s something most Singaporeans don’t know:


Your CPF savings are NOT covered by your will.

CPF is distributed based on your CPF nomination, not your will. If you haven’t made one, it will follow intestacy laws — meaning your funds might not go to the person you intended.

That means you need both a will and a CPF nomination to fully secure your estate planning journey in Singapore.


How to Start Will Writing in Singapore (Without Drama)


Getting started isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. Here’s a simple step-by-step:

  1. List your assets — Bank accounts, investments, insurance, and property.
  2. Think about your beneficiaries — Who do you trust to manage your estate? Who should receive your assets?
  3. Engage a professional — Use trusted services like Sure Will One or established estate planning firms in Singapore.
  4. Update regularly — Life changes (new job, new home, new relationship). Review your will every 2–3 years.


Final Thoughts: A Will Isn’t Just for You — It’s for the Ones You Love


You may be single, but you’re not alone. Your choices matter.

Writing a will isn’t morbid — it’s mature. It shows foresight, responsibility, and respect for your loved ones, and an understanding of Singapore's inheritance laws.

Death isn’t a matter of if — it’s when. And when that time comes, what you’ve done now will make all the difference for the people you love.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Sure Will One.

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