Property Guide for Hong Kong Expats in Singapore: Your Safe Path to Homeownership
Homejourney's Property Guide for Hong Kong Expats in Singapore equips HK expats with verified insights on buying, renting, and settling into Singapore's property market. As a platform prioritizing user safety and trust, Homejourney verifies listings and offers transparent guidance to help you relocate confidently from Hong Kong to Singapore.
This cluster article focuses on property essentials for HK expat Singapore buyers, linking back to our comprehensive Pillar Guide to Expat Property in Singapore for deeper strategies. With current 2025 market data, discover actionable steps tailored for your move.
Why Hong Kong Expats Choose Singapore Property
Singapore offers HK expats a stable economy, English-speaking environment, and world-class infrastructure—similar to Hong Kong yet with more green spaces and family-friendly vibes. Many relocate for finance jobs in Raffles Place or tech roles in one-north, drawn by Singapore's 2-3 hour direct flights from HKG.
Cost of living is comparable: a 2-bedroom condo rents for SGD 5,000-8,000 monthly in central areas, versus HK's higher density. Homejourney's verified data shows 7,000-8,000 new private homes expected in 2025, moderating prices while offering quality options.[4]
Relocating to Singapore: Visa and Employment Basics
HK expats qualify for Employment Pass (EP) if earning over SGD 5,000 monthly in skilled roles—finance and tech sectors lead with opportunities at DBS or Grab. Processing takes 3-8 weeks via MOM.gov.sg. For families, Dependant's Passes follow approval.
Link to our detailed guide: Hong Kong to Singapore: Visa & Work Permit Guide | Homejourney . Homejourney streamlines your search with safety-verified agent matches.
Property Types Foreigners Can Buy in Singapore
Foreigners, including HK expats, can purchase most condominiums, strata-titled landed houses, Sentosa landed properties, and Executive Condominiums (ECs) over 10 years old.[1][2] HDB flats are restricted to citizens and PRs.
- Condos: 99-year leasehold or freehold, with amenities like pools and gyms.
- Landed on Sentosa: Exclusive bungalows with private pools, foreigner-approved.
- Strata Landed: Cluster houses in select developments, e.g., Normanton Park (citizen-restricted villas excluded).[1]
Avoid non-strata landed elsewhere without SLA approval, rare for non-PR foreigners.[2] Use Homejourney's Property Search for real-time listings.
Taxes and Costs: ABSD for HK Expats
All buyers pay Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD): 1% on first SGD 180,000, up to 4% above SGD 1.5M. Foreigners add Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) at 20% for first property (non-SPR), 15% for PR second homes.[1]
Example: SGD 2M condo incurs ~SGD 136,000 BSD + SGD 400,000 ABSD = SGD 536,000 total duty. No ABSD exemptions for HK nationals. Factor legal fees (1-2%) and check Bank Rates for mortgages—foreigners access up to 60-80% LTV.[1]
Popular Neighborhoods for HK Expats
HK expats favor these expat-friendly areas with condos and rentals:[3][6]
- Orchard/Tanglin: Luxury condos like The Orchard Residences (2BR ~SGD 6M), Tanglin Mall 5-min walk, Novena MRT Exit A (8-min walk).
- Holland Village: Family condos (e.g., One Holland Village), Chip Bee Gardens dining, Holland Village MRT (2-min walk).
- Robertson Quay: Riverside condos like Martin Modern (near sold-out, lush designs) or Rivière (river views).[1]
- Sentosa/Keppel Bay: The Coast (waterfront) or Reef at King's Dock (floating pool).[1]
- Bukit Timah: Semi-detached homes for privacy, near intl schools.
Rentals average SGD 4-12/sqft; explore Projects Directory for 2025 launches.
Rental Market Overview for New Arrivals
Most HK expats start renting: 80% housing is HDB (ineligible), so target condos/serviced apartments.[3] 2BR in Novena: SGD 5,500-7,000/month. Sign 1-2 year leases via agents; view 5 factors—location, size, amenities, lease term, agent fees (half-month).[3]
Homejourney verifies rentals for safety, linking to Property Search .
Practical Settling-In Guide
- Banking: Open DBS/POSB account at Changi Airport branch (passport + EP). HKD-SGD exchange via Homejourney tools.
- Healthcare: Public (SingHealth) or private (Mount E/Novena—5-min taxi from Tanglin). Buy expat insurance.
- Education: UES for intl schools like Tanglin Trust (Bukit Timah, waitlists 1-2 years).
- Transport: MRT (Orchard to CBD 10-min), Grab rides SGD 10-20. LTA.gov.sg for passes.
Insider tip: Register for SingPass online within week 1 for govt services. For maintenance, book Aircon Services post-move.
Maintaining HK Connections
Direct Cathay/Scoot flights HKG-SIN: 10/day, 3.5 hours, from SGD 200 return. Join HK Singapore Business Association events or Facebook groups for networking. Homejourney supports multi-currency for seamless finances.
Success Stories: HK Expats Thriving in Singapore
Finance pro Sarah from HK bought a Robertson Quay condo post-EP, citing "spacious vs. HK shoebox flats." Tech couple in Holland Village rents while eyeing EC resale, loving green spaces. Read more in Life in Singapore for Hong Kong Expats: Homejourney Guide and Moving to Singapore from Hong Kong: Homejourney’s Safe Expat Guide .
FAQ: Property Guide for Hong Kong Expats in Singapore
Can HK expats buy property in Singapore?
Yes, condos, Sentosa landed, and old ECs, but 20% ABSD applies.[1]
What's the best neighborhood for HK expats?
Orchard, Holland Village, or Robertson Quay for convenience and community.[3]
How much to rent a 2BR condo?
SGD 5,000-8,000/month in expat areas; use Property Search .
ABSD rate for foreigners?
20% on first property for non-PR HK expats.[1]
Visa for HK professionals?
Employment Pass if salary >SGD 5,000; see Hong Kong to Singapore: Visa & Work Permit Guide | Homejourney .
Ready to start? Search verified properties on Homejourney's Property Search or consult our pillar guide for full expat strategies. Your safe Singapore journey begins here—prioritizing trust every step.
