Property Guide for Saudi Expats in Singapore | Homejourney

Property Guide for Saudi Arabia Expats in Singapore

Saudi expats in Singapore can purchase private condominiums, certain executive condominiums over 10 years old, and landed properties on Sentosa, but face a 60% Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) on purchases.[1][2][4]

This cluster article provides targeted advice on navigating Singapore's property market as a Saudi expat Singapore buyer or renter. It builds on our pillar Moving to Singapore from Saudi Arabia: Complete Expat Guide Moving to Singapore from Saudi Arabia: Complete Expat Guide by focusing on property options, costs, and practical steps for a secure relocation. Homejourney verifies listings to ensure user safety and trust in every transaction.

Why Saudi Expats Choose Singapore Property

Singapore appeals to Saudis in Singapore due to its world-class infrastructure, business hubs, and multicultural environment similar to Riyadh's modern districts. Many relocate for finance, oil & gas, or tech roles, seeking stable investments amid KSA's Vision 2030 diversification.[5][7]

Key similarities include halal food availability and prayer facilities; differences involve Singapore's tropical climate versus KSA's desert heat. Expats appreciate the 99% uptime public transport and low crime rates, making it family-friendly for those relocating to Singapore from KSA.

Property Types Available to Foreigners

Foreigners like Saudi expats cannot buy HDB public housing or most landed properties without Land Dealings Approval Unit (LDAU) permission, which is rare outside Sentosa.[1][2][3][4]

Private Condominiums: Most accessible; freehold or 99-year leasehold options in districts like Orchard or Robertson Quay. Example: Martin Modern offers 2-4 bedroom units with green spaces.[1]
Executive Condominiums (ECs): Only resale after 10-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP). Suitable for value-conscious families.[2][4]
Landed on Sentosa: Bungalows with ocean views; exclusive but high-end, starting from S$5 million+.[1][3]
Strata Landed: Limited in select condo developments.[1]

Homejourney's Property Search ">property search filters these options with verified listings, prioritizing transparency for expat buyers.

Understanding Costs: ABSD and Beyond

In 2026, ABSD for foreigners remains at 60% of purchase price or valuation—S$1.2 million on a S$2 million condo.[2] Add Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD) at progressive rates (up to 6%), legal fees (~S$4,000), and valuation (~S$2,500). Total for S$2M condo: ~S$1.27M in duties.[2]

Cost Item	S$2M Condo Example
ABSD (60%)	S$1,200,000
BSD	S$64,600
Legal/Other	S$6,500

Rentals are more affordable: 2-bedroom condo in city center ~S$5,000-8,000/month. Check Bank Rates ">bank rates on Homejourney for mortgage pre-approval; foreigners qualify up to 60-75% Loan-to-Value if employed locally.[2]

Top Neighborhoods for Saudi Expats

Popular areas balance family needs, mosques, and halal dining. Insider tip: Proximity to MRT reduces car dependency in car-ownership-capped Singapore.[3][8]

Orchard/Tanglin: Expat hub with malls, international schools (e.g., 10-min walk to Tanglin Trust). Condos like The Orchard Residences; rents S$6,000+.
Holland Village/Bukit Timah: Green, family-oriented; mosques nearby. 5-min MRT to city; condos ~S$4M purchase.
East Coast (Katong/Meyer Road): Beach vibes, halal eateries. Silversea condo offers sea views, walk to East Coast Park.[1]
Sentosa Cove: Luxury landed for high-net-worth; private marinas.

Use Homejourney's Projects Directory ">projects directory for URA-verified data on these neighborhoods.

Step-by-Step Buying Process

Shortlist & View: 2-4 weeks; tour via Homejourney agents for off-market deals.[2]
Financing Pre-Approval: Secure from local banks; check Mortgage Rates ">mortgage rates.[2]
Option to Purchase (OTP): Pay 1% fee (S$20,000 on S$2M); 14-21 days exclusivity.[2]
Due Diligence & Completion: Pay ABSD within 14 days; 8-12 weeks total.[2]
Post-Purchase: Budget for Aircon Services ">aircon servicing in humid climate.

Disclaimer: Consult professionals; rules per URA/IRAS as of 2026.[1][2]

Rental Market for New Arrivals

Ideal starter: 2-bed condo S$4,500-7,000/month in Serangoon Gardens (emerging expat spot).[3] Leases 1-2 years; agent fees 1 month's rent. Homejourney verifies landlords for safe tenancies.

Cost of living: S$5,000-10,000/month for family of 4 (rent 40%, food 20%). Lower than Riyadh for utilities/transport.[4]

Settling In: Practical Tips

Banking: Open DBS/OCBC account with EP; Homejourney supports SAR-SGD exchange.

Healthcare/Education: Top hospitals (Mount E 24/7); international schools like Overseas Family School (OFS) near expat areas.

Transport: MRT from Changi Airport (45 mins to city); EZ-Link card S$12.

Social: Join Saudi expat groups via Saudi Arabia to Singapore: Visa & Work Permit Guide | Homejourney ">visa guide; flights Riyadh-SIN ~7hrs, 3x weekly.[5]

Success Stories from Saudi Expats

A Saudi finance exec in Robertson Quay loves Rivière condo's river views and 5-min walk to halal spots. Another family in Bukit Timah praises community mosques and career growth in Singapore's hubs. These align with Homejourney users reporting seamless moves.

FAQ

What is ABSD for Saudi expats buying in Singapore?
60% of purchase price in 2026; e.g., S$1.2M on S$2M condo. Pay within 14 days.[2]

Can Saudis buy landed houses?
Only on Sentosa or with rare SLA approval; condos are unrestricted.[1][3]

Best areas for Saudi families?
Holland Village, East Coast—near mosques, schools, halal food.[3][8]

How to finance as a foreigner?
Up to 60% LTV; pre-approve via Bank Rates ">Homejourney bank rates.[2]

Rental costs for 3-bed condo?
S$6,000-12,000/month city center; search verified options on Homejourney.

Start your secure property journey with Homejourney's verified search. Explore our pillar Moving to Singapore from Saudi Arabia: Complete Expat Guide Moving to Singapore from Saudi Arabia: Complete Expat Guide for full relocation support.