Foreigners Buying Private Residential Property in Singapore

Resources ⎬ Buy, Sell, Rent ⎬ Buying ⎬ Foreign Ownership

How is a foreign person defined as under the Residential Property Act. 

A foreign person means any person who is not any of the following:
• Singapore Citizen;
• Singapore Company;
• Singapore Limited Liability Partnership; or
• Singapore Society.

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What is Non-Restricted Residential Property?

In general, foreigners are not restricted from buying

  • Any apartment within a building
  • Any flat or dwelling-house in an approved condominium development under the Planning Act.
  • However, a foreign person is not allowed to buy all the apartments within a building or all the units in the condominium development without the prior approval of the Minister for Law.
  • A leasehold estate in restricted residential property for a term not exceeding 7 years, including any further term which may be granted by way of an option for renewal.

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What is Restricted Residential Property.

The followings are classed as restricted residential property:

  • Vacant residential land.
  • Landed property [i.e. detached house, semi-detached house, terrace house (including linked house or townhouse)] except for those landed in Sentosa Cove.
  • Landed property in strata developments which are not approved condominium developments under the Planning Act.
  • Units in buildings of less than 6 levels.

**Approval will have to be obtained from Land Dealing Approval Unit for the purchase of a restricted residential property. You can apply for a written approval from the Controller of Residential Property Land Dealings.  The application forms can be obtained from Singapore Land Authority website.
see: Sentosa Special Schemes

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What are the factors the government would consider when reviewing my application.

The approval will be looked upon favorably if:

  • the individual is a permanent resident
  • an individual who can provide economic benefits to Singapore or makes adequate contribution in Singapore; and
  • one who possesses professional or other qualifications or experience which are of benefits or advantageous to Singapore.</li

Note: Applications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and the entire process should take about three months.

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Can I appeal if my application to buy a landed property is rejected.

Yes. You may appeal to the Ministry of Law within three months from the date of notice of rejection. However, the Minister’s decision is final and you will not be able to appeal again.

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Can I transfer my approval to buy a land property to another foreigner if it is granted.

No. It cannot be transferred.

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Is it possible for my Singaporean friend to buy a landed property on my behalf, and make him a trustee for my benefit.

No. Such an arrangement is illegal.

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For more information, please contact Land Dealings (Approval) Unit or you may contact me if you require assistance in the application.

*Please note that information provided is as it is basis, whilst every effort has been made to provide up-to-date information. The author is not responsible for inaccuracies or whatsoever as a result from using this information.