Complete Guide for Taiwan Nationals Buying Property in Singapore
Taiwan nationals considering property investment in Singapore face a unique set of opportunities and challenges that differ significantly from local buyers. As a developed economy with strong economic ties to Singapore, Taiwan nationals are well-positioned to invest in Singapore's premium real estate market, but navigating the regulatory framework, tax obligations, and financing requirements demands comprehensive understanding. This definitive guide from Homejourney—Singapore's trusted property platform prioritizing user safety and transparency—provides Taiwan nationals with everything needed to make confident, informed property investment decisions.
Singapore's property market remains one of Asia's most stable and transparent, attracting high-net-worth individuals and investors globally. For Taiwan nationals specifically, understanding your status as a foreign buyer, the tax implications, eligible property types, and the complete purchasing process is essential to avoiding costly mistakes and maximizing your investment potential.
Table of Contents
- Executive Summary: Taiwan Nationals & Singapore Property
- Understanding Your Status as a Taiwan National
- Property Types Available to Taiwan Nationals
- Tax Obligations & Financial Costs
- Financing Your Property Purchase
- Regulatory Framework & Approvals
- Step-by-Step Buying Process
- Investment Strategies for Taiwan Nationals
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Next Steps with Homejourney
Executive Summary: Taiwan Nationals & Singapore Property
Taiwan nationals are classified as foreign buyers under Singapore's Residential Property Act, which means you have access to certain property types but face significant restrictions and tax burdens compared to Singapore citizens and permanent residents. The most important fact to understand immediately: as a Taiwan national, you will pay a 60% Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) on residential property purchases, making property investment substantially more expensive than for local buyers.[1][3]
However, Taiwan nationals enjoy several advantages that make Singapore property investment viable and attractive. Taiwan's strong economic position, the absence of capital controls on your funds, and Singapore's stable political environment create favorable conditions for cross-border investment. Additionally, Singapore's transparent legal system, English-language transactions, and robust property rights protection appeal to Taiwan nationals seeking international diversification.
The key opportunities for Taiwan nationals include purchasing private condominiums (the most accessible option), commercial and industrial properties (with no ABSD), and potentially gaining access to landed properties in Sentosa Cove through streamlined approval processes. Understanding which property type aligns with your investment goals is the first critical decision.
Understanding Your Status as a Taiwan National
Legal Classification Under Singapore Law
Taiwan nationals are treated as foreign nationals under Singapore's Residential Property Act. This classification is distinct from Singapore citizens and permanent residents, and it determines your eligibility for different property types, the taxes you must pay, and the approval processes required. Unlike some bilateral agreements that provide preferential treatment, Taiwan nationals do not benefit from any ABSD exemptions or reduced tax rates—you are subject to the standard foreign buyer regime.[1][3]
Your status as a Taiwan national does not automatically grant you Singapore permanent residency (SPR), nor does property ownership lead to residency benefits. Property ownership is purely an investment transaction without immigration implications. This distinction is crucial for tax planning and understanding the limitations of your property rights in Singapore.
Comparison: Taiwan Nationals vs Other Foreign Buyers
While all foreign buyers face the 60% ABSD regime, certain nationalities enjoy significant advantages. Nationals of the United States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland pay 0% ABSD on their first residential property purchase—a massive advantage unavailable to Taiwan nationals.[4] This creates a substantial cost differential that should inform your investment strategy and property selection.
For example, a US citizen purchasing a S$2 million condominium pays only standard Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD), while a Taiwan national pays S$1.2 million in ABSD alone. This S$1.2 million difference fundamentally changes investment returns and makes property selection even more critical for Taiwan nationals seeking optimal returns.
Property Types Available to Taiwan Nationals
Private Condominiums: Your Primary Option
Private condominiums represent the most straightforward and accessible property type for Taiwan nationals. These are freehold or leasehold residential units in private developments, typically ranging from 600 to 3,000+ square feet, and are the primary investment vehicle for foreign buyers seeking Singapore real estate exposure.[1][3]
Private condominiums offer several advantages: no ownership restrictions, no approval required, access to premium amenities (swimming pools, gyms, concierge services), and strong rental demand from expatriates. Popular condominium developments attract international buyers and maintain consistent appreciation. Homejourney's Property Search tool allows you to explore available private condominiums across Singapore's most sought-after locations, with detailed information on amenities, pricing, and investment potential.
When selecting a private condominium, consider location accessibility (proximity to MRT stations), amenity quality, developer reputation, and rental yield potential. Properties near major employment hubs like the Central Business District, Marina Bay, and Orchard Road typically command premium prices but offer strong rental demand from expatriate tenants.
Executive Condominiums (ECs): Limited Access
Executive Condominiums occupy a middle ground between public housing and private condominiums, offering more affordable entry points than private condos but with restrictions. Taiwan nationals cannot purchase brand-new ECs from developers, but you can purchase resale ECs that are more than five years old.[4]
The critical threshold occurs at the 10-year mark: after a property's Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) date, ECs transition to fully privatized status and become subject to the same rules as private condominiums. From year 11 onwards, all ownership restrictions lift, and Taiwan nationals can purchase these properties freely. This creates an interesting opportunity: purchasing a privatized EC (11+ years old) provides access to lower-priced properties with full ownership rights and no restrictions.
