Types of Properties Foreigners Can Buy in Singapore: Your 2026 Guide
Foreigners can buy private condominiums, apartments, strata-titled landed houses in approved developments, short-term leasehold landed properties (up to 7 years), and landed properties at Sentosa Cove without government approval.[1][3] HDB flats, Executive Condominiums (ECs), and most mainland landed properties like bungalows or terrace houses are restricted or prohibited.[1][3] This Homejourney cluster article details these options, linking back to our pillar guide on foreigner property ownership in Singapore for comprehensive rules, helping you navigate safely with verified insights.
Properties Foreigners Can Buy Without Approval
The majority of foreign purchases fall into approval-free categories under the Residential Property Act, administered by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA).[1][3] These offer flexibility for owner-occupancy or investment, including rental income potential.
- Private Condominiums and Apartments: Fully accessible, including freehold, 99-year leasehold, new launches, and resale units. Popular in areas like Orchard Road (e.g., The Orchard Residences) or Marina Bay (e.g., Marina Bay Residences). Average resale condo price: S$1.8M-S$3M in prime districts.[1][2]
- Strata Landed Houses in Approved Condominium Developments: Cluster houses or townhouses within URA-approved projects, like those in Upper Thomson or Bukit Timah. These mimic landed living with shared facilities.[1][3]
- Short-Term Leasehold Landed Properties: Leases not exceeding 7 years, ideal for temporary stays without long-term commitment.[3]
- Landed Properties at Sentosa Cove: Unique exception—foreigners can freely buy waterfront bungalows or cluster homes here, like Ocean Drive or Nova Collection. Prices start from S$5M+.[1][3][4]
Insider tip: For condos near MRT stations like Orchard Boulevard MRT (5-min walk to luxury units), check Property Search on Homejourney for verified listings prioritizing user safety.
Properties Requiring Government Approval
These are accessible only with Land Dealings Approval Unit (LDAU) consent, granted rarely to Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs) of at least 5 years with exceptional economic contributions, like high-taxable employment income.[1][3]
- Terrace houses, semi-detached houses, bungalows
- Vacant residential land
- Strata landed outside approved condos (e.g., standalone townhouses)
- Mainland shophouses for residential use
Approval conditions: Exclusive family use (no renting), 5-year minimum hold, no subdivision.[1] Approvals are case-by-case; even qualifying applicants often face rejection to reserve landed homes for citizens.
Properties Foreigners Cannot Buy
HDB flats and ECs (including non-privatised ones) are reserved for citizens and PRs to ensure affordable housing.[1][4] Worker dorms, serviced apartments for residential use, and commercial-residential mixes are also prohibited.
Financial Considerations: ABSD, Stamp Duties & Financing
Foreigners pay 60% Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) on the purchase price or valuation (whichever higher), flat rate for first or subsequent properties—no exemptions.[1][2][4] On a S$2M condo, that's S$1.2M due within 14 days of Option to Purchase (OTP). Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD) adds up to 6% tiered.
For foreigner mortgage Singapore or foreign buyer loan, banks offer up to 70-80% Loan-to-Value (LTV) but stricter Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) at 55%.[2] Check latest Bank Rates or Foreigner Mortgage Singapore: Complete 2026 Financing Guide | Homejourney via Homejourney. No CPF usage for foreigners.
| Property Type | Approval Required | Rental Allowed | ABSD Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Condos/Apts | No | Yes | 60% | Investment/Occupancy |
| Strata Landed (Approved) | No | Yes | 60% | Landed Lifestyle |
| Sentosa Cove Landed | No | Yes | 60% | Luxury Waterfront |
| Mainland Landed | Yes (Rare) | No | 60% | Long-term PRs |
Step-by-Step Buying Process for Foreigners
Follow these verified steps for a safe purchase, as detailed in our Step-by-Step Property Buying Process for Foreigners | Homejourney .
- Search Verified Properties: Use Homejourney's Projects and Property Search for condos in districts like D10 (Tanglin) or D15 (Siglap).
- View & Shortlist: Insider tip—visit during off-peak (weekdays 2-4pm) to avoid crowds at showflats like those in The Sail @ Marina Bay.
- Exercise OTP: Pay 1-5% deposit; lawyer handles e-stamping.
- Pay Duties: ABSD/BSD within 14 days via IRAS. Use ABSD Stamp Duty Calculator & Guide 2026 | Homejourney .
- Secure Financing: Apply for bank loan foreigner pre-approval early.
- Legal Completion: 8-12 weeks; plan for post-purchase maintenance via Aircon Services .
Common Mistakes to Avoid & Decision Framework
Avoid assuming all landed is accessible—mainland requires rare approval.[1] Don't overlook joint purchase ABSD (highest rate applies).[1] Red flag: Unverified agents promising HDB access.
Decision Framework:
- Investment? Choose rental-friendly condos (yield 3-4% in suburbs like Bedok).
- Luxury? Sentosa Cove for prestige.
- Budget under S$1.5M? Leasehold condos in D19 (Serangoon).
- Seek Homejourney verification for trust.
Disclaimer: This is general info; consult professionals for personalized advice. Rates current as of 2026 per SLA/IRAS.[1][3]
FAQ: Types of Properties Foreigners Can Buy in Singapore
Can foreigners buy HDB flats in Singapore?
No, HDB flats are reserved for citizens and PRs.[1]
What is the ABSD for foreigners buying property in Singapore?
60% flat rate on purchase price/valuation.[1][2]
Can foreigners get a property financing foreign loan in Singapore?
Yes, up to 80% LTV from local banks; see Foreign Buyer Loans in Singapore 2026: Rates, LTV & Bank Options .[2]
Are Sentosa Cove properties open to foreigners?
Yes, without approval—ideal for landed luxury.[1][3]
How does Homejourney ensure safe buying?
Through verified listings, transparent data, and user feedback focus for trusted transactions.
Ready to explore? Start your safe search on Homejourney's Property Search and link back to our pillar on foreigner property rules for the full picture. Your trusted partner for Singapore property.
