As ever some of the agents are'nt telling you the really vital stuff;
What happens to your money if you get dimensia - can other Brits sell it on your behalf
If you die how will your next of kin prove you paid the money into the country - it could sit in Government coffers for years whilst this is sorted
When you transfer the rent back to the UK what Tax will you pay in both countries and what are the fx risks
Honestly, you cant take risks with retirment money and there are many sharks out there who will relieve you of your cash in an instant, and that includes foreign lawyers.
Stick it in a high interest Building Society account and enjoy the interest of about 6.5%.
As for other countries outside Singapore, we have never encountered such issues before. But in Singapore, it's very transparent. Plus there is no estate tax. Despite having no estate tax involved it does not mean that you do not get a will done. Its so cheap to get a will done. It justs costs as cheap as S$80.00 it is so easily accessible to those that have limited funds.
Even there is an estate of S$100,000 having a will will help in expediting the release of funds. My sister-in-law who is a UK citizen passed away in UK. But she has some money in the government retirement fund - we call it CPF here in Sg.
Within 2 months after the relevant documents were sent over to the relevant government bodies in Singapore, the money was remitted to my nephew's account in London.
Becauase this happened in my family I can attest to the efficiency of the Singapore government in handling such issues. Because she only has one son and loves him dearly. We know that it would be useful in going to his wedding fund.
But I must agree that there are sloppy lawyers that do charge high fees. As like a good pair of shoes, you need to shop around. Top conveyancing firms are not always the best because of high fees. They will fleece you. So shop around.
As for FX risks - it exists in all overseas investments.
As for taxation - I will revert to you on that, specifically on rental income repatriation. I do not think that there will be double taxation. It might be different tax treatment in the US.