Homejourney's 2026 Guide: Foreigners Buying Property in Singapore

Executive Summary: Your Trusted Roadmap to Singapore Property Ownership in 2026

Foreigners can buy most private condominiums in Singapore without restrictions, but face a 60% Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) and limits on landed properties.[1][2][3] This comprehensive foreigner buy property Singapore guide from Homejourney equips you with 2026 regulations, costs, steps, and insider tips for confident decisions in a safe, trusted environment.

Homejourney prioritizes your security through verified data and transparency, helping thousands navigate Singapore's market. Whether investing or relocating, master eligibility, financing, and pitfalls here.

What Properties Can Foreigners Buy in 2026?
Detailed Property Types and Restrictions
Stamp Duties: ABSD, BSD and Calculations
Financing Options for Foreign Buyers
Step-by-Step Buying Process
Full Costs Breakdown with 2026 Examples
Best Districts for Foreign Buyers
8 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Investment Strategies and Yield Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Next Steps with Homejourney

What Properties Can Foreigners Buy in Singapore 2026?

Foreigners without Permanent Residency (PR) can purchase non-landed private residential properties like condominiums, apartments, and certain Executive Condominiums (ECs) over 10 years old.[1][2][5][6] HDB flats are strictly off-limits to non-citizens and non-PRs.[3][5]

Landed properties (bungalows, semi-detached, terrace houses) require rare approval from the Land Dealings Approval Unit (LDAU) under the Residential Property Act, typically only for Sentosa Cove or exceptional economic contributors.[1][4][6] Strata-titled landed houses in approved condo developments are permitted.[2]

Key Rule: No limit on the number of condos you can buy, making Singapore attractive for investors.[4][5] Always verify with URA for latest zoning.

Quick Eligibility Table

Property Type	Foreigners Eligible?	Notes
Private Condos/Apartments	Yes	Freehold or leasehold, new or resale[1][2]
ECs >10 Years Old	Yes	After MOP[2][5]
HDB Flats	No	Citizens/PRs only[3][5]
Landed (Mainland)	Case-by-Case	LDAU approval needed[1][4]
Sentosa Cove Landed	Yes	Special zone[6]

This table summarizes URA guidelines; use Homejourney's Projects Directory ">projects directory for verified listings.[1]

Detailed Property Types for Foreign Buyers

Buy condo foreigner options dominate: from luxury freeholds in Orchard (S$2,500-$4,000 psf) to value leaseholds in District 19 (S$1,800 psf).[1] Freehold condos offer perpetual ownership, ideal for long-term holds.

ECs post-10-year MOP trade like condos but at lower entry (S$1,200-$1,800 psf). Strata landed in condo enclaves like Normanton Park provide house-like space with condo facilities, but check approvals.[2]

Insider tip: Prioritize developments with strong Management Corporations (MCSTs). Review sinking funds via Homejourney's verified reports to avoid surprise levies.

Freehold vs Leasehold Comparison

Aspect	Freehold	Leasehold (99 years)
Ownership	Perpetual	Lease depletes
Price Premium	20-30% higher	More affordable entry[1]
Resale Value	Stronger long-term	Drops near tail-end
Best For	Investors/Heirs	Short-medium term

Stamp Duties: ABSD at 60% in 2026

Foreign individuals pay 60% ABSD on residential purchases, unchanged from 2023.[1] Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD) is tiered: 1-6% based on price.

Example: S$2M condo = S$1.2M ABSD + S$102,000 BSD = S$1.302M total duty (65% of price).[1] Payable within 14 days of Option to Purchase (OTP) exercise. Use Homejourney's ABSD Stamp Duty Calculator & Guide 2026 | Homejourney ">ABSD calculator for precise figures.

Joint purchases with Singaporeans may qualify for lower ABSD (5-30%), but verify eligibility. Remissions rare for foreigners.

2026 Stamp Duty Rates Table

Portion of Price	ABSD (Foreigners)	BSD (All)
First S$180K	60%	1%
Next S$180K	60%	2%
S$360K - S$1M	60%	3%
S$1M - S$1.5M	60%	4%
S$1.5M - S$3M	60%	5%
Above S$3M	60%	6%

Rates per IRAS; calculate total via Homejourney tools for safety.

Financing for Foreign Buyers: LTV and TDSR Limits

Foreigners get up to 70% Loan-to-Value (LTV) on first property, 50% on subsequent.[1] Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) caps at 55% of gross income.

