Types of Properties Foreigners Can Buy in Singapore: Homejourney's 2025 Guide
Foreigners, including China nationals and PRC buyers, can purchase private condominiums, apartments, commercial properties, and fully privatized Executive Condominiums (ECs over 10 years old) in Singapore without prior approval. Landed properties require rare Singapore Land Authority (SLA) approval. This cluster article details these options, linking to our pillar Complete Guide to Foreign Property Ownership in Singapore for comprehensive insights.
Homejourney prioritizes your safety by verifying property data and providing transparent guidance, helping Chinese citizens and other mainland Chinese Singapore property seekers make confident decisions in a trusted environment.
Why Understanding Property Types Matters for Foreign Buyers
Singapore's property market remains attractive in 2025 due to stability and global appeal, but restrictions protect local homeownership. Foreigners face 60% Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) on residential purchases, making commercial options tax-efficient. Knowing eligible types of properties foreigners can buy in Singapore avoids costly mistakes—essential for investors eyeing areas like Orchard Road or Sentosa Cove.
Insider tip: Check Projects Directory for real-time project data on foreigner-friendly condos in prime districts like D09 (Orchard) or D15 (East Coast), where units start at S$2-3 million.
Properties Foreigners Can Buy Without Approval
Under the Residential Property Act (RPA), enforced by SLA, certain properties are open to all foreigners.
- Private Condominiums and Apartments: Most popular choice. No approval needed for units in developments with 6+ stories. Examples: The Sail @ Marina Bay (D01) or Ardmore Park (D10). Foreigners bought 15% of new private homes in 2024.
- Strata Landed Houses in Approved Condos: Cluster houses or townhouses within condo enclaves, like those in Normanton Park. No RPA restrictions if part of approved developments.
- Commercial and Industrial Properties: Fully unrestricted and ABSD-exempt. Ideal for PRC buyer Singapore investors—retail shophouses in Bugis or industrial spaces in Jurong. Yields average 4-6%.
- Leasehold Landed (≤7 Years): Short-term leases only, rare for residential use.
Table: Quick Comparison of No-Approval Properties
| Property Type | ABSD Applies? | Example Location | Avg. Price (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Condo/Apartment | Yes (60%) | Tanjong Pagar MRT (Exit A, 5-min walk) | S$2.5M |
| Strata Landed | Yes (60%) | Holland Village | S$4M+ |
| Commercial | No | Chinatown (3-min from MRT) | S$3M |
Properties Requiring SLA Approval (Landed Residential)
Landed properties like bungalows, semi-detached, or terrace houses on mainland need LDAU approval. Criteria: Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) for 5+ years plus exceptional economic contribution (e.g., high-taxable income). Approval rate <10%; 5-year hold required post-approval. Sentosa Cove landed is similarly restricted.
Exception: Non-SPR foreigners rarely qualify. See SLA guidelines for details[4].
HDB Flats and Executive Condominiums: Restricted for Foreigners
HDB flats are off-limits except as essential occupier with Singaporean spouse (no ownership). New/young ECs (under 5 years): Ineligible. Resale ECs (5-10 years): SPR-only. Fully privatized ECs (>10 years TOP): Treated as condos, fully open[3].
Example: Punggol ECs privatized in 2025 now list at S$1.8M, accessible via Property Search .
Key Taxes and Costs (2025 Rates)
All residential buys incur Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD): 1-6% tiered (e.g., 4% on S$1M+). Foreigners add 60% ABSD—S$1.2M on S$2M condo. No ABSD on commercial. Use ABSD Stamp Duty Calculator & Guide 2025 | Homejourney for calculations.
- Check eligibility via SLA portal.
- Budget ABSD/BSD: Factor 65%+ extra on residential.
- Financing: Max 50-60% LTV; see Bank Rates or Mortgage Rates . No CPF for foreigners.
Hidden cost: Property tax 12-36% of annual value for non-owner-occupied.
Actionable Steps for Foreign Buyers
1. Verify property type on URA Master Plan.
2. Use Foreign Buyer Property Due Diligence Checklist Singapore | Homejourney checklist.
3. For China nationals: Explore ABSD strategies in Complete Guide for China PRC Nationals Buying Property in Singapore | Homejourne... or How Chinese Nationals Can Legally Reduce ABSD in Singapore | Homejourney 2025 Gu... .
4. Search verified listings on Property Search .
5. Engage lawyer; timeline: 8-12 weeks to completion.
Pro tip: Visit sites like Wallich Residence (MRT 2-min walk) for luxury condos—Homejourney verifies titles for safety.
Common Mistakes and How Homejourney Helps
Avoid assuming all landed is buyable—many PRC buyers overlook SLA rules. Don't skip due diligence; use our Step-by-Step Property Buying Process for Foreigners | Homejourney Guide . Homejourney's transparency builds trust, listening to user feedback for verified data.
Disclaimer: This is general info; consult professionals for advice. Rates per IRAS/SLA 2025[1][2][4].
FAQ: Types of Properties Foreigners Can Buy in Singapore
Can China nationals buy condos in Singapore?
Yes, without approval, but 60% ABSD applies. See Complete Guide for China PRC Nationals Buying Property in Singapore | Homejourne... .
What commercial properties can PRC buyers purchase?
All types, ABSD-free—shophouses, offices. Ideal for investment.
Are privatized ECs open to foreigners?
Yes, after 10 years TOP; treated as private condos.
Can foreigners buy landed without SPR status?
Rarely; needs exceptional contribution and approval[4].
How to start buying?
Search Property Search , check Projects , calculate duties.
Ready to explore types of properties foreigners can buy in Singapore? Start safely with Homejourney's verified tools and link back to our pillar guide for the full overview. Contact us for personalized support prioritizing your security.
