Short answer
Foreigners can buy private condominiums but not HDB flats or ECs from developers, and need SLA approval for most landed property. They pay ABSD of 60%. Permanent Residents pay 5% on a first home and 30% on a second, and can buy resale HDB flats under conditions.
What you can buy
| Foreigner | PR | |
|---|---|---|
| Condominium | Yes | Yes |
| Landed | SLA approval needed | SLA approval needed |
| HDB resale | No | Yes, with conditions |
| New EC | No | Only with a Singapore Citizen as a core applicant |
For a resale HDB flat, PR households generally need at least three years as PRs, a family nucleus and a place within the PR quota for the block and neighbourhood. Confirm with HDB and SLA.
Costs
BSD applies to everyone, and ABSD is 60% for foreigners. Also factor in a larger cash downpayment if your income is overseas and loan availability is limited.
Sources to check
Frequently asked questions
Do foreigners pay ABSD?
Yes, 60% of the price or value on any residential property.