Commercial & Industrial Properties: ABSD-Free Investment
A significant advantage for Taiwan nationals exists in the commercial and industrial property sector. Foreigners face no ownership restrictions on commercial or industrial properties, and critically, these properties are exempt from the 60% ABSD.[1][3] This creates a powerful alternative investment strategy for those seeking to avoid the substantial ABSD burden.
Commercial properties include office spaces, retail units, and mixed-use developments. Industrial properties include warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and logistics hubs. These properties are typically leased to businesses and generate steady rental income. For Taiwan nationals with capital to invest, commercial and industrial properties offer ABSD-free investment with strong fundamentals, particularly in Singapore's growing logistics and technology sectors.
Landed Properties: Restricted Access
Landed properties (bungalows, terraced houses, and semi-detached homes) are generally restricted for foreign buyers on mainland Singapore. Taiwan nationals cannot purchase mainland landed properties without special approval from the Singapore Land Authority (SLA).[4] This approval is rarely granted and requires demonstrating exceptional economic contribution to Singapore—a high bar for most foreign investors.
However, one significant exception exists: Sentosa Cove. This exclusive enclave allows Taiwan nationals to purchase landed properties with approval from the Land Dealings Approval Unit (LDAU), and the process is significantly more streamlined than mainland properties.[4] The critical condition is that the property must be for your own occupation and cannot be rented out—this restriction is strictly enforced. For Taiwan nationals seeking a luxury residential property for personal use, Sentosa Cove represents a viable option.
HDB Flats: Not Available
Public Housing Development Board (HDB) flats are not available to Taiwan nationals. These subsidized public housing units are reserved for Singapore citizens and permanent residents. The only limited exception involves essential occupiers with Singaporean spouses, but this does not apply to Taiwan nationals as independent buyers.[3]
Tax Obligations & Financial Costs
The 60% Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD)
The 60% ABSD is the most significant financial burden facing Taiwan nationals purchasing residential property. This tax, implemented in April 2023 and continuing through 2025, is calculated on the higher of the property's purchase price or professional valuation.[1][3] For a S$2 million property, the ABSD alone totals S$1.2 million—a substantial cost that fundamentally impacts investment returns.
The ABSD applies to all residential property purchases by Taiwan nationals, regardless of whether it's your first property or subsequent purchases. This differs from Singapore citizens, who pay 0% ABSD on first-time purchases. The ABSD is non-refundable and must be paid during the property purchase process, making it a critical cost consideration in your financial planning.
For example, purchasing a S$1.5 million private condominium involves:
- Purchase price: S$1,500,000
- ABSD (60%): S$900,000
- Buyer's Stamp Duty: S$24,200 (tiered calculation)
- Legal fees: S$2,000-S$3,000
- Valuation fees: S$500-S$1,000
- Total additional costs: S$926,700+
This S$926,700 in taxes and fees represents 61.8% additional cost beyond the purchase price—a critical factor in evaluating investment viability. Homejourney's ABSD Stamp Duty Calculator & Guide 2025 | Homejourney provides detailed calculations for your specific property price point.
Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD): The Standard Levy
All property buyers in Singapore—citizens, residents, and foreigners—pay Buyer's Stamp Duty on residential property purchases. The BSD is calculated on a tiered basis on the higher of purchase price or market value:[2]
- 1% on the first S$180,000
- 2% on the next S$180,000
- 3% on the next S$640,000
- 4% on the next S$500,000
- 5% on the next S$1,000,000
- 6% on amounts exceeding S$2,500,000
For a S$2 million property, BSD calculation: (S$180,000 × 1%) + (S$180,000 × 2%) + (S$640,000 × 3%) + (S$500,000 × 4%) + (S$500,000 × 5%) = S$1,800 + S$3,600 + S$19,200 + S$20,000 + S$25,000 = S$69,600. This BSD is in addition to the 60% ABSD, creating cumulative tax obligations.
Annual Property Tax
After purchase, all property owners pay annual property tax to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). The tax is progressive and depends on property value and occupancy status:[2]
Owner-occupied residential properties are taxed at lower rates, while investment properties (vacant or rented out) are charged at higher progressive rates. For a S$2 million owner-occupied property, annual property tax typically ranges from S$4,000-S$6,000. For the same property rented out, tax could reach S$8,000-S$12,000 annually.
This distinction creates an important planning consideration: if you intend to rent out your property for investment income, factor in the higher annual property tax burden. Conversely, if you plan to occupy the property personally, lower annual taxes apply.
Total Cost of Ownership: Comprehensive Breakdown
| Cost Category | S$2M Property Example | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | S$2,000,000 | Base property cost |
| ABSD (60%) | S$1,200,000 | Foreign buyer tax |
| BSD | S$69,600 | Standard stamp duty |
| Legal Fees | S$2,500 | Conveyancing costs |
| Valuation Fees | S$800 | Bank valuation requirement |
| Agent Commission | S$30,000 | Typically 1.5% split between agents |
