Types of Properties Foreigners Can Buy in Singapore: Your 2026 Guide
Foreigners can buy private condominiums, apartments, strata-landed houses in approved developments, and landed properties in Sentosa Cove without prior approval, but most other landed properties require special Land Dealings Approval Unit (LDAU) consent from the Singapore Land Authority (SLA).[1][2][4]
This cluster article dives deep into these options, building on our pillar guide to Types of Properties Foreigners Can Buy in Singapore | Homejourney ">Singapore Property Buying for Foreigners. At Homejourney, we prioritize your safety and trust by verifying every detail so you make confident decisions in Singapore's competitive market.
Why Understanding Property Types Matters for Foreign Buyers
Singapore's Residential Property Act (RPA) protects local housing needs, limiting foreigners to specific types while imposing a 60% Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) on all purchases in 2026.[1][2] This keeps speculative buying in check amid rising prices, with private home values up 5-7% yearly per URA data.
Choosing the right type aligns with your lifestyle—high-rise condos for urban convenience or Sentosa Cove for luxury. Homejourney's verified listings on our Property Search ">property search help you explore safely without misinformation risks.
Private Condominiums and Apartments: The Primary Choice
Foreigners can freely purchase any private condominium or apartment unit, whether freehold, 99-year leasehold, new launch, or resale—no SLA approval needed.[1][2][3][4]
These high-rise developments offer amenities like pools, gyms, and 24/7 security, ideal for expats. Prices start at S$1.8 million for a 2-bedroom in District 10 (e.g., near Orchard MRT, 5-min walk from Exit A), up to S$5 million+ in prime areas like Marina Bay.
Insider tip: Opt for low-floor units in older condos like The Arizona (Bukit Timah) for quieter living—locals know these fetch 10-15% rental yields for investors.[1]
Key Restrictions and Costs
Expect 60% ABSD (e.g., S$1.2 million on a S$2 million unit) plus Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD) up to 6%—use Homejourney's ABSD Stamp Duty Calculator & Guide 2026 | Homejourney ">ABSD calculator for precise estimates.[1][2]
Loan-to-Value (LTV) caps at 70% for foreigners, with Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) at 55%.[2] Check current rates via Bank Rates ">Homejourney bank rates.
Sentosa Cove: The Landed Property Exception for Foreigners
Sentosa Cove is unique—foreigners can buy landed properties like bungalows, semi-detached, and terrace houses here without LDAU approval, thanks to its special zoning under the RPA.[1][2][4]
Dubbed "Sentosa Cove foreigner haven," this waterfront enclave features ultra-luxury homes from S$8-50 million. Good Class Bungalows (GCBs) like those at Ocean Drive offer private marinas, just 10-min drive from VivoCity MRT.
Sentosa Cove investment appeal: Yields 3-5% from rentals to high-net-worth expats, with values appreciating 8% annually per recent trends.[4] Search verified Sentosa listings on Homejourney's Projects Directory ">projects directory.
Landed Sentosa Foreign Buying Rules
No resale restrictions post-purchase, but expect 5-year minimum hold if approved elsewhere. ABSD still applies at 60%—a S$10 million bungalow incurs S$6 million duty.[1]
Financing is tougher; banks cap LTV at 50-60%. Read our Sentosa Cove Property Guide for Foreign Buyers | Homejourney ">Sentosa Cove guide for details.
Strata-Landed Houses: A Hybrid Option
Strata-landed (townhouses/cluster houses) in government-approved condo developments are foreigner-eligible without approval.[2][4]
These mimic landed living with shared facilities, priced S$3-6 million in areas like Upper Thomson. Unlike standalone landed, they bypass SLA hurdles.
What Foreigners Cannot Buy (and Rare Exceptions)
- HDB Flats: Off-limits to non-PR foreigners; PRs need 3+ years status and family nucleus.[2][4]
- Standard Landed: Bungalows, semis, terraces outside Sentosa require LDAU approval—granted rarely for exceptional economic contributions (e.g., S$50 million+ investments).[1][2][4]
- Executive Condos (ECs): Resale after 10-year MOP only.[2]
- Vacant Land/Shophouses: Restricted under RPA.[3][4]
Approval odds improve with 5+ years PR or major job creation, but conditions include 5-year no-sale rule.[2]
Step-by-Step: How to Buy as a Foreigner
- Search Safely: Use Homejourney's Property Search ">property search for verified options.
- Get IPA: Submit passport, payslips, tax returns to banks.[1]
- Exercise Option to Purchase (OTP): Pay 5% deposit; lawyer handles stamp duties within 14 days.[1]
- Finalize Loan: Valuation and Letter of Offer follow.[1]
- Complete: 8-12 weeks total; pay ABSD/BSD.[2]
Follow our full Step-by-Step Property Buying Process for Foreigners | Homejourney ">buying process guide.
Financial Breakdown and Common Pitfalls
Total Costs (S$2M Condo Example): ABSD S$1.2M + BSD S$98K + Legal/Valuation S$10K = ~65% extra.[1][2]
| Property Type | Foreigner Eligible? | ABSD Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Condo/Apartment | Yes | 60% |
| Sentosa Landed | Yes | 60% |
| Other Landed | Approval Needed | 60% |
Mistakes to Avoid: Underestimating ABSD (many forfeit deposits); skipping lawyer review; ignoring TDSR.[1][2] Always verify via Homejourney.
Is It Worth It? Decision Framework
- Investor: Sentosa Cove for prestige yields.
- Family: Condos near international schools (e.g., 10-min to UWC Dover).
- Short-Term: Leasehold condos to minimize ABSD hit.
Consult professionals; Homejourney connects you safely. For financing, see Financing Options for Foreign Buyers in Singapore | Homejourney ">financing options.
FAQ: Types of Properties Foreigners Can Buy in Singapore
Can foreigners buy Sentosa property without approval?
Yes, all landed types in Sentosa Cove are open to foreigners.[1][4]
What is Sentosa Cove investment potential?
High, with 3-5% yields and appreciation for luxury seekers.[4]
Can foreigners buy landed Sentosa foreign homes?
Absolutely—bungalows and semis, no SLA needed.[2]
ABSD for foreigners in 2026?
60% flat rate on all eligible properties.[1][2]
Next step after choosing a type?
Search on Homejourney and get IPA—link to our pillar for full rules.
Ready to buy? Start with Homejourney's trusted Property Search ">property search for verified listings. Post-purchase, maintain value with Aircon Services ">aircon services. Trust Homejourney for safe, transparent Singapore property journeys.
