Types of Properties Foreigners Can Buy in Singapore | Homejourney
Foreigners can buy private condominiums, privatised executive condominiums (ECs over 10 years old), resale ECs after 5-year MOP, strata-landed homes, and landed properties in Sentosa Cove without prior approval, while other landed properties require Land Dealings Approval Unit (LDAU) permission.[1][3]
This cluster article dives deep into these options for types of properties foreigners can buy in Singapore, especially relevant for Taiwanese buyers, Taiwan citizens, and ROC nationals seeking safe investments. It connects to our pillar guide on Singapore property buying for foreigners, offering tactical steps verified by Homejourney's transparency standards.
Why Foreigners Choose Singapore Property in 2025
Singapore's stable economy and world-class infrastructure attract foreign investors like Taiwanese buyers looking for secure assets. In 2025, private home prices rose 5-7% amid cooling measures, per official data, making verified purchases essential.[1]
Homejourney prioritizes user safety by verifying listings on our Property Search tool, helping Taiwan buy Singapore property decisions without risks. Common for Taiwan citizens: condos in prime areas like Orchard or Marina Bay.
Regulations under the Residential Property Act (RPA) restrict HDB flats to citizens/PRs but open private market options. Always check LDAU for landed buys to avoid delays.
Properties Foreigners Can Buy Without Approval
Most accessible: private condominiums and apartments. Foreigners, including ROC nationals, freely purchase freehold or 99-year leasehold units in approved developments.[1][3]
- Examples: The Sail @ Marina Bay (freehold, ~S$2,500 psf) or upcoming projects in Tengah—search via Homejourney's Projects Directory .
- Pros: No approval needed; high liquidity; amenities like pools, gyms.
- Insider tip: Taiwanese buyers prefer condos near MRT Exit A (e.g., 5-min walk from Promenade MRT) for connectivity.
Next, privatised ECs (over 10 years old) and resale ECs post-5-year MOP. These hybrid public-private homes become fully private, eligible for all foreigners.[1]
- Real example: Esparina in Sengkang (privatised EC, ~S$1,800 psf resale)—family-friendly with direct HDB access.
Strata-Landed Homes
These cluster houses within condo developments (e.g., townhouses) qualify without approval if under Planning Act.[1]
Pros: Landed feel with condo facilities. Cons: Higher entry (~S$3M+). Homejourney verifies strata status for safe buys.
Landed Properties: Approval Required
Sentosa Cove landed properties get fast-track LDAU approval—foreigners' hotspot for luxury Good Class Bungalows (GCBs) and cluster homes (~S$10M+).[1]
- Why popular for Taiwanese buyer Singapore: Resorts-style living, 10-min drive to CBD.
- Process: Submit via LDAU portal; approval in 1-3 months if economically beneficial.
Other landed (terrace, semi-D, bungalows) need full LDAU nod. Criteria: 5+ years PR, exceptional contributions (e.g., high taxable income), no GCBs over 15,000 sq ft without extra scrutiny.[1][3]
Foreign companies limited to 15% portfolio via Global Investor Programme—seek Homejourney advisors.
Financial Rules: ABSD and Loans for Foreigners
All foreigners pay Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD): 60% on first purchase (2025 rates), 65% on second+.[1] FTA nationals (US, Iceland, etc.) get SC rates: 0% first, 12-15% subsequent.[1]
Taiwan citizens face full ABSD—no FTA remission. Use Homejourney's ABSD Stamp Duty Calculator & Guide 2025 | Homejourney for calculations.
Loans: 55% LTV max for foreigners; TDSR caps debt at 55% income. Check Bank Rates or Mortgage Rates for rates. No CPF for foreigners.
| Property Type | Approval Needed? | ABSD (First Buy) | Avg Price (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Condo | No | 60% | S$1.8-3M |
| Resale EC (>10yrs) | No | 60% | S$1.2-2M |
| Sentosa Cove Landed | Fast-track | 60% | S$8-20M |
| Other Landed | Yes | 60% | S$5M+ |
Step-by-Step Buying Process for Foreigners
- Verify eligibility: Use Homejourney's Property Search for compliant listings.
- Calculate costs: BSD + 60% ABSD; lawyer fees ~S$3K. See Financing Options for Foreign Buyers in Singapore | Homejourney .
- Submit Option to Purchase (OTP): 1-2% deposit; 21-day exercise period.
- LDAU approval (if landed): 1-3 months; docs: passport, income proof.
- Financing: Bank loan post-valuation; see Homejourney: Guide to Step-by-Step Property Buying Process for Foreigners .
- Completion: 8-12 weeks; post-purchase maintenance via Aircon Services .
Timeline: 3-6 months total. Disclaimer: This is general info; consult lawyers for personalized advice. Homejourney verifies data for trust.
Common Mistakes Taiwanese Buyers Make
Taiwan buy Singapore property seekers often overlook ABSD refunds (none for singles) or buy non-privatised ECs. Real case: A ROC national lost S$100K deposit on unapproved landed.[1]
- Avoid: Skipping LDAU check; ignoring TDSR (e.g., high loans rejected).
- Red flag: Sellers promising 'no approval' for landed outside Sentosa.
- Tip: For Taiwan citizen property hunts, prioritize condos in District 10 (Bukit Timah, 7-min walk to Sixth Avenue MRT).
Link to Complete Guide for Taiwan Nationals Buying Property in Singapore 2025 for Taiwan-specific guide.
Decision Framework: Which Property Fits You?
Investors: Condos for yield (3-4% rental). Families: ECs for space. HNWI: Sentosa Cove. Compare via Homejourney Projects .
FAQ: Types of Properties Foreigners Can Buy in Singapore
Q: Can Taiwan citizens buy HDB flats?
A: No, restricted to citizens/PRs. Opt for condos or resale ECs.[1]
Q: What's ABSD for ROC nationals on first condo?
A: 60% in 2025; calculate on Homejourney tools.[1]
Q: How to buy Sentosa Cove as a foreigner?
A: Fast-track LDAU; popular for Taiwanese buyer Singapore luxury seekers.[1]
Q: Can foreigners buy freehold condos?
A: Yes, no restrictions.[1][3]
Q: Need approval for strata-landed?
A: No, if in approved condo development.[1]
Ready for safe property hunting? Explore types of properties foreigners can buy in Singapore on Homejourney's verified Property Search . Link back to our pillar: Types of Properties Foreigners Can Buy in Singapore | Homejourney . Trust Homejourney for transparent, user-first journeys.
