Real estate agents recount traumatic harassment cases while calling for stronger legal protections.
Female property agents in Singapore are increasingly speaking out about sexual harassment, facing traumatic experiences ranging from indecent proposals to threats of assault while doing their jobs.
Rising Threats Behind Closed Doors
Susan Mariam, a senior associate branch director at OrangeTee, narrowly escaped sexual assault in a client’s Jurong West flat 13 years ago. The homeowner locked the door and attempted to force himself on her. She fled to the bedroom, screamed for help, and was eventually rescued by her husband, who had been waiting outside. The man was later taken away by police.
Ms Mariam is not alone. Her story echoes the experiences of several women in real estate, revealing a disturbing trend of harassment and abuse behind the guise of home transactions.
A Shocking Letter and Late-Night Call
ERA property agent Desiree Leung, 30, received a disturbing handwritten letter on July 1. The anonymous sender proposed a property transaction on one condition — that she sleep with him. “I thought it was a normal inquiry until I read the words ‘I want to f**k you for an hour,’” she recounted. She immediately showed the letter to colleagues and filed a police report.
In another incident, a tenant made a video call to Ms Leung late at night and exposed himself. She has since gone public with her story, despite receiving online backlash and victim-blaming comments such as “she asked for it.”
Real Estate Firms and Legal Protections
ERA’s key executive officer Eugene Lim condemned the incidents, stating: “No agent should ever be subjected to abuse or inappropriate conduct.” He affirmed that the agency’s HR and legal teams provide support and guidance, including facilitating police reports where needed.
Sugidha Nithiananthan of the Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) stressed that companies have a duty to shield staff from third-party harassment and implement clear anti-harassment protocols. “We must focus on why some men believe it’s acceptable to degrade women like this,” she said.
Understanding Legal Recourse in Singapore
Although Singapore’s law doesn’t define “sexual harassment” explicitly, protections exist under the Protection from Harassment Act (Poha). Christian Teo, director at Watershed Law, emphasized that victims can seek protection orders, damages, and criminal action through civil or Magistrate’s Complaints.
Teo urged victims to preserve digital evidence — screenshots, chat logs — as platforms increasingly allow message deletion. “Act quickly. Report the incident to the police and your employer,” he advised.
Culture Shift Needed
Many victims remain silent out of fear of retaliation or shame. Ms Leung’s courage to speak out sheds light on the urgent need for safer work environments, particularly in industries like real estate where professionals often meet clients in private settings.
While companies have started offering internal support systems, the broader solution lies in societal mindset shifts, stronger workplace protocols, and swift legal responses to harassment complaints.
Sexual harassment of women in real estate is an urgent issue in Singapore and across Southeast Asia. As more victims speak out, it becomes increasingly important for employers, lawmakers, and the public to foster a safer, more respectful working environment. Strengthening laws, enhancing company protocols, and changing societal attitudes are all crucial steps forward for both Singaporeans and Indonesians navigating similar challenges.
Sources: Asia One (2025) , Straits Times (2025)
Keywords: Sexual Harassment, Property Agents, Singapore Law, Real Estate Abuse, Protection From Harassment Act
