Can a PR buy a condo in Singapore?
Yes. A Singapore Permanent Resident can buy a private condominium unit freely, with no approval needed. The key condition is Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD): a PR pays 5% ABSD on a first residential property, 30% on a second, and 35% on a third or subsequent property, on top of standard Buyer's Stamp Duty.
The full rules
Can a PR buy a condo?
Yes. Condominiums are private (non-landed) residential property, which PRs can purchase without any government approval. The main cost consideration is Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD), charged on top of the standard Buyer's Stamp Duty.
ABSD rates for PRs
| Property count | ABSD rate (PR) |
| First residential property | 5% |
| Second residential property | 30% |
| Third or subsequent | 35% |
How PRs compare
| Buyer type | First | Second | Third+ |
| Citizen | 0% | 20% | 30% |
| PR | 5% | 30% | 35% |
| Foreigner | 60% | 60% | 60% |
| Entity | 65% | 65% | 65% |
*ABSD rates effective 27 April 2023.*
Free trade agreement exception
Nationals of the USA, and nationals/PRs of Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, are treated as Singapore Citizens for ABSD purposes.
Landed property note
This applies to condominiums. Landed property has separate rules requiring approval from the Land Dealings Approval Unit.
Worked example
Worked example
Scenario: A Singapore PR buys their first condominium for $1,500,000.
ABSD (first property, PR rate 5%):
| Item | Calculation | Amount |
| Purchase price | — | $1,500,000 |
| ABSD at 5% | $1,500,000 × 5% | $75,000 |
The PR would pay $75,000 in ABSD on this purchase, in addition to the standard Buyer's Stamp Duty (not covered in the provided data).
If this were a second property, ABSD would be 30% = $450,000. For a third, 35% = $525,000.
What this means for you
First-time PR buyer
You can buy a condo freely with no approval. Budget for 5% ABSD on top of the price — e.g. $50,000 on a $1,000,000 unit.
PR upgrading to a second property
If you keep your first property, ABSD on the second jumps to 30%. On a $1,500,000 condo that is $450,000. Selling the first before buying may change your count — check your timing carefully.
US national or Nordic PR
If you are a US national, or a national/PR of Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway, you are treated as a Singapore Citizen for ABSD — so 0% on your first property.
Related questions
Does a PR need government approval to buy a condo?
No. Condominiums are private non-landed residential property, which PRs can buy freely. Approval through the Land Dealings Approval Unit is only required for landed property.
How much ABSD does a PR pay on a first condo?
A PR pays 5% ABSD on a first residential property, applied to the purchase price, on top of the standard Buyer's Stamp Duty.
What ABSD applies to a PR's second property?
A PR pays 30% ABSD on a second residential property, and 35% on a third or subsequent property. Rates are effective from 27 April 2023.
Are any PRs exempt from the higher ABSD?
PRs of Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, plus US nationals, are treated as Singapore Citizens for ABSD under free trade agreements — meaning 0% on a first property.
How does a PR's ABSD compare to a foreigner's?
A foreigner pays 60% ABSD on any residential property, while a PR pays only 5% on a first property. PR status significantly lowers the tax burden.
More answers: Can a foreigner buy a condo in Singapore? · Can a foreigner buy landed property in Singapore? · Can a PR buy a resale HDB flat? · Can I buy a condo while owning an HDB flat?
Sources: IRAS — Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty · SLA — Residential Property Act / Land Dealings Approval Unit · Last verified 2026-09-05