Whether you are looking to invest in property or to occupy your own residence, a variety of property is available for foreigners and expats to purchase in Singapore.

Some property types are restricted, including landed property such as detached houses or bungalows; vacant land; terraces or townhouses, and properties in the luxury enclave of Sentosa Cove among others. Approval to purchase these properties must be sought from the Government’s Land Dealings Approval unit. This process can be completed online.

Private, non-landed condominiums and apartments do not have restrictions on foreign ownership. However, it is worth considering how long you intend to own the property. Aside from the applicable property taxes (see our Singapore property tax guide here), a Sellers Stamp Duty, ranging from 4 to 16 percent and payable by the seller, applies to sales of residential properties in Singapore within the first four years.

Property types available for foreigners to purchase without approval

According to the Singapore Land Authority, foreign investors are able to purchase the following types of property without approval:

• Condominium;
• Flat unit;
• Strata landed house in an approved condominium development;
• A leasehold estate in a landed residential property for a term not exceeding 7 years, including any further term which may be granted by way of an option for renewal;
• Shophouse (for commercial use);
• Industrial and commercial properties;
• Hotel (registered under the provisions of the Hotels Act); and
• Executive condominium unit, HDB flat and HDB shophouse.

Property types which foreigners must seek approval to purchase

• 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 (eg. townhouse or cluster house);
• Shophouse (for non-commercial use);
• Association premises;
• Place of worship; and
• Worker’s dormitory/service apartments/boarding house (not registered under the provisions of the Hotels Act).

Major legislation related to property

• Building control Act
• Building maintenance and Strata Management Act
• Conveyancing and Law of Property Act
• Executive condominium Housing Scheme Act
• Goods and Services Tax Act
• Housing Developers (Control and Licensing) Act
• Income Tax Act
• Land Acquisition Act
• Land Titles Act
• Land Titles (Strata) Act
• Planning Act
• Property Tax Act
• Registration of Deeds Act
• Residential Property Act
• Sale of Commercial Properties Act
• Stamp Duties Act
• State Lands Act
• Street Works Act

Sources: Jones Lang LaSalle Singapore Property Investment Guide 2015

http://www.sla.gov.sg

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Introduction to Singapore property

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Obtaining finance in Singapore

Property taxes in Singapore

Singapore glossary of terms