As one of the world’s financial centers, Singapore is home to the Asian headquarters of many multinational corporations. Consequently, many people from Hong Kong work, live, settle, and retire in Singapore. Additionally, many parents send their children to study in Singapore or immigrate with their entire family.
Whether you are working, living, or studying in Singapore, after a long stay, you will likely consider buying a home. After all, Singapore boasts a great environment, a developed economy, stable property prices, and some of the lowest mortgage rates globally—buying a property here is a sound investment. Besides for own stay, it can be rented out or sold after a period, serving as a dual-purpose long-term investment.
Basically, most Hongkongers who come to Singapore and can afford to buy a property will choose to do so as early as possible. So, can people from Hong Kong buy property in Singapore? What conditions must be met? How much does it cost to buy a home? 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 Hongkongers Buy Property in Singapore?
The most direct answer is: yes.
Singapore is a highly inclusive immigrant nation, with 74.3% of its population being Chinese. This means nearly 3 out of every 4 Singaporeans are of Chinese descent, 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 Hongkongers to purchase property in Singapore. However, compared to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs), there are some restrictions for Hongkongers buying property in Singapore.
What are the Restrictions for Hongkongers Buying Property in Singapore?
Hongkongers are limited to purchasing only two types of properties in Singapore:
- Private condominiums
- Landed properties in Sentosa Cove
Due to its limited land and large population, the Singapore government implements policies to stabilize property prices and ensure its citizens can afford to buy homes and start families. This includes providing substantial support for its citizens, such as building affordable public housing (HDB flats), and restricting the types of properties Hongkongers can purchase. Apart from landed properties in Sentosa Cove, Hongkongers can only buy private condominiums.
How Much Does It Cost for Hongkongers to Buy Property in Singapore?
If you are planning to buy a private condominium in Singapore, how much should you budget?
Although Singapore is small, it is divided into 28 districts, and property prices can vary significantly between them. 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 neighborhoods are concentrated in these areas. 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 converts to 5.38 RMB
If you work in Singapore, you can check the condominium prices near your workplace. If the average price exceeds your budget, you might consider adjacent neighborhoods or more distant communities with good transport links. If you are studying in Singapore or have children attending school here, choosing a condominium near an international school would be most convenient.
Of course, these are just average prices; 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 on specific areas and projects, as they can usually help you find the most suitable property.
Can Hongkongers Get a Loan to Buy Property in Singapore?
Yes, Hongkongers can get a loan to buy property in Singapore, with a maximum loan of up to 75% of the property value.
How are Taxes Calculated for Hongkongers Buying Property in Singapore?
If your property purchase price is below S$1 million, the taxes payable 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 payable 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 payable 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 payable will be 66% of the property price (6% Buyer’s Stamp Duty + 60% Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty).
What is the Down Payment for Hongkongers Buying Property in Singapore?
In most cases, if you opt for a loan and can secure 70% financing from a bank, the down payment for a condominium will be 30%, calculated based on the Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio.
What are the General Steps for Hongkongers to Buy Property in Singapore?
If you are buying a new property in Singapore, the steps are as follows:
- On the day of booking: Pay 5% of the purchase price (as a deposit).
- Within 1-2 weeks: The developer sends the Sales and Purchase Agreement (S&P) to the law firm.
- Within 3 weeks of receiving the S&P: Apply for a loan and sign the documents at the law firm.
- Within 2 weeks of signing the S&P: The buyer must pay the Buyer’s Stamp Duty.
- Within 8 weeks of booking: Pay 15% of the purchase price.
- Make subsequent payments according to the construction progress.
If you are buying a resale property in Singapore, the steps are as follows:
- Select a property you like (through a real estate agent or property portal).
- Contact the seller to negotiate and agree on a price.
- Pay a 1% deposit (Option Fee).
- Apply for a bank loan.
- Pay the remaining 4% of the down payment within the next 14 days (Exercise Fee).
- Sign the Sales and Purchase Agreement.
- On the completion date, pay the remaining purchase price minus the home loan amount.
- Take possession of the property.
Can I Purchase a Property if I am Not Physically in Singapore?
Yes, you can. Buyers from Hong Kong can sign documents at a local Notary Public law firm or the Singapore Embassy. Alternatively, Hong Kong buyers can arrange for a Power of Attorney (POA) through a lawyer, authorizing a relative or friend in Singapore to execute the property transaction on their behalf.
Can I Immigrate to Singapore by Buying Property?
Buying property in Singapore does not equate to immigration. Property transactions are typically between a developer or private seller, whereas Permanent Residency (PR) is granted by the Singapore government. Therefore, buying a property is not a direct route to immigration. However, owning property in Singapore can be a contributing factor that may strengthen your PR application, serving as a stepping stone towards immigration.
Conclusion
It is quite common for people from Hong Kong to buy property in Singapore. Many who work or study here choose to purchase their own homes. On one hand, it provides a place to live during their time in Singapore. On the other hand, if not for personal use, the property can be rented out or sold, making it an excellent investment.
- All Questions Answered Before Buying a Home in Singapore
- Should You Choose Freehold or 99-Year Leasehold for Property Investment in Singapore?
Official Sources & References
- IRAS — Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) rates: ABSD official page
- IRAS — Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD): BSD official page
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