Types of Properties Foreigners Can Buy in Singapore | Homejourney
Foreigners can freely buy private condominiums, apartments, and strata-titled landed houses in approved developments without approval, while landed properties require Singapore Land Authority (SLA) approval except in Sentosa Cove.
This cluster article dives into the specific property types available to foreign buyers in Singapore's 2026 market, building on our pillar guide to Singapore Property Ownership for Foreigners. At Homejourney, we prioritize your safety with verified data from official sources like URA and SLA, helping you navigate restrictions confidently.
Private Condominiums and Apartments: Freely Accessible
Private condominiums and apartments stand out as the primary option for foreigners, available without any government approval under the Residential Property Act.
These include both freehold and 99-year leasehold units, new launches, and resale properties across districts like Orchard, River Valley, and Tanjong Pagar. For example, a typical 2-bedroom condo in District 10 might range from S$2-3 million, making it accessible despite the 60% Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD).[1][2]
Insider tip: Check URA's Master Plan for approved developments via Projects Directory . Homejourney verifies listings to ensure transparency and user trust.
Landed Properties: Strict Approval Required
Landed properties like bungalows, semi-detached houses, and terrace homes are largely restricted. Foreigners need SLA approval, granted only to those with at least five years as Permanent Residents (PR) and exceptional economic contributions, such as high taxable income or major investments.[1][3]
Approval is case-by-case and rare; renting out is prohibited, with a minimum five-year holding period and exclusive residential use required.[1] Strata landed houses (e.g., townhouses) in approved condo developments are exempt from this approval.[3]
Common pitfall: Assuming high net worth guarantees approval—SLA prioritizes Singapore's economy. Always consult professionals via Homejourney's verified network.
Sentosa Cove: The Key Exception for Landed Homes
Sentosa Cove offers unrestricted access to landed properties for foreigners—no SLA approval needed. This luxury enclave features bungalows, cluster houses, and good class bungalows with waterfront views, priced from S$5-20 million.[1][5]
Why it matters: Ideal for high-net-worth foreigners seeking privacy. However, the 60% ABSD applies, plus annual property taxes. Homejourney's Property Search helps filter Sentosa Cove options safely.
Properties Foreigners Cannot Buy
- HDB Flats: Reserved exclusively for Singapore Citizens and PRs—no exceptions.[1]
- Executive Condominiums (ECs): Solo foreigners cannot buy; joint purchase possible only post-5-year MOP with a PR spouse.[1]
- Commercial/Industrial Land: Prohibited for foreigners.[1][3]
These rules protect public housing for locals, per HDB and URA policies.
ABSD and Exemptions: Key Financial Hurdles
All foreign purchases attract 60% ABSD in 2026 on purchase price or valuation (whichever higher), payable within 14 days of Option to Purchase.[1][2][4] For a S$2M condo, that's S$1.2M extra.
FTA Eligibility ABSD Remission: Free Trade Agreement nationals (e.g., US, UK) may qualify for ABSD exemption or remission if meeting FTA conditions property like business registration and employment. Check FTA ABSD Remission Singapore: Eligibility Rules & Guide | Homejourney for details; remission requires divestment of prior properties.[1]
Married to a Singapore Citizen? First property may be ABSD-exempt if no prior ownership; refunds possible on switches within six months.[1] Use Homejourney's ABSD Stamp Duty Calculator & Guide 2026 | Homejourney for precise calculations.
Decision Framework: Choosing Your Property Type
Evaluate based on these factors:
| Property Type | Approval Needed | ABSD | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Condo/Apartment | No | 60% | Investors, first-timers |
| Sentosa Cove Landed | No | 60% | Luxury living |
| Other Landed | Yes (rare) | 60% | PRs with contributions |
Pros of condos: Liquidity, amenities. Cons of landed: Restrictions limit flexibility. Factor LTV limits (50-60% for foreigners) and TDSR via Bank Rates .[2]
Hidden costs: 4% BSD, maintenance fees (S$300-600/month for condos), property tax (4-16% of annual value).[1]
Step-by-Step: Qualifying and Buying Safely
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm PR status or FTA via SLA/URA.[3]
- Search Verified Listings: Use Property Search on Homejourney for condos and Sentosa options.
- Calculate Costs: ABSD, BSD, legal fees (~1-2%) with our ABSD Stamp Duty Calculator & Guide 2026 | Homejourney .
- Exercise OTP: Pay 5% deposit; lawyer handles stamping.[2]
- Finance Check: Explore options in Financing Options for Foreign Buyers in Singapore | Homejourney .
- Complete Purchase: 8-14 weeks; plan maintenance via Aircon Services .
Timeline: OTP to keys in 8-12 weeks for resale. Disclaimer: This is general info; consult lawyers for personalized advice. Homejourney verifies data for your peace of mind.
Common Mistakes and Insider Tips
Avoid assuming all landed is accessible—90% applications rejected.[1] Real example: A tech exec denied despite S$1M salary without 5-year PR.
Tip: Prioritize District 9/10 condos near MRT (e.g., 5-min walk from Orchard MRT Exit B) for appreciation. Track market via Projects . Post-purchase, budget for MCST fees to avoid disputes.[1]
Read our Step-by-Step Property Buying Process for Foreigners | Homejourney for full process.
FAQ: Types of Properties Foreigners Can Buy in Singapore
Can foreigners buy landed properties in Singapore?
Yes, but only Sentosa Cove without approval; others need rare SLA nod after 5-year PR and economic proof.[1][3]
What is FTA eligibility ABSD remission?
FTA nationals may get full/partial ABSD refund if meeting FTA conditions property like local business setup; apply via IRAS.[1]
How to qualify ABSD exemption as a foreigner?
Marry a Citizen for first buy, or FTA rules; no prior property ownership required.[1]
What are remission requirements for ABSD?
Sell prior property within 6 months or meet FTA divestment; calculate via Homejourney tools.[1]
Can foreigners buy HDB or ECs?
No for HDB; ECs only jointly with PR post-MOP.[1]
Ready to explore? Search safe, verified properties on Homejourney's Property Search and link back to our pillar on Singapore Property Ownership for Foreigners. Trust Homejourney for transparent, user-first guidance.
