Known for its good governance, political stability, transparency, efficiency and ease of doing business, Singapore is a popular location for foreign investments. Therefore, one of the biggest questions among foreign investors is: “can foreigners buy property in Singapore?”
The short answer is yes, however, who is considered a foreigner?
Who is Considered a Foreigner?
Simply put, you’re considered a foreigner if you are not a Singapore citizen, a Singapore company, a Singapore limited liability partnership or a Singapore association. As such, Singapore Permanent Residents (SPRs) are also considered foreigners.
What Foreigners Can and Can’t Buy
| What Singapore PRs can buy | What non-Singapore PRs can buy |
| Resale HDB flats (with another Singapore PR or Singaporean) | Private condos |
| Resale ECs that has reached their 5-year MOP | Private ECs |
| Privatised ECs | Landed properties in Sentosa Cove |
| Private condos | Landed properties (with special permission from Singapore Land Authority) |
| Strata-landed homes | |
| Landed properties in Sentosa Cove | |
| Landed properties (with special permission from Singapore Land Authority |
Under the Residential Property Act, a foreigner can buy both public housing and private properties. However, there are restrictions on what foreigners can and can’t buy.
Public/Public-Private Hybrid Homes
The public housing market falls under the Housing and Development Board (HDB) with certain restrictions. Note that both Singapore PRs and non-Singapore PRs are restricted from buying new HDB flats such as Build-to-Order (BTO) and Sale of Balance Flats (SBFs). There are also several conditions:
Eligibility
Here are several property types that foreigners are eligible to buy:
1. If you’re a non-Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) buying alone:
You can only buy a private executive condominium (EC) that is more than 10 years old.
2. If you’re a Singapore PR buying alone:
Apart from new HDB flats, Singapore PRs can’t buy a resale HDB flat alone, and can only buy resale ECs that have reached their 5-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP).
3. If you’re a Singapore PR jointly buying with another Singapore PR:
- A resale HDB flat (3 years after obtaining your PR)
- A resale EC that is more than five years old
- A privatised EC that is more than 10 years old
4. If you’re a Singapore PR buying with a non-Singapore PR:
- A resale EC that is more than five years old
- A privatised EC that is more than 10 years old
5. If you’re jointly buying as a non-Singapore PR couple
- A privatised EC that is more than 10 years old
Private Properties
Unlike public housing, private properties have much lesser restrictions and are probably what you’ll be more favourable in buying. They also come with better fittings, designs and are generally closer to the Central Business District (CBD). If you’re buying a private condominium, they also come with facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, saunas, and more. The flip side is that they are more expensive compared to public housing.
Eligibility
Here are the common property types that foreigners are eligible to buy:
- An apartment or condominium unit
- A strata landed house in an approved condominium development
- A leasehold estate in a landed residential property for a term not exceeding seven years, including any further term which may be granted by way of an option for renewal
- A landed property on Sentosa Cove
Related article: 4 Reasons Why Sentosa Cove is Making A Comeback in 2021
Restrictions
There are restrictions when buying a landed property on the main island of Singapore.
As such, you will need to write to the Land Dealings Approval Unit when looking to purchase the following:
- Vacant residential land
- Terrace house
- Semi-detached house
- Bungalow/detached house
- Strata landed house which is not within an approved condominium development under the Planning Act (e.g. townhouse or cluster house)
- Shophouse (for non-commercial use)
The approval is on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants stand a better chance if they can show proof that they have made an “exceptional economic contribution to Singapore”, as SLA puts it.
How to Apply
You can contact SLA at 6478-3444, or apply online on SLA’s website.
Alternatively, you can visit them at the following address: Land Dealings Approval Unit, Singapore Land Authority, 55 Newton Road, #12-01 Revenue House, Singapore 307987
Procedures for Buying Property in Singapore
Step 1: Use the PropertyGuru’s Affordability Calculator
Now that you have a general idea of where to buy, the next step is to see if you can afford it.
Here, you can use our PropertyGuru Affordability Calculator to check the maximum property affordability based on the current government regulations and property cooling measures. This will only take around five minutes.
Step 2: Check If You Need to Pay Taxes
Foreigners are required to pay Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) when buying private property in Singapore. The new Dec 2021 Singapore property cooling measures saw a revision in the ABSD rates.
SPRs buying their first residential property will need to pay an ABSD rate of 5%, 25% for their second property purchase and 30% for their third and subsequent residential property.
Meanwhile, foreigners will need to pay an ABSD rate of 30% regardless of the number of residential properties purchased.
You can use this tool to calculate how much stamp duty you need to pay for your Singapore property.
However, there is no need to pay ABSD for US nationals or nationals and Permanent Residents from Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland.
You also need to pay a Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD) and Mortgage Duty whether you are buying from the public or private housing markets.
Do also note you need to factor in legal fees and other administration fees.
Step 3: Go Through PropertyGuru’s Listings
Our listings provide a comprehensive selection of resale HDB flats, ECs and private condos as well as new private property launches to suit your budget and desired location.
As a general guide, you should consider proximity to nearby amenities, MRT stations, parks, economic drivers and ease of commuting to work as part of your selection criteria.
Get more insights on the right locations for your new home at AreaInsider
Step 4: Hire an Agent
An agent can help you scout for the best deals, do your financial calculations, settle your paperwork and other nitty-gritty details. They will typically charge an agent fee of 1%.
Looking to buy a home in Singapore? Speak to one of PropertyGuru’s preferred property agents and get advice
Step 5: Apply for a Bank Loan
Foreigners are only eligible for a bank loan in Singapore.
You can get up to 75% financing on the property’s purchase price for the first property and 55% for the second and subsequent property.
Bank loans are subjected to floating rates meaning their interest rate can go higher or lower.
Banks are also very strict should you default on your repayments and will not hesitate to repossess your home.
Thus, you need to set aside at least 12 months of savings, just in case.
Step 6: Make an Offer and Seal the Deal
Now that you have found your dream property in the HDB or private property market, it is time to seal the deal.
For HDB resale flats, you will need to log into the HDB Resale Portal with your SingPass.
You may refer to the resale procedure on the HDB website.
For condominiums, you will need to put down an option fee of 1% of the purchase price, secure financing and pay the remaining option fee of 4% within a month.
After this, you will need to place a downpayment of 15% in cash and/or CPF for SPRs.
For foreigners, you will need to pay this in cash.
Subsequently, you need to pay the remaining 5% in cash while the rest will be loaned by the bank.
For more property news, resources and useful content like this article, check out PropertyGuru’s guides section.
Are you looking to buy a new home? Head to PropertyGuru to browse the top properties for sale in Singapore.
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