Chinese Nationals Buying Singapore Condo: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide | Homejourney

This definitive guide equips Chinese nationals (PRC buyers) with every step to confidently purchase a Singapore condominium in 2026. From navigating China capital controls to mastering ABSD payments and securing keys, Homejourney prioritizes your safety through verified data and transparent advice. Discover the Chinese buy condo step, PRC condo purchase rules, and full China national condo guide here.

Singapore's stable market attracts Chinese investors seeking diversification amid economic shifts. With ABSD at 60% for foreigners, preparation is key. Homejourney verifies all insights to build trust in your property journey.

Executive Summary
1. Eligibility Rules for Chinese Nationals
2. Full Costs Breakdown: ABSD, BSD & More
3. Navigating China Capital Controls
4. Financing Options for PRC Buyers
5. Step-by-Step Buying Process
6. Market Insights & Hotspots for Chinese Buyers
7. Common Mistakes & Red Flags to Avoid
8. FAQs
9. Next Steps with Homejourney

Executive Summary

Buying a Singapore condo as a Chinese national involves strict rules but offers long-term stability. Foreigners like PRC buyers can purchase private condos (freehold/leasehold, new/resale) and privatized Executive Condominiums (ECs) over 10 years old.[1][3][6] Landed properties require rare approvals.[1]

Key 2026 hurdles: 60% ABSD, China forex limits (USD50,000 annual), and LTV caps at 70% with TDSR compliance.[1][2] Total costs for a S$2M condo exceed S$3.2M including duties. Homejourney's verified tools like Property Search and Projects Directory simplify your Chinese buyer process.

Insider tip: Prime districts like Orchard and Marina Bay see 4-5% yields for furnished rentals, popular among expats.[1] Start with pre-approval to avoid delays.

1. Eligibility Rules for Chinese Nationals

Under Singapore's Residential Property Act, Chinese nationals without PR can buy private condos and apartments.[1][3][4][5][6] This includes strata-titled units and Sentosa Cove landed homes (mainland landed needs Land Dealings Approval Unit approval).[4][6]

ECs: Only resale after 10-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP). In 2026, 2010s projects like older ones in Punggol are now open.[1] HDB flats are off-limits to all foreigners.[3]

Quick Eligibility Table

Property Type	PRC Eligible?	Notes
Private Condos/Apts	Yes	Freehold/leasehold, new/resale[1][5]
ECs (post-10yr MOP)	Yes	Resale only[1][3]
Landed (Sentosa)	Yes	Mainland: Rare approval[4][6]
HDB Flats	No	Citizens/PR only[3]

Homejourney verifies eligibility via Types of Properties Foreigners Can Buy in Singapore | Homejourney . No PR? Stick to condos for simplicity.

2. Full Costs Breakdown: ABSD, BSD & More

2026 ABSD for foreigners (first property): 60% of purchase price.[1][2] BSD is progressive up to 6%.[1] For S$2M condo: ABSD S$1.2M, BSD S$64,600.[1]

Sample Cost Table: S$2M Condo (2026)

Item	Amount (S$)	Notes
Purchase Price	2,000,000	-
ABSD (60%)	1,200,000	Payable within 14 days[1]
BSD	64,600	Progressive[1]
Legal Fees	4,000	+disbursements[1]
Valuation/Mortgage	2,500	[1]
Renovations	50,000-150,000	Optional[1]
Total	~3,321,100

Ongoing: Maintenance S$4,800-14,000/year (3-5% PSF).[3] Property tax higher for non-owners.[1] Use Homejourney's ABSD Stamp Duty Calculator & Guide 2026 | Homejourney for custom calcs.

Hidden costs: Currency conversion fees (1-2%) and MCST sinking fund contributions. Insider tip: Budget 10% extra for furnished setups boosting rental yields.[1]

3. Navigating China Capital Controls

China's SAFE rules limit annual forex to USD50,000 per person for overseas property.[2] For larger sums, use structures like company purchases or family pooling (with documentation).[2]

2026 updates: Enhanced reporting for transfers over RMB200,000; use Hong Kong banks for smoother flows.[2] Common path: Transfer via SAFE-approved channels, declare as investment.

Step 1: Apply for forex quota at local SAFE branch (1-2 weeks).
Step 2: Wire to Singapore lawyer's client account.
Step 3: Pay ABSD/OTP from there.

Homejourney guides safe transfers, avoiding scams. Link to for details.

4. Financing Options for PRC Buyers

Foreigners get 70% LTV max, subject to TDSR (60% debt servicing).[1] Rates ~3-4% for mass market.[3] No CPF use.

Chinese banks like ICBC offer cross-border loans; local banks prefer 30%+ downpayment. Pre-approve early via Bank Rates or Financing Options for Foreign Buyers in Singapore | Homejourney .[2]

Financing Comparison

Lender Type	LTV Max	Rate (2026)
Singapore Banks	70%	3-4%
Chinese Banks	50-60%	4-5%
Cash	100%	N/A

Disclaimer: Rates vary; consult professionals. Homejourney verifies lender credibility.

5. Step-by-Step Buying Process

Timeline: 8-12 weeks. Detailed in Step-by-Step Property Buying Process for Foreigners | Homejourney .[6]

Week 1-4: Shortlist & View. Use Property Search and Projects . Focus lifestyle fit (e.g., Orchard MRT Exit A, 5-min walk).[1]
Week 4: Financing Pre-Approval. Secure IPA.[1]
Week 5: OTP (1% fee, 14-21 days). Negotiate; pay via bank draft.[1]
Week 6: Lawyer Due Diligence. Title search, MCST review.[1]
Week 7: Pay ABSD/BSD (14 days from OTP).[1]
Week 8-12: Completion & Keys. Soldier on.[1]

Final checklist: Funds ready, no title issues.[1] Homejourney tracks your progress safely.

6. Market Insights & Hotspots for Chinese Buyers

2026 prices: Central ~S$20,000/psf; mass market S$2,500-3,500/psf.[5] Chinese buyers favor Prime (Districts 9-10) for yields 3-4%, near Chinese schools like Hwa Chong.[1][3]

Orchard: Expat hub, 4% yield.
Marina Bay: Luxury, investment.
Tanjong Pagar: MRT access, rising.[1]

Data from Projects Directory . Compare via EdgeProp Property News . Yields beat HK volatility.[9]