What a foreigner may buy
The Singapore Land Authority is explicit. A foreigner may buy a condominium unit, a flat unit, or a strata landed house in an approved condominium development without approval; a terrace, semi-detached or detached house, or vacant residential land, requires approval under the Residential Property Act — including at Sentosa Cove. The criteria for approval include having been a permanent resident for at least five years and making an exceptional economic contribution, and assessment generally takes about 30 working days (Singapore Land Authority).
What it costs to buy
Every buyer pays Buyer's Stamp Duty on the higher of the price and market value, in slices from 1% on the first $180,000 to 6% above $3 million (IRAS, BSD)). On top of it sits Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty: for purchases on or after 27 April 2023, 60% for foreigners on any residential property and 65% for entities, while citizens pay nothing on a first home and permanent residents 5% (IRAS, ABSD)).
| Buyer (from 27 Apr 2023) | 1st home | 2nd home | 3rd and later |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore citizen | — | 20% | 30% |
| Permanent resident | 5% | 30% | 35% |
| Foreigner | 60% | 60% | 60% |
| Entity | 65% | 65% | 65% |
Some nationals receive citizen treatment for ABSD under free-trade agreements; IRAS publishes the list and the conditions.
What it costs to hold
A home that is not owner-occupied pays property tax on its annual value at progressive rates: 12% on the first $30,000, 20% on the next $15,000, 28% on the next $15,000 and 36% above $60,000, from 1 January 2024 (IRAS, property tax rates). Owner-occupiers pay lower rates starting at 0%.
Selling early
For residential property bought on or after 4 July 2025, Seller's Stamp Duty is 16% if sold within one year, 12% within two, 8% within three and 4% within four, with nothing payable after four years (IRAS, SSD-for-residential-property)).
Residency
We found no official Singapore route that grants residence for buying property.
