
Real Estate in
Singapore
Providing counsel and representation to serious foreign real estate buyers and sellers in Singapore.
Foreigner (Non-Citizen) Property Ownership
Singapore's Residential Property Act allows non-citizens the ability to purchase units in a condominium. Condominium being defined as 'any flat or dwelling-house shown as a unit in an approved plan bearing the title condominium'. There is no limit to the amount of condominiums a foreigner can own.
Exceptions for Foreigner Property Ownership
Foreigners have the ability to apply to the Controller of Residential Property to own a landed residential property. This is a written form, submitted to the Residential Property Advisory Committee. Foreigners must prove that the property in question will only be used for residence and not for investment or any income-generating purposes. See below for requirements.
Qualifying Certificate (QC)
Recently, foreigners have been granted the ability to create or own shares within a Singaporean company that can develop a condominium building. Full development must be completed within 5 years. All residential units must be sold within 2 years from the date of issue of the Temporary Occupation Permit or Certificate of Statutory Completion, whichever is earlier.
Foreign Ownership Application
See above for Exceptions to Foreigner Property Ownership.
Requirements to submit to the Controller of Residential Property:
- Must be a permanent resident of Singapore
- Must prove income & economic benefit to Singapore
- Must prove professional skill or experience in a trade that will benefit Singapore
Finalizing Land Dealings
A lawyer must be involved in foreigner land purchases to execute due diligence on bank loans, titles, government redevelopment and specific clauses in contracts to ensure that no claims can be made against the property after the purchase.
Gifted Properties
If a non-citizen is given land or property as a gift, succession, inheritance or otherwise, governmental approval is required. At times, a foreign beneficiary of a property made be required to sell the gifted property to a Singaporean citizen within 10 years of receiving it.
Renting Properties
The only limitation a foreigner has in renting in Singapore is the length of contract. Contracted tenancy cannot exceed seven years.
Additional Buyers Stamp Duty (ABSD)
For foreigners and permanent residents, the Additional Buyer Stamp Duty (ABSD) applies to first, second and subsequent property purchases. For citizens, it applies to the second property purchase and thereafter. It’s an extra tax the government imposes on all types of residential properties. See below for percentage breakouts: Buying 1st Residential Property: 0% (Citizen), 5% (Perm. Res.), 20% (Foreigner) Buying 2nd Residential Property: 12% (Citizen), 15% (Perm. Res.), 20% (Foreigner) Buying 3rd or Subsequent Residential Property: 15% (Citizen & Perm. Res.), 20% (Foreigner)

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