As one of the world’s financial centers, Singapore is home to the Asian headquarters of many multinational corporations. Consequently, many Australians work, live, settle, and retire in Singapore. Additionally, many parents send their children to study in Singapore or immigrate with their entire families.
Whether you are working, living, or studying in Singapore, after staying for a while, you will likely consider buying a property. After all, Singapore boasts a great environment, a developed economy, stable property prices, and some of the lowest loan interest rates globally. Buying a property here is often seen as a sound investment. Besides for own stay, it can be rented out or held for a period and then sold, serving as a dual-purpose long-term investment.
Basically, most Australians who come to Singapore and are able to buy a property will choose to do so as early as possible. So, can Australians buy property in Singapore? What conditions must be met? How much does it cost to buy a property? Can you get a loan? What are the interest rates? Today, as a seasoned local real estate agent in Singapore, I will answer these questions for you one by one.
Table of Contents
Can Australians Buy Property in Singapore?
The most direct answer is: yes.
Singapore is a highly inclusive immigrant country, with 74.3% of its population being of Chinese descent. This means that about 3 out of every 4 Singaporeans are Chinese, making it the only country outside of mainland China with a majority Chinese population.
The Singapore government encourages people from all over the world to work, study, and settle here, and thus allows Australians to purchase property in Singapore. However, compared to Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs), there are some restrictions for Australians buying property in Singapore.
What Are the Restrictions for Australians Buying Property in Singapore?
There are only two types of properties that Australians can choose to buy in Singapore:
- Private condominiums
- Landed properties in Sentosa Cove
Singapore has limited land and a large population. To stabilize housing prices and enable its citizens to buy homes for marriage and family at reasonable prices, the government provides a lot of policy support for Singaporeans, such as building affordable public housing (HDB flats) for them. It has also imposed restrictions on the types of properties Australians can purchase. Apart from landed properties in Sentosa Cove, Australians can only buy private condominiums.
How Much Does It Cost for Australians to Buy Property in Singapore?
If you plan to buy a private condominium in Singapore, how much money should you prepare?
Although Singapore is small, it is divided into 28 districts. Property prices can vary significantly between different districts. When selecting a property, you can choose condominiums in different price ranges based on your budget.
Generally, condominiums in Districts 1–7, 9, 10, 11, and 15 are more expensive, as most multinational corporations, universities, and traditional affluent areas are concentrated in these districts. The table below shows the average prices for condominiums in these districts:
| District | Average Price (SGD) | Average Price (RMB) |
| District 1 | 2,531 SGD/sqft | 146,571 RMB/sqm |
| District 2 | 2,646 SGD/sqft | 153,231 RMB/sqm |
| District 3 | 2,835 SGD/sqft | 164,176 RMB/sqm |
| District 4 | 2,593 SGD/sqft | 150,161 RMB/sqm |
| District 5 | 2,220 SGD/sqft | 128,561 RMB/sqm |
| District 6 | 2,974 SGD/sqft | 172,225 RMB/sqm |
| District 7 | 3,095 SGD/sqft | 179,232 RMB/sqm |
| District 9 | 3,049 SGD/sqft | 176,569 RMB/sqm |
| District 10 | 2,999 SGD/sqft | 173,673 RMB/sqm |
| District 11 | 2,964 SGD/sqft | 171,646 RMB/sqm |
| District 15 | 2,460 SGD/sqft | 142,459 RMB/sqm |
1 SGD to 5.38 RMB Exchange Rate
If you work in Singapore, you can check the condominium prices near your workplace. If the average price exceeds your budget, you can consider adjacent neighborhoods or more distant communities with convenient transportation. If you are studying in Singapore or sending your child to school here, choosing a condominium near an international school would be the most convenient option.
Of course, the prices above are just averages; prices will vary based on location, amenities, and developer. You can choose a trustworthy local real estate agent to provide you with more detailed information about districts and properties. They can usually help you find the most suitable property.
Can Australians Get a Loan to Buy Property in Singapore?
Australians can also get a loan to buy property in Singapore, and they can borrow up to 75% of the property price.
How Are Taxes Calculated for Australians Buying Property in Singapore?
If your property purchase price is below S$1 million, the taxes you need to pay will be 63% of the property price (3% Buyer’s Stamp Duty + 60% Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty).
If your property purchase price is between S$1 million and S$1.5 million, the taxes you need to pay will be 64% of the property price (4% Buyer’s Stamp Duty + 60% Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty).
If your property purchase price is between S$1.5 million and S$3 million, the taxes you need to pay will be 65% of the property price (5% Buyer’s Stamp Duty + 60% Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty).
If your property purchase price is above S$3 million, the taxes you need to pay will be 66% of the property price (6% Buyer’s Stamp Duty + 60% Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty).
What is the Down Payment for Australians Buying Property in Singapore?
In most cases, if you choose to take a loan and can secure 70% from the bank, the down payment for a condominium is 30%, calculated based on the Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio.
What is the General Process for Australians Buying Property in Singapore?
If you are buying a new property in Singapore, you need to follow these steps:
- On the day of booking: 5% of the purchase price (as a deposit)
- Within 1–2 weeks: The developer sends the Sales and Purchase Agreement to the law firm
- Within 3 weeks of receiving the purchase agreement: Arrange for a loan and go to the law firm to sign
- Within 2 weeks of signing the Sales and Purchase Agreement: The buyer needs to pay the Buyer’s Stamp Duty
- Within 8 weeks of booking: Pay 15% of the purchase price
- Make payments according to the construction progress
If you are buying a resale property in Singapore, you need to follow these steps:
- Choose a property you are satisfied with (through a real estate agent or property website);
- Contact the seller to negotiate and agree on a price acceptable to both parties;
- Pay a 1% deposit;
- Apply for a loan from the bank;
- Pay a 4% down payment within the next 14 days;
- Sign the purchase agreement;
- On the completion date, pay the remaining purchase price minus the home loan amount;
- The property is transferred to you.
Can I Complete a Property Transaction Without Being in Singapore?
Yes, you can. Australian buyers can sign documents at a local law firm that provides notarization/authentication services (Notary Public) or at the Singapore Embassy. Australian buyers can also authorize a relative or friend in Singapore to represent them in the property transaction through a Power of Attorney (POA).
Can Buying Property in Singapore Lead to Immigration?
Buying property in Singapore is not equivalent to immigration. Property purchases are typically made from developers or private sellers, whereas permanent residency is a matter handled by the Singapore government. Therefore, buying a property is not a direct path to immigration. However, owning property in Singapore can be a plus factor in your Permanent Resident (PR) application and can serve as a stepping stone towards immigration.
Conclusion
It is quite common for Australians to buy property in Singapore. Many who work or study in the country choose to purchase their own homes. On one hand, it can be used for self-occupancy during their time in Singapore. On the other hand, if they are not living in it, it can be rented out or sold, making it a very good investment.
- All Questions Answered Before Buying a Home in Singapore
- Should You Invest in a Freehold or 99-Year Leasehold Property in Singapore?
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