Recently, we have encountered many single Permanent Residents (PRs) asking about purchasing condominiums in Singapore. We realized that many young people are not very familiar with Singapore’s property market. Therefore, this time, we will provide a detailed Q&A on the topic of single PRs buying condos.
First, to answer the question directly, single Permanent Residents can certainly buy condominiums in Singapore. As for which types of properties they can purchase, the following table provides a detailed explanation:
| Properties Single PRs Cannot Buy | Properties Single PRs Can Buy |
| New HDB flats, including BTO, SBF, resale flats under Open Booking of Flats | Private Condominiums |
| Executive Condominiums (EC) | Resale Executive Condominiums (EC) |
| Landed property |
Next, let’s look at the types of properties that single PRs can buy and the conditions required.
It is important to note that regardless of which type of property you purchase below, you will need to pay the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD). The corresponding rates are shown in the table below:
| First property for a single PR | ABSD amount: 5% of the property price or market value, whichever is higher |
| Second property for a single PR | ABSD amount: 30% of the property price or market value, whichever is higher |
| Third and subsequent properties for a single PR | ABSD amount: 35% of the property price or market value, whichever is higher |
1. Condos Single PRs Can Buy in Singapore: Private Condominiums
If you have sufficient financial means, acquiring a private condominium is the easiest option because it involves the fewest restrictions.
For example, buying a private condo does not require you to comply with the various rules of the Housing & Development Board (HDB), especially the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP). This means you don’t have to wait five years before you can rent out or sell the condo. As long as you are 21 years of age or older, you can purchase a private condominium.
Other benefits of buying a condo include the opportunity to purchase a freehold property, being located in prime areas close to amenities, and access to facilities like swimming pools, gyms, and BBQ pits. Generally, the living environment in a private condo is better, offering a higher quality of life.
If you are interested in private condominiums in Singapore and intend to purchase one, feel free to contact us for more professional property advice.
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2. Condos Single PRs Can Buy in Singapore: Resale Executive Condominiums
Although you cannot buy a brand new Executive Condominium (EC) in Singapore, you can purchase a resale one.
Even though it’s a resale condo, there are some benefits to buying this type of property. Firstly, the property is already built and ready for move-in. Therefore, you don’t have to wait two to three years to get the Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP). This means you can move in immediately, saving a lot of time. Secondly, if you are buying the condo purely for investment, you can rent it out or resell it at any time (you will need to pay Seller’s Stamp Duty, SSD, if you sell within three years).
Furthermore, an EC becomes fully privatized after its 10th year. Buying a resale EC means you will have a shorter waiting time for it to be privatized, at which point you can sell it to foreigners more quickly.
In Singapore, it is relatively easy for single PRs to buy a condo, although there are specific policies that may change depending on individual circumstances. Therefore, if you wish to buy a condo, you can consult us, and we will provide professional advice based on your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
• Can a single Singapore PR buy a resale HDB flat?
A single PR can jointly buy a resale HDB flat with another PR or a Singapore Citizen, but they must apply under one of the eligibility schemes. However, a single PR cannot buy a resale HDB flat alone.
• Can a single PR buy a condo in Singapore?
There are no restrictions for a single PR buying a condominium. However, you will need to pay the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) on your first property.
• Can a single PR buy a resale Executive Condominium (EC)?
You can buy resale ECs that have met their 5-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP).
Official Sources & References
- IRAS — Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) rates: ABSD official page
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