Overseas property investments: the grass isn't always greener

Singapore

WHEN Justin Harper bought a two-bedroom unit outside of London in 2014, the last thing he expected was for the £270,000 (S$503,702) investment to possibly go down in flames - literally.

But the 68-unit luxury apartment building located in Slough and completed in 2015, was found last year to be a major fire risk due to flammable cladding and other substandard fire safety features.

The Guardian reported in January that the current freeholder, Ground Rent Estates 5, is refusing to foot the bill for fixing the building. Meanwhile, the building's warranty provider, BLP, has not decided if they will pay out.

Mr Harper, a financial writer and a Singapore permanent resident, fears leaseholders could be on the hook for footing the total estimated £1.5…