Types of Properties Foreigners Can Buy in Singapore | Homejourney 2026

Types of Properties Foreigners Can Buy in Singapore: A Complete 2026 Guide

Foreigners can purchase several property types in Singapore, but the rules vary significantly depending on whether you need government approval. Understanding these distinctions is crucial before you invest, as purchasing the wrong property type can delay your purchase by months or result in rejection. This guide breaks down exactly which properties you can buy without approval, which require fast-track approval, and the financial implications of each choice.

At Homejourney, we prioritize your safety and trustworthiness by providing verified, transparent information sourced directly from Singapore's regulatory authorities. Whether you're a first-time foreign buyer or an experienced investor, this guide will help you navigate Singapore's residential property landscape with confidence.

Properties Foreigners Can Buy Without Government Approval

The most straightforward path for foreign buyers involves purchasing properties that require no prior government approval. These property types offer faster transaction timelines and greater certainty during the buying process.

Private Condominiums and Apartments

Private condominiums represent the most popular choice for foreign property buyers in Singapore. You can freely purchase condominium units in multi-story buildings (typically six stories or more) without seeking approval from the Singapore Land Authority. This category includes both freehold and leasehold condominiums, offering flexibility based on your investment timeline and budget.

Private condominiums typically range from $800,000 to over $3 million depending on location, size, and amenities. Prime locations like the Central Business District, Orchard Road, and Marina Bay command premium prices, while suburban areas like Punggol and Sengkang offer more affordable options. When evaluating condominiums, consider the developer's track record, the Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST) reputation, and maintenance fee structures, which typically range from $200 to $600 monthly.

Strata Landed Houses in Approved Developments

Strata landed houses within approved condominium developments (such as cluster houses or townhouses) can be purchased without approval. These properties combine the space benefits of landed homes with the convenience of condominium living. You'll own the individual unit while sharing common facilities and maintenance responsibilities with other residents in the development.

These properties typically cost between $1.2 million and $2.5 million, offering more square footage than condominiums while maintaining lower maintenance complexity than traditional landed properties. The strata title structure means you own your unit outright but share ownership of common areas.

Short-Term Leasehold Landed Properties

Foreigners can purchase a leasehold estate in landed residential property for a term not exceeding seven years, including any further terms granted through renewal options. This option suits investors seeking shorter-term exposure to Singapore's property market or those testing the market before committing to larger investments.

These properties are relatively rare in Singapore's primary market but occasionally appear in the resale market. The short lease term means you must plan your exit strategy carefully, as the property value will decline as the lease approaches expiration.

Properties Requiring Government Approval

Purchasing landed residential properties in Singapore requires approval from the Singapore Land Authority's Land Dealings Approval Unit. While this process takes longer (typically 4-8 weeks), it opens access to Singapore's most prestigious residential areas.

Landed Property Types Requiring Approval

The following landed property categories require formal approval:

Terrace houses
Semi-detached houses
Bungalows and detached houses
Strata landed houses outside approved condominium developments (townhouses, cluster houses)
Landed properties at Sentosa Cove (fast-track approval available)
Vacant residential land
Shophouses for non-commercial residential use

Landed properties in Singapore command premium prices due to scarcity and land value. A typical terrace house in mature estates like Bukit Timah or Holland Road ranges from $2.5 million to $5 million, while bungalows in prime locations can exceed $8 million. Sentosa Cove properties, Singapore's most exclusive residential enclave, typically start at $4 million and often exceed $10 million.

Approval Criteria for Landed Properties

The Singapore Land Authority assesses each application individually, considering two primary factors:

Permanent Residency Status: You must have held Singapore PR status for at least five years before applying.
Economic Contribution: You must demonstrate exceptional economic contribution to Singapore, assessed primarily through your employment income assessable for tax in Singapore.

The "exceptional contribution" criterion is deliberately flexible, allowing the authorities to consider your overall profile. High-earning professionals, business owners with significant Singapore operations, and investors with substantial local investments typically meet this threshold. The Land Authority reviews your tax returns, employment contracts, and business documentation to assess your contribution level.

Additionally, residential properties cannot exceed 15,000 square feet, and purchases within good class bungalow areas face stricter assessment criteria. These restrictions preserve Singapore's landed property market for genuine residents rather than speculative investors.

Sentosa Cove: Fast-Track Approval

Sentosa Cove offers a streamlined approval process for foreign buyers, with applications typically approved within 2-4 weeks. This exclusive waterfront enclave features luxury villas and townhouses with private beach access, world-class amenities, and a gated community environment. Properties here represent Singapore's most prestigious residential addresses, with prices reflecting their exclusivity and location advantages.

Conditions Imposed on Approved Properties

When the Land Authority approves your landed property purchase, approval comes with strict conditions you must observe throughout your ownership period:

Five-Year Minimum Holding Period

You cannot sell the property within five years from the legal completion date. For properties under construction, this five-year period begins from the Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) or Certificate of Statutory Completion (CSC) issuance, whichever comes first. This condition ensures foreign buyers acquire properties for genuine residential use rather than short-term speculation.

The five-year holding period significantly impacts your investment strategy. You must be confident in your long-term commitment to Singapore before purchasing approved landed properties. If your circumstances change within this period, you cannot sell without facing potential legal consequences.

Exclusive Residential Use Requirement

Approved properties must be used solely as a dwelling for you and your immediate family. Renting out the property is strictly prohibited. This restriction fundamentally differs from private condominiums, where rental income is permitted. If you're considering property investment for rental returns, approved landed properties are unsuitable.

No Subdivision Without Approval

You cannot subdivide the property without obtaining further approval from the authorities. This prevents foreign owners from fragmenting Singapore's limited landed property supply.

ABSD Rates: Understanding the Tax Impact

The Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) represents a significant cost for foreign property purchases. Understanding current rates and exemptions is essential for accurate financial planning.

Standard ABSD Rate for Foreigners

As of 2026, foreigners pay a flat 60% ABSD rate on any residential property purchase, regardless of whether it's your first, second, or subsequent property. This represents a substantial increase from the 30% rate that applied between December 2021 and April 2023, reflecting Singapore's policy to moderate foreign demand for residential properties.

ABSD is calculated on the higher of the purchase price or market value, just like the Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD) for citizens. For a $1.5 million property, the ABSD would be $900,000—a significant cost that must be paid within 14 days of executing the purchase document. Importantly, ABSD cannot be paid using Central Provident Fund (CPF) savings, unlike BSD for citizens.