Banks assess based on Singapore/global income, requiring 6-12 months bank statements. Rates hover 3-4% fixed for 2-3 years. Explore options via Homejourney's Bank Rates ">bank rates and Foreign Buyer Loans in Singapore 2026: Rates, LTV & Bank Options ">foreign buyer loans guide.

Downpayment: 25-30% cash (post-ABSD). Pre-approve before OTP to avoid valuation gaps.

Step-by-Step Buying Process for Foreigners

Follow this verified 8-12 week timeline:

Shortlist: Use Property Search ">Homejourney search for verified condos (2-4 weeks).[1]
Pre-approve Loan: Secure In-Principle Approval (IPA).
OTP: Pay 1% option fee for 14-21 days exclusivity (S$20K on S$2M).[1]
Due Diligence: Lawyer reviews title, MCST (1 week).
Exercise OTP: Pay 4% + sign Sale & Purchase Agreement (S&P).
Valuation & Loan: Bank valuer confirms; formal offer (1-2 weeks).
Stamp Duties: Pay ABSD/BSD within 14 days.
Completion: Pay balance, collect keys (8-12 weeks total).

Detail in Step-by-Step Property Buying Process for Foreigners | Homejourney ">step-by-step guide. Homejourney verifies sellers for trust.

Full Costs Breakdown: S$2M Condo Example

Total outlay ~S$1.7M upfront (85% of price post-finance).

ABSD: S$1.2M (60%)[1]
BSD: S$102K
OTP + Exercise: S$100K (5%)
Lawyer/Valuation: S$5-10K
Cash Downpayment: S$300K (15% post-LTV)
Agent Fee: 1-2% if buyer pays

Annual: Property tax 12-36% of ARV, maintenance S$400-800/month. Model via Homejourney for accuracy.

Best Districts for Foreign Buyers 2026

D19 (Serangoon NEX, Kovan MRT): S$1,800 psf, family-friendly, 10-min walk to schools.[1]

D10 (Bukit Timah): S$2,800 psf, expat hub near Cold Storage, Holland Village.

Sentosa Cove: Luxury landed, yacht access, but 60% ABSD applies.

Trend: Districts 15-19 rising 5-8% YoY for value. Check Projects ">projects for data.

8 Common Mistakes Foreign Buyers Make

Underestimating ABSD liquidity needs.[1]
Skipping pre-approval, losing OTP.
Ignoring lease decay in 99-year condos.
Not reviewing MCST finances (e.g., low sinking funds).
Currency risk: SGD appreciation squeezes USD earners.
Overlooking TDSR with home-country debts.
Buying without local lawyer.
Forgetting post-purchase maintenance; see Aircon Services ">aircon services.

Investment Strategies: Yields and 2026 Outlook

Gross yields 3-4% in prime areas (S$8K/month rent on S$2.5M condo).[6] Hold 5-10 years for 4-6% CAGR. 2026 forecast: Cooling measures persist, but shortage supports prices.

Tip: Target new launches via Homejourney for first-mover advantage. Diversify with REITs if ABSD deters.

Disclaimer: Not financial advice; consult professionals. Rates per MAS/URA as of 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions: Foreigner Property Singapore

Can foreigners buy property in Singapore?

Yes, mainly condos and ECs >10 years; no HDB or most landed.[1][2][3]

What is ABSD for foreign buyers Singapore 2026?

60% of purchase price.[1]

Buy condo foreigner: How much downpayment?

25-30% cash after duties.[1][7]

Do foreigners pay higher property tax?

Yes, up to 36% of Annual Rental Value vs 16% for owner-occupiers.

How long to complete purchase?

8-12 weeks from OTP.[1]

Can I use CPF as foreigner?

No, CPF for citizens/PRs only.

Best banks for foreigner mortgage Singapore?

DBS, OCBC, UOB; compare via Mortgage Rates ">Homejourney rates.

Next Steps: Start Your Safe Journey with Homejourney

1. Search verified properties on Property Search ">Homejourney.
2. Calculate costs with our ABSD tool.
3. Get free financing insights.
4. Connect with trusted agents prioritizing your safety.

Homejourney builds trust through verified listings, real-time data, and user feedback. Begin your Singapore property foreigner guide today—secure, transparent, yours.