Types of Properties Foreigners Can Buy in Singapore | Homejourney
Foreigners can freely buy private condominiums, apartments, and strata-landed houses in approved condo developments in Singapore without prior approval, but landed properties require Singapore Land Authority (SLA) approval under the Residential Property Act.
At Homejourney, we prioritize your safety by verifying property eligibility and providing transparent guidance on types of properties foreigners can buy in Singapore, helping you avoid costly mistakes in this competitive market.
Why Understanding Property Types Matters for Foreign Buyers
This cluster article dives deep into foreigner-friendly property options, linking back to our comprehensive pillar guide on Singapore Property Buying for Foreigners. With ABSD at 60% for foreigners in 2026, choosing the right type is crucial for investment viability.
Private condos dominate foreign purchases due to unrestricted access, while HDB flats remain off-limits. Homejourney's verified listings ensure you focus only on legal options, building trust through transparency.[2][4]
Properties Foreigners Can Buy Freely (No SLA Approval Needed)
Under SLA regulations, foreigners enjoy straightforward access to non-landed residential units. These represent over 90% of foreign buys, offering modern amenities in prime districts like Orchard, River Valley, and East Coast.[1][2]
- Private Condominiums and Apartments: Multi-story units (six stories or more) in developments like The Marq on Paterson Hill or Ardmore Park. No restrictions—buy, rent, or resell freely after settlement.
- Strata-Landed Houses in Approved Condo Developments: Townhouses or cluster houses within government-approved projects under the Planning Act, such as those in Upper Thomson or Holland Village.
- Executive Condominiums (ECs) on Resale: Only after 10-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) when fully privatized; non-PR foreigners buy post-privatization like normal condos.[3]
Insider Tip: Check URA Master Plan via Projects Directory for approved strata developments—avoid non-approved ones to skip SLA hurdles. Prices start at S$1.8M in District 10, per recent launches.[1]
Restricted Properties: Landed Options Requiring SLA Approval
Landed properties are tightly controlled to preserve them for Singaporeans, but approval is possible on a case-by-case basis. Criteria include 5+ years as PR and exceptional economic contributions like high taxable income.[2]
- Terrace, Semi-Detached, Bungalows/Detached Houses: Vacant land or standalone homes need Minister for Law approval. Conditions: 5-year hold, owner/family use only, no subdivision.
- Sentosa Cove Landed Properties: Designated exception—foreigners can buy with approval more readily, ideal for luxury living with yacht berths.
- Shophouses (Residential Use): Rare approvals for non-commercial purposes.
Approval odds are low (<10% for non-PRs); expect 3-5 months processing. Use SLA's GoBusiness portal first.[2] Homejourney verifies eligibility pre-viewing for safety.
Approval Conditions and Risks
Granted approvals mandate exclusive residential use, 5-year minimum hold from TOP/CSC, and no renting. Violations risk forced sale. Real example: A foreign executive in Sentosa Cove held for 5 years before resale at 20% gain post-2023 ABSD hikes.[1]
What Foreigners Cannot Buy: Key Restrictions
HDB flats and new ECs are prohibited for all non-citizens. Resale ECs only post-10-year MOP. No CPF usage for foreigners—full cash or bank loans up to 75% LTV, subject to TDSR.[3][4]
- HDB Flats: Reserved for citizens/PRs; foreigners must divest private properties if applying as PR later.
- New ECs: 100% citizen-restricted until privatized.
Avoid agents pushing illegal options—Homejourney flags these via user feedback-driven verification.
Financial Implications: BSD, ABSD, and Stamp Duty for Foreigners
Every purchase incurs Buyer Stamp Duty (BSD) plus 60% ABSD for foreigners in 2026, regardless of property count. BSD is progressive (1-6%); ABSD flat 60% on price/valuation higher.[1][4]
| Property Value (S$) | BSD Rate | ABSD (Foreigner) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 180K | 1% | 60% |
| 180K-360K | 2% | 60% |
| 360K-1M | 3% | 60% |
| 1M-1.5M | 4% | 60% |
| 1.5M-3M | 5% | 60% |
| Over 3M | 6% | 60% |
Example: S$2M condo = ~S$95K BSD + S$1.2M ABSD = S$1.295M duties. Use Homejourney's ABSD Stamp Duty Calculator & Guide 2026 | Homejourney or Singapore Property Stamp Duty for Foreigners: BSD & ABSD 2026 Guide | Homejourne... for precise stamp duty calculator foreign buyer tools.[4]
Step-by-Step: How to Buy Eligible Properties Safely
- Verify Type: Use Property Search filtering for condos/strata-landed.
- Calculate Costs: BSD + 60% ABSD via calculator; budget 65-70% upfront cash.
- Finance Check: See Bank Rates or Financing Options for Foreign Buyers in Singapore 2026 | Homejourney for 75% LTV options.
- OTP & Due Diligence: 14-day validity; lawyer reviews title. Full process: 8-14 weeks.[4]
- Completion: Pay balance, register at SLA.
Post-purchase: Pay MCST fees (S$400-800/month), property tax (4-16% AV for rentals).[1] For maintenance, check Aircon Services .
Decision Framework: Pros, Cons, and Tips
| Property Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Condos/Apts | Freely buyable, amenities, liquidity | High ABSD, strata fees | Investors, families |
| Strata-Landed | Land feel, approval not needed | Premium pricing (S$3M+) | Privacy seekers |
| Landed (Approved) | Exclusivity, space | Rare approval, 5-yr lock-in | Long-term PRs |
Common Mistakes: Assuming HDB access (illegal); underestimating ABSD (adds 60% cost); skipping lawyer. Red flag: Pressure to buy restricted types. Seek Homejourney pros for verified advice.[4]
FAQ: Types of Properties Foreigners Can Buy in Singapore
Q: Can foreigners buy landed properties in Singapore?
A: Yes, with SLA approval for terrace/semi-detached/bungalows; conditions include 5-year hold and family use only. Sentosa Cove is more accessible.[2]
Q: What's the ABSD rate for foreigners on any property?
A: Flat 60% in 2026, plus BSD. Use our stamp duty calculator foreign buyer tool.[1][4]
Q: Can foreigners buy ECs?
A: Resale only after 10-year MOP; treated as private property.[3]
Q: How does BSD foreigner calculation work?
A: Progressive tiers up to 6%; payable within 14 days of OTP. Link to Step-by-Step Property Buying Process for Foreigners | Homejourney for details.
Q: Where to start searching?
A: Homejourney's Property Search for verified types of properties foreigners can buy in Singapore.
Disclaimer: This is general info; consult lawyers/banks. Rates per Feb 2026; verify with SLA/URA.
Ready to explore? Start with Homejourney's Property Search for safe, verified options. Link back to our pillar: Singapore Property Buying Guide for Foreigners.
