1) What foreigners can and can’t buy

You can buy without SLA approval:

• Condominium / apartment units (non‑landed private homes).
• Strata landed houses within an approved condominium development (cluster/strata landed that are part of an approved condo project).
• Commercial / industrial property and shophouses for commercial use.

You need SLA approval (usually hard to obtain):

• Landed residential (terrace, semi‑D, bungalow), including Sentosa Cove.
• Strata landed houses not within an approved condo development (e.g., townhouse/cluster not approved as condo).
• Vacant residential land and certain mixed‑use categories.

See the official lists on the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) foreign ownership page.

2) Taxes & stamp duties (BSD, ABSD, SSD)

Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD)

Applies to all residential purchases based on the higher of price or market value. Current residential BSD tiers are shown on the IRAS BSD page (top marginal rate 6%).On top of ABSD, you’ll also need to prepare significant cash upfront — read our cash requirement guide to calculate your total costs.

Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD)

• Foreigners: ABSD is 60% on any residential purchase (effective 27 Apr 2023; still current in 2025). See IRAS ABSD page.
• FTA exception: Nationals of the United States and Nationals/PRs of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland are accorded the same stamp duty treatment as Singapore Citizens under FTAs (i.e., no ABSD on first home). See IRAS FTA remission.
• Married‑couple remission (has SC spouse): If one spouse is an SC, there are cases where ABSD on a second home can be remitted if the first home is sold within strict timelines. See IRAS remission for married couples.

Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD)

For residential properties bought on/after 4 Jul 2025, SSD applies if sold within 4 years of purchase; rates were raised by 4 percentage points for each tier. See IRAS SSD update.

3) Financing rules (TDSR, LTV)

• TDSR 55%: Banks must ensure your total monthly debt repayments (including the new mortgage) are ≤ 55% of gross monthly income. See MAS explainer.
• Loan tenure caps: Up to 35 years for private property mortgages (MAS).
• LTV guideposts: For bank loans, the typical maximum LTV is up to 75% (lower if the loan exceeds age/tenure thresholds or you already have housing loans). See MoneySense guide.

Tip: Get an In‑Principle Approval (IPA) before you view, and use the official IRAS stamp duty tables to estimate BSD/ABSD.

4) Executive Condominiums (ECs): special rules for foreigners

• New ECs / ECs < 10 years: Not available to foreigners (only SC/PR under HDB conditions).
• Fully privatised ECs (10+ years): Foreigners may buy (treated like private property). See HDB’s EC eligibility note here.Foreigners are also restricted from buying new Executive Condominiums, unless they’ve been fully privatised after 10 years.”

5) Buying timeline (resale vs new launch)

Resale condo (completed)

1. Secure bank IPA (check TDSR/LTV).
2. Offer accepted → pay option fee and receive OTP.
3. Exercise OTP (usually 14 days) with your lawyer; pay BSD/ABSD via e‑Stamping.
4. Completion in ~8–12 weeks; collect keys.

New launch (uncompleted)

1. Ballot & book unit → pay booking fee.
2. Sign Sale & Purchase Agreement; pay remainder of downpayment and BSD/ABSD.
3. Make progressive payments as construction hits milestones (per the statutory schedule). See URA’s Home Buyers’ Guide (PDF).
4. TOP/CSC → key collection and defects rectification.

6) Tips to keep costs down

• Check FTA eligibility: US citizens and EFTA (CH, NO, IS, LI) nationals/PRs may get SC‑equivalent ABSD treatment on the first home.
• Structure purchase timing: If you (or spouse) are SC and upgrading, study married‑couple remission rules and timelines.
• Prefer larger projects if you want lower monthly maintenance fees.
• Compare lifestyle fit: Weigh facilities and community — see life in a Singapore condo.

7) FAQ

Can foreigners buy any condo in Singapore?

Generally yes for non‑landed private condos/apartments. Restrictions mainly apply to landed housing and strata landed outside approved condo developments (require SLA approval).

What is the ABSD for foreigners?

60% on any residential purchase (from 27 Apr 2023). FTA exception: US citizens and EFTA nationals/PRs get SC‑equivalent stamp duty treatment on the first home.

Can foreigners buy ECs?

Only after the EC is fully privatised (10+ years from TOP). Before that, foreigners are not eligible.

How much can I borrow?

Banks apply TDSR 55% and LTV caps (up to ~75% for first bank loan; lower with longer tenure/age or existing loans). Always obtain a bank IPA first.