Homejourney: Property Guide for Japan Expats in Singapore

Japan expats in Singapore can buy condominiums and apartments without restrictions but face a 60% Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) on purchases, making rentals a popular first step for relocation from Japan.

Homejourney verifies all listings to ensure a safe, trusted environment, helping Japanese in Singapore find verified properties effortlessly. This cluster guide supports our pillar Moving to Singapore from Japan: Complete Expat Guide by focusing on property specifics.Moving to Singapore from Japan: Complete Expat Guide | Homejourney

Why Japan Expats Choose Singapore Property

Singapore offers a stable economy, English-speaking environment, and proximity to Japan with direct flights under 7 hours. Many Japanese professionals relocate for finance, tech, and trading jobs in the CBD.

Unlike Japan's cooling market, Singapore's property appreciates steadily despite high costs, appealing to long-term Japan expat Singapore investors. Homejourney prioritizes user safety by providing transparent market data from official sources like URA.

Cost of living is higher than Tokyo—expect S$5,000-8,000 monthly for a family—but salaries match, with expat packages often including housing allowances.[1]

Relocating to Singapore from Japan: Visa and Essentials

Secure an Employment Pass (EP) for skilled workers earning over S$5,000 monthly, processed in 3 weeks via MOM. Japan expats often qualify due to bilateral ties.

Link to our detailed visa guide for step-by-step application.Japan to Singapore: Visa & Work Permit Guide | Homejourney Japanese firms like Mitsubishi and Sumitomo drive demand in Marina Bay.

Communities thrive in areas like Orchard Road, with Japanese schools and supermarkets. Join the Japanese Association Singapore for networking events.

Property Options for Japanese in Singapore

Foreigners cannot buy HDB flats or most landed properties without approval, but condos are fully accessible with freehold options.[1][2] ABSD is 60% on the first purchase—no remission for Japan expats—pushing average condo prices to S$900,000-S$1.6M for 2-bedrooms in central areas.[1]

Rentals suit newcomers: 2-bedroom condos cost S$4,000-7,000 monthly in prime spots. Use Homejourney's property search Property Search for verified listings tailored to Japan expats.

Popular Neighborhoods for Japan Expats

• Orchard/Tanglin: Upscale, near Japanese School (Tanglin Trust, 5-min drive). 3-bed condos rent S$6,000-10,000; buy S$3M+ at S$3,600 psf.[2]
• Central (CBD/Marina Bay): Walk to work from Shenton Way MRT (Exit A, 2 mins). Luxury like The Avenir: 2-bed S$2.3M-2.8M.[2]
• East (Tampines/Bedok): Family-friendly, near Changi Airport (20-min drive). More affordable at S$1.5M for condos, with landed options nearby.[1]
• Serangoon: Northeast gem, Japanese eateries at Nex Mall (Serangoon MRT, Exit E, 3-min walk). Booming with psf over S$2,000.[1]

Check Projects Directory for URA-approved projects. Sentosa allows landed buys with LDAU approval for owner-occupiers only.[2]

Property Buying Process for Expats

Step 1: Engage a licensed agent via Homejourney for verified options. Step 2: Pay 1% option fee, 4% buyer's stamp duty + 60% ABSD. Step 3: Legal completion at 25% TOP stage.[2]

1. View properties on Property Search filtered for expats.
2. Compare financing via Bank Rates —foreigners access 60-75% LTV mortgages if EP holders.
3. Budget maintenance: S$300-600 monthly for condos.
4. Factor property tax: 10% extra for foreigners on annual value.[1]

Insider tip: Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds; Orchard showflats open 10am-6pm.

Settling In: Practical Tips for Japanese Expats

Banking and Finances

Open DBS/POSB accounts with passport and EP (Orchard Road branch, 10-min walk from MRT). Homejourney supports JPY-SGD conversions for seamless transfers.

Healthcare and Education

Top hospitals like Mount Elizabeth (Orchard Rd, 5-min taxi). Enroll kids at Stamford Japanese School (Clementi, 25-min MRT from City Hall).

Transportation

MRT is efficient—get EZ-Link card at Changi Airport. Taxis via Grab app; COE makes cars pricey (S$100k+).

For home upkeep, book Aircon Services —essential in humid climate.

Maintaining Japan-Singapore Connections

Direct ANA/JAL flights: 6-7 hours, S$500-1,000 return. Exchange JPY at Mustafa Centre (Little India, 24/7, 1% better rates).

Join Facebook groups like "Japanese in Singapore" (10k+ members) for meetups. Reference our life guide.Homejourney: Guide to Life in Singapore for Japan Expats

Success Stories from Japan Expats

A Tokyo trader relocated to Marina Bay condo (S$5M purchase), citing career growth at DBS and family safety. Another family in Tampines loves the suburban vibe and quick Japan flights. Homejourney helped them verify deals transparently.

FAQ: Property Guide for Japan Expats in Singapore

Can Japan expats buy property in Singapore?
Yes, condos freely; landed needs approval. 60% ABSD applies.[1][2]

What's the average condo price for expats?
S$900k-S$1.6M for 2-beds; higher in Orchard (S$20k psf).[1]

Best areas for Japanese families?
Orchard/Tanglin for schools; East for affordability.[1][2]

How to finance as a foreigner?
Up to 75% LTV via banks; check Mortgage Rates .

Is renting better initially?
Yes, S$4k-7k/month allows market testing safely.

Ready to start? Search verified properties on Homejourney Property Search . Trust us for your safe relocation—feedback drives our improvements. Explore the full pillar: Moving to Singapore from Japan: Complete Expat Guide | Homejourney

References

1. Singapore Property Market Analysis 1 (2026)
2. Singapore Property Market Analysis 2 (2026)