Singapore’s resort-style Canberra Residences condo heads back to court over decade-old defects

In a surprising twist, Singapore's Canberra Residences condominium is facing renewed legal action more than a decade after residents first moved in. The dispute centers around alleged defects in the 320-unit building, which was marketed as a five-storey resort-themed development featuring amenities such as a swimming pool, gyms, and a clubhouse.

The management corporation (MCST) of Canberra Residences has filed a lawsuit against the main contractor, MCC Engineering (Singapore), claiming that the settlement agreement reached in 2020 was not fully executed. The settlement, reached in September 2020, required MCC Land (Singapore) and MCC Engineering to carry out rectification, upgrading, and drainage works to resolve the reported issues.

However, the MCST now asserts that problems persist, including water ponding, seepage, defective paintwork, incomplete plastering, rusting fixtures, and shattered balcony glass. Approximately 400 out of the building's 4,000 balcony glass panels have shattered over the years, causing significant concern for residents. MCC Engineering denies breaching the settlement agreement, stating that most rectification works were completed as per agreed methods and standards.

The contractor also disputes the timeline for completing the works, citing delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the need for full access and regulatory clearances. The MCST contends that certain defects reappeared during the 12-month liability period and that some of the cited issues are new or outside the scope of the settlement agreement, possibly due to wear and tear, environmental factors, poor maintenance, or third-party damage.

The case is set for an 11-day trial starting on October 20, with MCC Engineering disputing the remaining outstanding works, claiming they depended on approvals, specifications, or directions from the MCST.