What foreigners can and cannot buy
| Property type | Foreigner eligibility |
|---|---|
| Private condo / apartment | Yes — freely |
| New Executive Condominium | No (open only after 10-yr privatisation) |
| HDB flat | No |
| Landed (bungalow, terrace) | Only with SLA approval (Sentosa Cove excepted) |
Stamp duty for foreign buyers
On top of the standard Buyer’s Stamp Duty that every buyer pays, foreigners pay Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD). This is a significant cost and should be built into your budget from the start. Because ABSD rates are reviewed periodically, always verify the current rate with IRAS — and check whether any free-trade-agreement treatment applies to your nationality — before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners buy a condo in Singapore?
Yes. Foreigners can freely buy private condominiums and apartments in Singapore, with no restriction on the number of units, subject to paying the applicable stamp duties.
Can foreigners buy landed property or HDB flats?
Generally no. Foreigners cannot buy HDB flats, and landed residential property (such as bungalows and terrace houses) requires prior approval from the Singapore Land Authority under the Residential Property Act — the main exception being Sentosa Cove, where landed purchase is allowed with approval.
Can foreigners buy a new Executive Condominium (EC)?
No. New ECs are restricted to Singapore Citizen households. An EC only becomes fully open, including to foreigners, after it is privatised at the 10-year mark.
How much ABSD do foreigners pay?
Foreign buyers pay Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) on top of Buyer’s Stamp Duty. The foreigner ABSD rate was set at 60% in the 2023 revision — always confirm the prevailing rate with IRAS before purchase, as rates are revised from time to time.
Do any foreigners get local stamp-duty treatment?
Under certain free trade agreements, nationals or permanent residents of some countries may be accorded the same stamp-duty treatment as Singapore Citizens. Eligibility is specific — confirm your status with IRAS or a licensed professional.
Guide by Alvin Tan, ERA Singapore (CEA R072324C). Rules and rates are current as of 2026 and may change — confirm with IRAS, SLA or a licensed professional before committing.
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