Can a foreigner buy property in Singapore?
Foreigners may buy most private apartments and condominium units, while landed residential property requires government approval. Buyer's stamp duty applies to everyone, and additional buyer's stamp duty applies at a higher rate for foreign buyers, at the rates published by the tax authority.
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How it works
Purchases go through an option to purchase, a deposit and completion via a conveyancing lawyer, with stamp duty payable within the published deadline. Public housing is reserved for citizens and permanent residents under the schemes the housing authority publishes.
Commonly mixed up with
Permanent residence and citizenship are often assumed to give the same property rights. Stamp duty rates and housing eligibility differ between the two.
Can a foreigner buy property in Singapore?
| Knowledge, Singapore | Big city topics |
|---|---|
| Short answer | Foreigners may buy most private apartments and condominium units, while landed residential property requires government approval. Buyer's stamp duty applies to everyone, and additional buyer's stamp duty applies at a higher rate for foreign buyers, at the rates published by the tax authority. |
| How it works | Purchases go through an option to purchase, a deposit and completion via a conveyancing lawyer, with stamp duty payable within the published deadline. Public housing is reserved for citizens and permanent residents under the schemes the housing authority publishes. |
| Commonly mixed up with | Permanent residence and citizenship are often assumed to give the same property rights. Stamp duty rates and housing eligibility differ between the two. |
| Last reviewed | 2026-08-08 |
Short questions
- Can I buy a landed house?
- Landed residential property requires approval, published by the authorities.
- Is stamp duty higher for foreigners?
- Additional buyer's stamp duty applies at published rates.
- Can I buy public housing?
- Public housing eligibility is limited to citizens and permanent residents.
- Do I need a lawyer?
- Conveyancing is handled by a lawyer as part of completion.
- Where are rates published?
- The tax authority publishes stamp duty rates and deadlines.
Sources
More in this track
- How does renting a home in Singapore work for a newcomer?
- How does healthcare work in Singapore for foreigners?
- What school options do expatriate families have in Singapore?
- What drives the cost of living in Singapore?
- Why is owning a car in Singapore so expensive?
- Which everyday city rules are enforced in Singapore?
- What has to be in place before moving to Singapore?
These pages explain how the rules work and link the authority that owns them. They are not legal, tax or immigration advice, and amounts and thresholds change, so open the source before you act.
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