Types of Properties Foreigners Can Buy in Singapore | Homejourney
Foreigners can buy condominium units, privatised Executive Condominiums (ECs) over 10 years old, and strata landed houses in approved developments without approval, but landed properties require Land Dealings Approval Unit (LDAU) consent from the Singapore Land Authority (SLA).[1]
Homejourney prioritizes your safety by verifying property details and guiding you through transparent processes. This cluster article dives into specifics, linking back to our comprehensive Pillar Guide to Foreign Property Ownership in Singapore for the full buying journey.
Foreign Ownership Rules Under the Residential Property Act
The Residential Property Act (RPA) governs what foreigners can purchase. A "foreign person" includes non-Singapore Citizens and non-Permanent Residents (PRs). Most foreigners face Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) at 60% for residential properties as of 2026, with exceptions for US nationals under the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA).[1][2]
Key restriction: No HDB flats for foreigners. Focus on private market options. Always check Homejourney's ABSD Calculator for precise costs.
Properties Foreigners Can Buy Without Approval
- Condominium units: Most popular for foreigners. Freehold or 99-year leasehold options available. No size or location limits.[1][2]
- Apartment flats in private developments: Similar to condos, fully strata-titled.
- Strata landed houses in approved condominium developments: Townhouses or cluster houses within condo projects under the Planning Act.[1]
- Privatised Executive Condominiums (ECs): ECs over 10 years old, treated as private condos. Resale ECs after 5-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) if bought with a Singapore Citizen/PR.[2]
- Short-term leases: Up to 7 years on landed residential properties.[1]
Insider tip: Prime spots like Orchard Road condos (e.g., near Orchard MRT Exit A, 2-min walk) attract US buyers dominate Singapore market due to stable economy and FTA benefits. See our article on Why Americans Are Biggest Foreign Property Buyers.
Properties Requiring SLA Approval
Landed properties demand case-by-case approval, assessed on PR status (at least 5 years) and economic contributions like taxable income in Singapore. Processing takes about 30 working days.[1]
- Vacant residential land
- Terrace, semi-detached, bungalow/detached houses
- Strata landed not in approved condos (e.g., standalone townhouses)
- Landed at Sentosa Cove (fast-track possible)
- Shophouses (non-commercial), worker dorms, etc.
Good Class Bungalow (GCB) areas have stricter rules; properties over 15,000 sq ft often restricted. Approval odds improve for high-net-worth American top buyer Singapore investors.[2]
ABSD and Financial Implications for Foreign Buyers
Foreigners pay 60% ABSD on residential purchases (first or subsequent). US, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland nationals get Citizen rates: 0% first, 12-15% after under FTAs.[2] Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD) applies additionally (1-6% tiered).
No CPF usage for foreigners. Loan-to-Value (LTV) capped at 60%; Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) at 55%. Check Homejourney's latest bank rates for financing.
| Property Type | ABSD for Most Foreigners | US FTA Rate (First Buy) |
|---|---|---|
| Condo/EC | 60% | 0% |
| Landed (Approved) | 60% | 0% |
Example: S$2M condo = S$1.2M ABSD (most foreigners). Use Homejourney's Financing Guide for Foreign Buyers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Buying as a Foreigner
- Verify eligibility: Confirm property type via SLA guidelines.[1]
- Search safely: Use Homejourney's verified property search for condos in districts like 9/10 (Orchard/Tanglin).
- Calculate costs: ABSD/BSD via our tools; budget 70-80% extra for duties.
- Apply for approval if landed: Submit online at SLA portal; prepare income proofs.
- Secure financing: Approach banks; expect 30-60% downpayment.
- Sign Option to Purchase: 1-5% deposit. Full process: 8-12 weeks. Details in Step-by-Step Buying Process.
Post-purchase: Factor maintenance like aircon servicing via Homejourney's trusted partners.
Pros, Cons, and Decision Framework
Condo Pros: Liquidity, amenities, no approval hassle. Cons: Higher density.
Landed Pros: Privacy, space. Cons: Approval risk, higher ABSD, illiquid.
- Choose condos if seeking ease (e.g., The Marq on Paterson Hill, freehold, ~S$5,000 psf).
- Opt landed if approved (e.g., Sentosa Cove good-class, ~S$3,500 psf).[2]
Why Americans buy: Political stability, 4-6% yields, FTA perks drive USA Singapore property trend. Evaluate via yield (rental/price), location (MRT proximity), tenure.
Common Mistakes and Insider Tips
Mistake: Ignoring ABSD refunds (e.g., married to Citizen, sell first home in 6 months).[2] Tip: Engage Homejourney early for verified listings.
- Red flag: Unapproved landed sales without LDAU nod.
- Local insight: District 15 (East Coast) condos popular with US families for international schools (5-min drive).
- Avoid GCB without exceptional contributions.
Disclaimer: This is general info; consult professionals for advice. Homejourney verifies data for trust.
FAQ: Types of Properties Foreigners Can Buy in Singapore
Can foreigners buy landed property in Singapore?
Yes, with SLA approval for terrace/semi-detached/bungalows; easier at Sentosa Cove.[1]
What ABSD do US buyers pay?
0% on first residential purchase under US-SG FTA; 12% second, 15% after.[2]
Can foreigners buy resale ECs?
Yes, if over 10 years old or after 5-year MOP with Citizen/PR.[2]
Are freehold condos allowed for foreigners?
Yes, no restrictions on tenure for condos.[1][2]
How long for landed approval?
About 30 working days; apply early via SLA portal.[1]
Ready to explore types of properties foreigners can buy in Singapore? Start with Homejourney's safe property search and link back to our Pillar Guide to Foreign Property Ownership in Singapore for end-to-end support. Trust Homejourney for verified, transparent transactions.
