Singapore vs Taipei Property Investment for Taiwanese Buyers: The 2026 Definitive Guide
This comprehensive pillar guide from Homejourney compares Singapore vs Taipei property investment opportunities for Taiwanese buyers, highlighting why Singapore's stability, higher yields, and tax advantages often outperform Taipei's overvalued market. Drawing from official URA, HDB, and market data as of 2026, we provide Taiwanese investors with verified insights, cost breakdowns, and actionable strategies to make confident, safe decisions in a trusted environment.
Homejourney prioritizes your safety through transparent data verification and customer feedback-driven tools, positioning us as the go-to platform for Taiwan investor comparison in property investment Taiwan SG.
Table of Contents
- Executive Summary
- Why Taiwanese Investors Target Singapore Over Taipei
- Singapore vs Taipei Market Overview 2026
- Regulatory Framework for Taiwanese Buyers
- Eligible Property Types in Singapore
- ABSD, BSD & Full Costs Breakdown 2026
- Financing Options for Taiwanese Buyers
- Top Districts & 2026 Market Forecast
- Rental Yields, ROI & Investment Strategies
- Step-by-Step Buying Process
- Common Pitfalls & Insider Tips
- Decision-Making Framework: Singapore vs Taipei
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Next Steps with Homejourney
Executive Summary
Taiwanese property investment in Singapore is surging in 2026 due to Taipei's overvalued market (average NTD 20M+ per unit, 1.5% yields) versus Singapore's stable 3-5% rental yields, no capital gains tax, and political security amid Taiwan Strait tensions[1][3]. Despite 60% ABSD, savvy Taiwanese buyers achieve 6.75% total ROI on condos in districts like Bukit Timah (S$2,200-S$3,000 psf)[1].
Homejourney's verified data shows 15% YoY increase in Taiwanese inquiries, favoring freehold condos for family relocation or diversification from NT$40M+ portfolios[1]. This guide equips you with official regulations, cost tables, and insider tips for safe Singapore vs Taipei property decisions.
Why Taiwanese Investors Target Singapore Over Taipei
Singapore attracts Taiwanese nationals (ROC passport holders) as a safe haven, offering higher rental demand from 1.5M foreigners and yields above Taipei's 2%[1][3]. Unlike Taiwan's 20-45% capital gains tax, Singapore imposes none, maximizing profits[1].
Taipei's market faces low appreciation prospects and mainland China buyer slowdowns, making it Asia's most overvalued with price-to-income ratios detached from reality[3][8]. Singapore's top financial hub status, land scarcity, and 4% steady yields provide superior returns[1][3].
Insider tip from Homejourney: Taiwanese families prioritize D10 Bukit Timah condos, just 5 minutes walk from King Albert Park MRT (Exit A), for international schools and serenity—perfect for relocation[1].
Singapore vs Taipei Market Overview 2026
Singapore's private residential market anticipates a balanced 2026 with suburban launches and rising completions, forecasting +5% price growth and steady 4% yields despite cooling measures[1][5][7]. Taipei office rents may rise in premium assets, but residential yields remain at 1.5-2%, below inflation[3][6].
Key Comparison Table: Price to Rent Ratio (Lower is Better for Buyers)
| Metric | Taipei (NT$/S$ equiv.)[2][3] | Singapore[1][2] | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed City Centre Rent (Monthly) | NT$22,064 (S$900) | S$3,918 (NT$96,038) | Singapore (Higher Rent=Better Yield) |
| psf City Centre Buy Price | NT$40,560 (S$1,654) | S$2,747 (NT$67,354) | Taipei (Cheaper Entry) |
| Avg Salary (Monthly Net) | NT$55,064 (S$2,246) | S$5,350 (NT$131,144) | Singapore |
| Mortgage Rate (20Y Fixed) | 2.10% | 3.27% | Taipei |
Data shows Singapore offers better investment metrics despite higher entry costs[2]. Homejourney verifies these for accuracy.
Regulatory Framework for Taiwanese Buyers
Taiwanese (ROC nationals) can buy private properties without restrictions, but HDB flats require PR status via GIP (S$2.5M business investment)[1]. ABSD at 60% applies to all foreigner purchases from first property[1].
No CPF access; full cash or loans required. SSD (Seller's Stamp Duty) at 12%/8%/4% for sales within 4 years (post-Jul 2025)[1]. Reference Types of Properties Foreigners Can Buy in Singapore | Homejourney for details.
Eligible Property Types in Singapore
80% of Taiwanese opt for condos: freehold/99-year leasehold apartments, mixed-use (60% residential), and landed properties with SLA approval (5-year hold, no rental)[1].
- Condos: Most popular, e.g., freehold in D10 Bukit Timah.
- Landed: Rare, needs approval; ideal for high-net-worth.
- Executive Condos (EC): After MOP (5 years), foreigners eligible.
Use Homejourney's projects directory for verified listings.
ABSD, BSD & Full Costs Breakdown 2026
ABSD: 60% flat on purchase price (e.g., S$1.2M on S$2M condo)[1]. BSD: 1-6% tiered. Property tax: 12-36% of annual value for investors[1].
Costs Table for S$2M Condo Purchase (Taiwanese Buyer)
| Cost Item | Amount (S$) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ABSD (60%) | 1,200,000 | Non-remittable[1] |
| BSD (Avg 4%) | 80,000 | Tiered[1] |
| Legal/Stamp Fees | 10,000 | Est. |
| Total Upfront (excl. purchase) | 1,290,000 | ~65% of price |
Use Homejourney's ABSD Stamp Duty Calculator & Guide | Homejourney 2026 for instant verification.
Financing Options for Taiwanese Buyers
Max LTV 75% for first property (no prior loans), dropping to 45%/35%; 5% min cash down, rest unsecured at 3.5-4.5% fixed[1]. Taiwan banks like CTBC offer cross-border at 4%[1].
Disclaimer: Homejourney provides information only; consult licensed advisors. See Financing Options for Foreign Buyers in Singapore | Homejourney and bank rates.
Top Districts & 2026 Market Forecast
Forecast: +5% prices, 4% yields[1]. Top picks for Taiwanese:
- D10 Bukit Timah: S$2,800 psf, 4.8% yield, 10-min to NEX MRT.
- D15 Siglap: S$2,200 psf, beach access, 4.2% yield.
- D19 Serangoon: S$1,800 psf, new launches like Trevose[1].
Search verified options on Homejourney's property search.
Rental Yields, ROI & Investment Strategies
Singapore: 3-5% yields vs Taipei's 1.5%[1][3]. Original insight: S$2M condo + S$1.2M ABSD = S$3.2M invest; S$96K rent - S$40K costs = 1.75% cash-on-cash + 5% apprec = 6.75% total ROI[1].
Strategies: Pair with REITs; GIP for PR (S$2.5M business)[1]. Taiwan remittance: US$5M/year, BOT easy[1].
Step-by-Step Buying Process
Follow this verified process:
- Verify eligibility via Homejourney tools.
- Search properties on Homejourney property search.
- Calculate costs with ABSD tool.
- Secure financing/pre-approval.
- Submit Option to Purchase (OTP).
- Pay ABSD/BSD at completion.
- 10-week timeline typical[1].
Full guide: Step-by-Step Property Buying Process for Foreigners | Homejourney.
Common Pitfalls & Insider Tips
Pitfalls: Underestimating ABSD (60%), SSD resale penalties, high maintenance (S$5K/year)[1]. Red flags: Unverified yields, agent pressure.
- Tip: Budget for aircon servicing via Homejourney aircon services.
- Local insight: D10 condos near Cold Storage (3-min walk) for family convenience[1].
