Types of Properties Foreigners Can Buy in Singapore: Your 2026 Guide
Foreigners without permanent residency in Singapore can primarily buy private condominiums, apartments, and strata-landed houses in approved developments, with limited options for landed properties requiring special approval. This cluster article dives into these options, building on Homejourney's comprehensive pillar guide, Homejourney's 2026 Guide: Foreigners Buying Property in Singapore ">Homejourney's 2026 Guide: Foreigners Buying Property in Singapore, to provide tactical advice for safe, informed decisions.
Homejourney prioritizes your safety by verifying property data and offering transparent tools like our Property Search ">property search feature, ensuring you navigate Singapore's strict Residential Property Act with confidence.
Core Eligibility Rules for Foreign Buyers
Under Singapore's Residential Property Act, enforced by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), foreigners face restrictions to prioritize housing for citizens and PRs. You can freely purchase non-landed private residential properties without prior approval. Key taxes include Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD) at progressive rates up to 6% and Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) at 60% for foreigners in 2026, payable within 14 days of exercising the Option to Purchase (OTP).[1][2]
Public HDB flats are off-limits to non-PR foreigners, except in rare joint purchases with citizens under specific schemes. Homejourney's verified listings help you focus on eligible properties, avoiding common pitfalls.
Properties Foreigners Can Buy Freely
- Private Condominiums and Apartments: Both freehold and 99-year leasehold, new launches or resale. Examples include popular projects like The Sail @ Marina Bay or Ardmore Park. Prices start from S$1.5 million for a 2-bedroom unit in the suburbs.[1]
- Strata-Landed Houses: Townhouses or cluster houses within government-approved condominium developments under the Planning Act. These offer landed-style living with condo facilities.[3]
These options suit most foreign investors seeking lifestyle or rental yields, with no size limits beyond general market availability.
Restricted Properties: Landed Options with Approval
Landed properties like bungalows, semi-detached, and terrace houses require Land Dealings Approval Unit (LDAU) approval from SLA. Approval is rare, assessed case-by-case based on at least 5 years PR status (though non-PR foreigners rarely qualify) and exceptional economic contributions, such as high taxable income.[2][3]
Key Exception: Sentosa Cove Landed Properties. Foreigners can buy landed homes here without special approval, including bungalows and good class bungalows (GCB)-style homes. Properties must not exceed 15,000 sq ft outside GCB areas. A Sentosa Cove semi-detached might cost S$5-10 million, ideal for high-net-worth foreigners.[2][4]
| Property Type | Foreigner Eligibility | Approval Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Condos/Apartments | Allowed | No | Freehold/leasehold, resale/new |
| Strata-Landed | Allowed | No (if approved devel.) | In condo projects only |
| Landed (General) | Restricted | Yes (SLA) | Rare approval |
| Sentosa Cove Landed | Allowed | No | Bungalows/semi-D |
This table summarizes options per official SLA guidelines. Use Homejourney's Projects Directory ">projects directory for verified Sentosa Cove listings.
Executive Condominiums (ECs): Limited Access for Foreigners
Non-PR foreigners can only buy resale ECs after the 10-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP), when they privatize into condos. PRs have more options post-5-year MOP. Insider tip: Check URA Master Plan for EC locations like Punggol or Sengkang; yields can hit 3-4% post-privatization.[3][4]
Avoid confusion—ECs start as subsidized housing but become private assets. Homejourney verifies MOP status in listings for your safety.
Financial and Practical Considerations
Expect 60% ABSD on top of BSD; for a S$2M condo, that's S$1.2M ABSD.[1] Loan-to-Value (LTV) limits are 60% for foreigners, per MAS rules, with Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) at 55%. No CPF usage for foreigners.
Costs Breakdown (S$2M Condo Example):
- ABSD: S$1.2M (60%)
- BSD: ~S$92K
- Legal Fees: S$5-10K
- Agent Fee: 1-2% (seller pays usually)
Link to Homejourney's ABSD Stamp Duty Calculator & Guide 2026 | Homejourney ">ABSD Stamp Duty Calculator & Guide 2026 and Bank Rates ">mortgage rates for precise calculations. Post-purchase, budget for maintenance via services like Aircon Services ">aircon services.
Step-by-Step Buying Process
- Search Eligible Properties: Use Homejourney's Property Search ">property search for condos/strata-landed.
- View and Negotiate: Pay 1% option fee for 14-21 days exclusivity.
- Exercise OTP: Pay to 5%, trigger stamp duties.
- Legal Review: Conveyancing lawyer checks title (1-2 weeks).
- Completion: 8-12 weeks; pay balance.
Timeline: 3-4 months total. See our Step-by-Step Property Buying Process for Foreigners | Homejourney ">Step-by-Step Property Buying Process for Foreigners for details.
Common Mistakes and Insider Tips
Mistake 1: Assuming all landed is accessible—90% require approval you'll likely not get.[2] Tip: Focus on Sentosa Cove for true landed luxury.
Mistake 2: Underestimating ABSD—plan cash flow meticulously. Tip: Use Homejourney's calculator early.
Red Flags: Unverified agents or off-plan projects without URA approval. Homejourney verifies all for trust.
Local insight: Prime districts (Orchard, Marina Bay) have higher yields but 60% ABSD bites harder—consider suburbs like Holland Village for value (walking distance to MRT Exit A, 5 mins).[1]
FAQ: Types of Properties Foreigners Can Buy in Singapore
Can Iceland citizens buy condos in Singapore?
Yes, as EFTA members, Iceland citizens follow standard foreigner rules with potential ABSD exemptions—see Iceland Citizens Buying Property in Singapore: EFTA Guide | Homejourney ">Iceland Citizens Buying Property in Singapore: EFTA Guide.
What is the ABSD rate for foreigners in 2026?
60% on purchase price/valuation, higher of the two.[1]
Can foreigners buy Sentosa Cove landed?
Yes, without approval—prime for investors.
Are freehold condos allowed?
Yes, fully eligible for foreigners.[2]
How does Homejourney ensure safe buying?
Through verified data, user feedback-driven tools, and transparency.
Ready to explore? Start with Homejourney's Property Search ">property search for safe, trusted options. For financing, check Financing Options for Foreign Buyers in Singapore | Homejourney ">Financing Options for Foreign Buyers. Disclaimer: This is general info; consult professionals for advice. Homejourney verifies data but isn't legal counsel.
