Foreigners in Singapore can generally buy private condominiums, apartments, privatised Executive Condominiums (ECs over 10 years old), strata-landed houses in approved condo projects, commercial and industrial properties freely, while HDB flats and most landed homes on the mainland are restricted and require approval (if allowed at all).[1][3][5]
This guide breaks down the Types of Properties Foreigners Can Buy in Singapore, how rules differ for permanent residents (PRs) and EFTA FTA Singapore nationals, and how Homejourney helps you navigate these safely and confidently.
How This Cluster Fits into the Bigger Picture
This article is a focused companion to Homejourney’s main pillar guide on foreign property investment in Singapore .
Use this guide when you want a clear yes/no answer to: “Can I buy this type of property as a foreigner?”; then refer to the pillar and related guides for financing, ABSD and step-by-step processes:
- Financing: Bank Rates and Financing Options for Foreign Buyers in Singapore | Homejourney Guide
- ABSD details: ABSD Stamp Duty Calculator & Guide 2025 Singapore | Homejourney
- Buying process: Step-by-Step Property Buying Process for Foreigners | Homejourney Guide
- EFTA benefits: EFTA Singapore FTA Property Benefits: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland Explained | H...
Quick Overview: What Foreigners Can and Cannot Buy
Under the Residential Property Act administered by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), foreigners face different rules depending on the property type.[5]
Insider tip: In practice, most foreign buyers I’ve seen focus on condos in city-fringe areas like Queenstown, Novena and Kallang, where you’re 5–10 minutes’ walk from an MRT, and rental demand from working professionals is strong.
1. Private Condominiums & Apartments (Most Common Choice)
According to SLA, foreigners may freely purchase a “condominium unit” or “flat unit” without prior approval.[5]
What counts as a private condo or apartment?
- Typical high-rise projects in areas like River Valley, Bukit Timah, Paya Lebar
- Non-landed units with shared facilities (pool, gym, security)
- Includes small boutique apartments along city-fringe roads such as Joo Chiat, Telok Kurau
These are the easiest and safest entry point for foreign buyers:
- No SLA approval needed[5]
- Clear strata titles and established management corporations
- Strong rental demand around MRT lines (e.g. Redhill, Outram Park, Paya Lebar)
However, you must factor in:
- Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD): Progressive 1–6% on purchase price or market value, whichever is higher.[2]
- Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD): As of 2025, foreigners pay 60% ABSD on any residential property purchase.[1][4]
For example, a S$1.8 million two-bedder in Queenstown near Dawson Road would attract 60% ABSD (about S$1.08 million) on top of BSD. Homejourney’s ABSD guide helps you model scenarios easily ABSD Stamp Duty Calculator & Guide 2025 | Homejourney .
Action step: Start shortlisting units with Homejourney’s property search Property Search and cross-check each listing type (condo vs EC vs mixed-use) before committing.
2. Executive Condominiums (ECs) – Only After 10 Years
ECs are hybrid public–private projects with strict eligibility rules in the early years. Foreigners face two distinct phases:[3]
- 0–5 years from TOP: Only original SC/PR buyers (no foreign purchase)
- 5–10 years: Open to SC/PR resale buyers (still closed to foreigners)
- 10+ years: Fully privatised – treated as private condos; foreigners can buy freely.[3]
Popular examples that are now fully privatised include projects in Sengkang and Punggol where you can walk 7–10 minutes to the MRT and waterfront parks. Prices are often slightly below comparable private condos nearby because of the EC history, which some investors treat as a value play.
Insider tip: When viewing older ECs, check renovation age and aircon system condition – many original owners will be hitting the 10–15 year mark, so factor in overhaul costs. Homejourney’s vetted partners can handle aircon servicing and replacement Aircon Services .
3. Strata-Landed Houses in Approved Condo Developments
Foreigners often assume “landed” is completely off-limits, but SLA’s rules are more nuanced. Under the Residential Property Act, foreigners can buy a “strata landed house in an approved condominium development” without approval.[5]
These are typically cluster homes or townhouse-style units within a condo, sharing facilities and sitting on common land, unlike traditional terrace houses with private land parcels.
Why some foreign families like this option:
- More space and privacy than a condo unit
- Shared security and facilities, good for children
- Often located in residential enclaves like Upper Thomson, Serangoon and Pasir Panjang
Caution: Ensure the development is explicitly approved under the Act. Your lawyer and Homejourney consultant should verify this using URA and SLA records before OTP.
4. Landed Properties on Mainland Singapore (Highly Restricted)
Foreigners (non-PRs) are generally not allowed to purchase landed residential properties on the mainland, including terrace houses, semi-detached houses, bungalows and Good Class Bungalows.[3][5]
Singapore Permanent Residents may apply for approval from SLA’s Land Dealings Approval Unit (LDAU), but approval is strict and case-by-case.[5]
Key approval criteria (for PRs)
- PR for at least five years
- Exceptional economic contribution (e.g. high taxable income, business contributions)[5]
