Can a foreigner buy landed property in Singapore?
Yes, but not freely. Foreigners can buy private condominium units and executive condominiums past their 10-year mark without special approval. Landed property is restricted: you need approval from the Land Dealings Approval Unit before you can buy, except in Sentosa Cove, which has a streamlined process. Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty of 60% also applies on the purchase.
The full rules
What foreigners can and cannot buy
| Property type | Approval needed? |
| Private condominium unit | No — freely purchasable |
| Executive condominium (past 10-year mark) | No — freely purchasable |
| Landed property (mainland) | Yes — Land Dealings Approval Unit (LDAU) approval required |
| Landed property in Sentosa Cove | Streamlined approval process |
Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD)
ABSD applies on top of the purchase, based on buyer profile:
| Buyer profile | ABSD rate |
| Foreigner (any property) | 60% |
| Entity (any property) | 65% |
A key exception
Nationals of the USA, and nationals and permanent residents of Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, are treated as Singapore Citizens for ABSD under free trade agreements. On a first residential property, Singapore Citizens pay 0% ABSD.
Confirm your landed property eligibility with the Singapore Land Authority before committing.
Worked example
Worked example
A foreign national (not covered by a free trade agreement) wants to buy a landed home on the mainland for S$5,000,000.
1. Approval: They must apply to the Land Dealings Approval Unit (LDAU) and receive approval before the purchase can proceed.
2. ABSD at 60%: 60% × S$5,000,000 = S$3,000,000.
That ABSD is on top of the purchase price and ordinary Buyer's Stamp Duty. If instead they bought a private condominium, no LDAU approval would be needed, though the 60% ABSD would still apply.
What this means for you
Foreign national eyeing a landed home
You cannot buy mainland landed property without LDAU approval, and 60% ABSD applies. Sentosa Cove has a streamlined process if landed living is the goal.
US national (or Swiss, Icelandic, Liechtenstein, Norwegian national/PR)
Under a free trade agreement, you are treated as a Singapore Citizen for ABSD — 0% on a first residential property. Landed property still needs LDAU approval unless it is in Sentosa Cove.
Foreigner wanting a condominium
You can freely buy a private condominium unit, or an executive condominium past its 10-year mark, with no special approval. The 60% foreigner ABSD still applies.
Related questions
Do I need approval to buy a condo as a foreigner?
No. Foreigners may freely buy private condominium units, and executive condominiums once they are past their 10-year mark, without special approval. The 60% foreigner ABSD still applies on the purchase.
How do I get approval for landed property?
You apply to the Land Dealings Approval Unit under the Singapore Land Authority. Approval is required before buying mainland landed property. Sentosa Cove has a streamlined process. Confirm the current requirements directly with SLA.
How much ABSD does a foreigner pay?
A foreigner pays 60% ABSD on any residential property purchase. An entity pays 65%. This is on top of the purchase price and ordinary Buyer's Stamp Duty.
Are any foreigners exempt from the 60% rate?
Nationals of the USA, and nationals and permanent residents of Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, are treated as Singapore Citizens for ABSD under free trade agreements — 0% on a first residential property.
Can a foreigner buy landed property in Sentosa Cove?
Yes, through a streamlined approval process, rather than the full Land Dealings Approval Unit route used for mainland landed property. The 60% foreigner ABSD still applies. Confirm current details with the Singapore Land Authority.
More answers: Can a foreigner buy a condo 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