Can foreigners buy property in Singapore in 2026?

Non-citizen, non-permanent-resident buyers generally cannot purchase HDB flats under HDB ownership schemes. Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs) may buy certain HDB resale flats after meeting HDB holding-period, household and quota rules, but Build-To-Order (BTO) paths stay citizen-centred. Treat HDB ownership pages as verify-live before you plan a public-housing purchase story.

Private condominiums and many apartments are the usual foreign-buyer product. Landed housing and some restricted categories can need separate approval under older land rules; most newcomers comparing Tanjong Pagar or East Coast towers are shopping strata condo stock, not a black-and-white bungalow. Ownership still leaves you responsible for management corporation fees, renovation rules and rental minima if you later lease the unit: How to rent a home.

ABSD for foreigners buying any residential property is 60% of the higher of purchase price or market value on transactions from 27 April 2023, unless a published remission applies. PRs pay 5% ABSD on a first residential property and higher tiers on later buys. Singapore citizens pay no ABSD on a first home and stepped rates on later homes. BSD still applies on top of ABSD. IRAS requires payment within its published window after the contract date.

Nationals of the United States, and nationals or permanent residents of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, may qualify for ABSD treatment aligned with Singapore citizens under Free Trade Agreement remission rules. Confirm eligibility and stamp through myTax Portal rather than assuming a passport alone finishes the relief.

A purchase does not replace a work or long-term pass: Apply for a residence permit. Many movers still rent first while they test districts and cash flow: Rent in Singapore, Rental contracts and deposits, and Where to live. Bank financing for non-residents is a separate credit conversation: Open a bank account. Price the all-in sheet against How expensive is Singapore.