Foreign ownership of property

What is foreign ownership of property?

Foreign property ownership refers to the legal right and ability of non-citizens or entities outside Singapore to acquire its properties. 

Any foreign individual desiring to acquire a landed residential property must obtain approval under the regulations outlined in the Residential Property Act. 

These regulations aim to safeguard national interests, maintain housing affordability, and control the impact of foreign investment on the local real estate market.

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Who is a foreign person?

Individuals who are not Singapore citizens, Singapore companies, Singapore limited liability partnerships or Singapore societies are considered foreign persons. Despite their residency status, this classification also includes Singapore Permanent Residents (SPRs).

Can foreigners buy public or private houses?

Here are the eligibility for foreign property ownership in Singapore:

1. Non-SPRs buying alone are eligible to purchase privatised executive condominiums (ECs) that are more than 10 years old.
2. When buying alone, SPRs can only purchase resale ECs that have completed the five-year Minimum Occupancy Period (MOP). 
3. SPRs who are purchasing jointly with another SPR have the following options:

• A resale HDB flat (after three years of obtaining PR status)
• A resale EC that is more than five years old
• A privatised EC that is more than 10 years old

4. If an SPR is purchasing with a non-SPR, the eligible options are:

• A resale EC that is more than five years old
• A privatised EC that is more than 10 years old

5. Non-SPR couples who are purchasing jointly can consider acquiring a privatised EC that is more than 10 years old.

Note that eligibility criteria, government regulations, and approval processes may apply to the ownership options mentioned. It is advisable to seek guidance and consult relevant authorities or professionals for detailed information and assistance.

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What properties are allowed foreign ownership?

The Residential Property Act allows foreign individuals to purchase the following types of properties without requiring approval:

1. Condominium unit
2. Flat unit
3. Strata landed houses within approved condominium developments
4. Leasehold estates in landed residential properties for a term not exceeding 7 years, including renewal options
5. Shophouses for commercial purposes
6. Industrial and commercial properties
7. Hotels registered under the Hotels Act
8. Executive condominium units, HDB flats, and HDB shophouses.

What properties are not allowed foreign ownership?

Foreign individuals must obtain approval before purchasing the following types of properties:

1. Vacant residential land
2. Terrace house
3. Semi-detached house
4. Bungalow/detached house
5. Strata landed house that is not part of an approved condominium development under the Planning Act (e.g., townhouse or cluster house)
6. Shophouse (for non-commercial use)
7. Association premises
8. Place of worship
9. Worker’s dormitories, serviced apartments, or boarding houses that are not officially registered under the regulations of the Hotels Act.

The information provided was accurate at the time of publication. For the latest changes and updates, head over to the official website.

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