Condo Clash: Property Dispute Unveils Relationship Fallout
A Singapore couple’s real estate investment took an unexpected turn, resulting in a court battle after their breakup. The disagreement revolved around a condominium unit, revealing the complexities of property ownership and the unraveling of their relationship within a year.
Property Ownership at Stake
After purchasing a Bukit Timah condominium, the couple registered ownership as 99:1. This arrangement pitted Jake Ngor, holding a 1% share, against Millie Wong, who claimed 99% ownership. Despite contributing the majority of the purchase price, Mr. Ngor found himself in court over the property’s ownership.
The High Court’s written decision on June 30 rejected Ms. Wong’s claim. Senior Judge Lee Seiu Kin determined Mr. Ngor didn’t intend to immediately and unconditionally benefit Ms. Wong with his financial contributions.
“Mr Ngor said the property was registered in the 99:1 ratio mainly to quell Ms Wong’s fear and insecurity that he may be unfaithful to her, as well as to avoid paying additional buyer’s stamp duty (ABSD) if they were to buy a second property.”
—Mr. Ngor
A recent study showed that in 2023, the number of couples who split before five years of living together rose by 15% (Source 2024).
The Court’s Ruling
The court found that Mr. Ngor only intended to benefit Ms. Wong if he was unfaithful. Since there was no evidence of infidelity, the judge determined that Ms. Wong was not entitled to 99% ownership. The judge found Mr. Ngor owned a 54.22% beneficial interest.
Mr. Ngor, represented by Mr. Tito Isaac, contended that they lacked a clear understanding of beneficial ownership, simply deciding to co-own the property without discussing the actual interests. He asserted he’d intended Ms. Wong to have 99% in two scenarios: infidelity or a second property purchase. Ms. Wong, through her lawyer Terence Tan, contested that there was no trust in Mr. Ngor’s favor, saying she felt insecure in the relationship and Mr. Ngor showed his commitment by agreeing to the 99% ownership.
The court also considered the couple’s plans to avoid additional buyer’s stamp duty (ABSD). The judge clarified this wasn’t like other 99-to-1 arrangements that are penalized.
Relationship Timeline and Property Details
Mr. Ngor, a wealth manager, and Ms. Wong, a financial consultant, started dating in mid-2018. They discussed future property purchases early in the relationship. The couple exercised their option to buy the Hillcrest Arcadia unit in December 2019. They completed the purchase in March 2020. The unit was rented throughout their relationship. The couple initially serviced the mortgage with Central Provident Fund monies and rental proceeds.
Cracks in the relationship developed, stemming from Ms. Wong’s insecurities, leading to their separation in November 2020. Despite this, they talked amicably about the property. In 2022, they discussed selling the unit. However, in late 2022 and early 2023, she stopped responding to Mr. Ngor’s messages. On January 18, 2023, she sent a long message asserting her ownership of her 99% share. The lawsuit was filed in July 2023.
The Hillcrest Arcadia was put up for a collective sale in April 2025 for $920 million. The tender closed on May 22 with no bids, and it moved into private treaty talks.
