BecomeHHSingapore offers world-class infrastructure, rock-solid rule of law and an exceptionally transparent land registry. Foreigners can buy private apartments and condominiums freely; landed houses and public HDB flats are restricted and require government approval.
The defining feature for overseas buyers is cost. On top of the price, foreigners pay a 60% Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD), plus the standard 1–6% Buyer's Stamp Duty. Financing is well-priced from roughly 1.6–1.8% fixed (September 2026), but the Monetary Authority of Singapore caps the loan at 75% LTV, so you need at least 25% down.
Market overview
As a dense city-state, Singapore has no cheap rural alternative — values are high across the island, with prime districts like Orchard and Marina Bay at the top. Gross rental yields are modest at around 3%. The big planning numbers are the stamp duties: BSD of 1–6% for everyone, and ABSD that runs from 0% (a citizen's first home) up to 60% for foreigners.
Popular locations:
Mortgage rates in Singapore (October 2026)
| Bank | Rate | Max LTV | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 DBS Bank | 1.60% | 75% | dbs.com.sg/personal/loans/home-loans |
| OCBC | 1.65% | 75% | ocbc.com/personal-banking/loans/home-loan |
| UOB | 1.80% | 75% | www.uob.com.sg |
Calculate your monthly payment →
True cost of buying & owning
If you rent it out: Non-resident individuals: flat 24% on net rental income (since YA2024). Residents pay progressive 0–24%. Compare all countries →
Get your exact numbers with the Hidden Buying Costs and Annual Ownership Costs calculators.
Step-by-step buying process
- 1Check eligibility (foreigners need approval for landed homes)
- 2Get mortgage In-Principle Approval
- 3Engage a CEA-licensed agent
- 4Pay 1% Option Fee for the OTP
- 5Exercise OTP + pay 4% within 14 days
- 6Pay Buyer's Stamp Duty (+ ABSD if applicable)
- 7Conveyancing handled by a law firm
- 8Completion — collect the keys