Can a foreigner buy a condo in Singapore?
Yes. Foreigners can freely buy a private condominium unit in Singapore without any approval. The catch is the Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty of 60%, which applies to foreigners on any residential purchase. Landed property is different and needs separate government approval. Nationals of certain treaty countries are taxed as Singapore Citizens instead of the 60% foreigner rate.
The full rules
Can a foreigner buy a condo?
Yes. Foreigners may freely buy private condominium units with no approval needed. Executive condominiums (ECs) are open to foreigners only once they pass their 10-year mark.
Landed property is restricted and requires approval from the Land Dealings Approval Unit (LDAU), except in Sentosa Cove, which has a streamlined process.
Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) by buyer profile
| Buyer profile | 1st property | 2nd property | 3rd+ property |
| Singapore Citizen | 0% | 20% | 30% |
| Permanent Resident | 5% | 30% | 35% |
| Foreigner | 60% | 60% | 60% |
| Entity | 65% | 65% | 65% |
ABSD is charged on top of the standard Buyer's Stamp Duty.
Treaty exemption
Nationals of the USA, and nationals and PRs of Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, are treated as Singapore Citizens for ABSD. A first-property buyer from these countries pays 0% ABSD rather than 60%.
Confirm your own eligibility and any landed-property approval with the SLA.
Worked example
Worked example
A foreign buyer (not from a treaty country) purchases a private condo priced at S$2,000,000 as their first property.
| Item | Rate | Amount |
| ABSD (foreigner) | 60% | S$1,200,000 |
The ABSD alone comes to S$1,200,000, payable on top of the purchase price and the standard Buyer's Stamp Duty.
If the same buyer were a US national (treaty-covered) buying their first property, they would be treated as a Singapore Citizen and pay 0% ABSD on this purchase.
What this means for you
Foreign national buying a condo
You can buy a private condo freely, but budget for 60% ABSD on top of the price. For a S$2m unit that is S$1.2m in ABSD.
US / Swiss / Icelandic / Liechtenstein / Norwegian national
Under free trade agreements you are treated as a Singapore Citizen for ABSD. A first property means 0% ABSD — a major difference. Keep your supporting documents ready.
Foreigner eyeing landed property
A condo is open to you; a landed house is not. You need LDAU approval, except in Sentosa Cove where the process is streamlined. Confirm the details with the SLA before committing.
Related questions
Do foreigners need government approval to buy a condo?
No. Private condominium units can be bought freely by foreigners without any approval. Approval is only required for landed property, which goes through the Land Dealings Approval Unit.
How much ABSD does a foreigner pay on a condo?
Foreigners pay 60% ABSD on any residential purchase, regardless of whether it is their first or subsequent property. This is charged on top of the standard Buyer's Stamp Duty.
Are any foreigners exempt from the 60% rate?
Yes. Nationals of the USA, and nationals and PRs of Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, are treated as Singapore Citizens for ABSD under free trade agreements.
Can a foreigner buy an executive condominium (EC)?
Only after the EC passes its 10-year mark, when it becomes a fully private property. Before that, ECs are not open to foreigners.
Can a foreigner buy landed property?
Generally no, without approval. You need clearance from the Land Dealings Approval Unit, except in Sentosa Cove, which has a streamlined process. Check your eligibility with the SLA.
More answers: Can a foreigner buy landed property in Singapore? · Can a PR buy a condo in Singapore? · Can a PR buy a resale HDB flat? · Can I buy a condo while owning an HDB flat?
Sources: SLA — Residential Property Act / Land Dealings Approval Unit · IRAS — Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty · Last verified 2026-10-19