Buying landed property in Singapore

Confirm ownership eligibility first

Foreign persons, including Singapore permanent residents, generally require SLA approval to buy restricted residential property such as terrace houses, semi-detached houses and bungalows. Some property categories have different treatment. Check the exact property and your status with SLA and your lawyer before committing; do not assume permanent residency alone is approval.

Understand the title, tenure and boundaries

Have your lawyer check the title, remaining lease where relevant, legal access, easements, restrictions and any encumbrances. Do not equate the apparent garden, driveway or fence line with the legal boundary. Ask what the sale includes and whether any shared arrangements need documenting.

Assess the building before budgeting works

Arrange suitable professional inspections where necessary. A roof, drainage or structural issue can materially change the cost of ownership. Separate cosmetic improvements from works that require design, engineering or authority approvals.

• Ask about water ingress, roof condition and past repairs.
• Check alterations against the approved plans where appropriate.
• Allow for investigations and contingencies before fixing a renovation budget.

Do not assume you can rebuild to a particular size

URA planning controls and the site’s specific constraints govern what may be permitted. Obtain planning records and ask a qualified professional to assess the intended works. Road reserves, access, setbacks, conservation controls or other site conditions may affect a proposal. A neighbouring house or a marketing sketch is not approval for your project.

Compare the total commitment

Consider acquisition costs, financing, renovation or rebuilding, ongoing maintenance and any period when the home cannot be occupied. Use the stamp duty calculator and affordability estimate as preparation, then review the actual property with the relevant professionals.