Messy feud erupts over ownership of Yishun flat

The relationship between 75-year-old Zhuo Jianding and his 47-year-old second son, Zhuo Jinshun, turned sour after a disagreement over the sale of their shared flat.

The father accused his son of deliberately making the home filthy to thwart any attempts to rent or sell it, while the son countered with accusations of past abuse.

Mr Zhuo Jianding explained that he and his wife purchased the four-bedroom unit at Block 636 Yishun Street 61 together, and ownership was transferred to their son before his wife's death over 20 years ago.

Now, Mr Zhuo Jianding wants to sell the property to fund his retirement, a plan his son vehemently opposes.

"He's made the house dirty and messy - tissues used to clean up dog waste are all over the kitchen - just to stop me from renting the flat out or selling it," the older Mr Zhuo told Shin Min Daily News.

"He also told me he wouldn't sign any papers and would wait until I die."

Mr Zhuo Jinshun admitted to intentionally hoarding to prevent the sale. He maintains, however, that the unit was bought solely with his mother's money, and he wishes to keep it for his siblings.

"My mother was a factory worker. She bought this house to give her children a home," he explained.

"He never contributed a penny. If he can prove he put money in, I'll buy out his share, or I'll agree to sell."

He further alleged that his father was an absent parent, frequently abusing his mother during his childhood.

"He's lazy and never worked to support his family," said Mr Zhuo Jinshun.

"Now that the flat is worth over $400,000, he wants to take advantage of it. I'm paying the water and electricity bills, and this unit is meant for my brother and sister."

Despite living under the same roof, father and son have ceased communication.

Adding to the tension, the son's room features added security measures. He claims his father had previously invaded his privacy.

"He broke into my room once while I was out and stole the gold ornaments my mother left me to sell them," he alleged.

"That's why I installed a lock and CCTV camera outside my door."