FAQs about Buying Property in Singapore

A. Buying Basics

1. Who can buy private property in Singapore?
Anyone — locals, PRs, and foreigners — can buy private condos/apartments. Some restrictions apply for landed homes.

2. What types of properties are restricted for foreign buyers?
Restrictions apply to landed homes, HDB flats, and ECs. I’ll help you understand exactly what’s allowed based on your residency status.

3. What can foreigners buy freely?
Private condos, apartments, and strata-landed homes within approved condo projects. Commercial and industrial properties are also allowed without ABSD.

4. What requires government approval for foreigners?
Landed homes on mainland Singapore and vacant land (via LDAU under the Residential Property Act).

5. How much cash or deposit do I need upfront?
Typically 5%–20% depending on loan eligibility, developer requirements, and whether it’s a new launch or resale.

6. What loan or mortgage rules apply?
LTV, TDSR, and bank-specific criteria apply to all buyers. Foreigners may be subject to stricter loan assessments.

7. What is Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD)?
A progressive tax (1%–6%) based on the higher of purchase price or market value.

8. What is Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD)?
A supplementary tax based on buyer profile:

• Foreigners: 60% (2025)

• PRs: 5% (1st), 30% (2nd), 35% (3rd+)

• Citizens: 0% (1st), 20% (2nd), 30% (3rd+)

9. Are there ABSD exemptions for some foreigners?
Yes — U.S., Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein buyers under FTA enjoy ABSD remission (treated like locals for 1st property).

10. What are the ongoing holding costs?
Property tax (higher for investment units), condo maintenance fees, and sinking fund contributions.

11. Can I buy remotely if I’m overseas?
Yes — digital signing, virtual viewings, and legal representation make it possible.
However, joining the viewing (in person or virtually) is strongly recommended.

12. What is the Option to Purchase (OTP) and Sale & Purchase (S&P) Agreement?

• OTP: Reserves the unit for you for a fixed period.

• S&P: The final legally binding contract after exercising the OTP.

13. When can I move in or take possession?
Upon legal completion and key handover. New launches require TOP before occupancy.

14. How do I verify property title and ownership?
Through the SLA title search — confirming tenure, caveats, and encumbrances.

B. Taxes, Duties & Ongoing Costs

C. Buying Process & Ownership

D. Foreign Buyer Considerations

E. Key Considerations Before Buying

15. Can foreigners buy HDB or EC units?

• HDB: Not allowed unless married to a Singapore Citizen.

• EC: Allowed only after 10 years (when fully privatised).

16. Do foreigners face limits on number of properties?
No — but ABSD increases significantly for additional purchases.

17. Is commercial or industrial property a good option for foreigners?
Often yes — no ABSD, strong yields, and fewer restrictions.

18. What tenure types exist and why do they matter?
Freehold, 999-year, and 99-year leasehold — tenure affects valuation, financing, and long-term potential.

19. What should I inspect before buying?
Condition, layout, renovation quality, MCST performance, appliances, surrounding developments, noise levels, and ventilation.

20. How important is location?
Critical. MRT access, amenities, school zones, and upcoming developments influence both rental demand and long-term appreciation.

21. Should I buy for investment or own stay?
Your strategy determines district choice, yield expectations, exit timeline, and budget.

22. How much rental income and tax should I expect?
Rental income is taxed as personal income, with allowable deductions. Property tax is higher for investment units.

F. Selling, Exit Strategy & Transfer

G. Strategy, Value & Market Understanding

23. What is Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD)?
Payable if you sell within 3 years of purchase (up to 12%). Applies to all nationalities.

24. Are there restrictions on selling as a foreign owner?
Generally no — unless approval was required for purchase (e.g., landed homes may have MOP = Minimum Occupation Period conditions).

25. What if I want to transfer the property into a company, trust, or family member’s name?
Stamp duty, ABSD implications, and compliance vary — professional advice is essential.

26. How do I know if a property is overpriced or a good deal?
By comparing past transactions, rental yield, per-square-foot trends, and district demand. I provide analysis for fair value.

27. Which Singapore districts are best for returns?
Depends on your goal — CCR for stability, RCR for blended growth, OCR for yield.

28. Can you help with international property as well?
Yes — access to vetted opportunities across United Kingdom, Dubai-UAE, Australia, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia, supported by local partners.