Foreigners can buy property in Singapore. Per SLA, no approval is needed for private condos — the cost is what’s high: per IRAS, foreigners pay 60% Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) on residential property.
But there’s a key tax status to know: if you are a national of a free-trade-agreement country — for example a US citizen — per IRAS you are taxed like a Singapore citizen: 0% ABSD on your first home, even lower than a PR’s 5%. Many buyers miss this, and it can save hundreds of thousands.
💡 Lucy’s tip: Confirm your nationality status first, then decide the buying structure. Identity and structure alone can dramatically change your tax.
What can foreigners buy?
| Type | Foreigner | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Private condo / apartment | ✅ Yes, no approval | SLA |
| Sentosa Cove landed | ✅ Yes | Only landed without special approval |
| Landed home (bungalow etc.) | ⚠️ Needs SLA approval | Rarely granted |
| HDB flat | ❌ No | HDB — citizens/PRs only |
How much tax?
Per IRAS, you pay BSD + ABSD.
ABSD by buyer (2026)
| Buyer | 1st | 2nd | 3rd+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citizen | 0% | 20% | 30% |
| PR | 5% | 30% | 35% |
| Foreigner | 60% | 60% | 60% |
| FTA national (US etc.) | 0% | 20% | 30% |
Example: a S$2M condo — a regular foreigner pays S$1.2M ABSD; a US citizen pays 0.
BSD
Progressive, up to 6%; a S$2M home ≈ S$69,600 BSD. Estimate with the stamp duty calculator.
Can foreigners get a loan?
Yes. Per MAS, up to 75% LTV on the first home, subject to 55% TDSR. Down payment must be cash (foreigners have no CPF).
The buying process
- Budget (price + BSD + ABSD + legal fees).
- Loan pre-approval (IPA).
- View & negotiate with a CEA-licensed agent.
- Option to Purchase (OTP), 1% deposit.
- Exercise OTP (within ~14 days), pay to 5%.
- Pay BSD + ABSD within 14 days of exercising.
- Completion in 8–12 weeks.
Summary
- Can buy: yes, condos, no approval.
- Biggest cost: ABSD 60% for foreigners.
- Biggest saving: FTA status (US citizens) = 0% like citizens.
- For US families: consider a trust — see the guides. Contact Lucy for a one-to-one estimate.