Singapore Property Buyer’s Guide

• HDB Flats: Must meet eligibility schemes (citizenship, family nucleus, income ceiling, ethnic integration policy).

• ECs: Similar restrictions to HDB for first 10 years.

• Private Condos & Landed: No restrictions for Singaporeans/PRs (except foreigners need approval for landed).

• Foreign Buyers: Can buy condos, but need LDAU approval for landed homes

• Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR): Monthly loan repayments ≤ 55% of gross monthly income.

• Loan-to-Value (LTV): Max 75% bank loan (if no outstanding loans).

• CPF Usage: Know how much OA savings can be used.

• Cash Requirements: 5% minimum cash downpayment for bank loans.

• Hidden Costs: BSD/ABSD, legal fees, valuation fees, agent fees, renovation costs.

• Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD): Payable for all purchases.

• Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD): Varies by profile (Singaporeans: 0% first, 20% second, 30% third; PRs & foreigners higher).

• Property Tax: Based on Annual Value & owner-occupation.

• Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD): Payable if property sold within 4 years of purchase (rates decrease with holding period).

• Freehold vs Leasehold: Freehold = lasting value, but higher price. 99-year leasehold may depreciate after 20–30 years.

• 99/999-year Leasehold vs Freehold: Check remaining lease, especially for HDB (affects financing & resale value).

• Proximity to MRT, schools, malls, and future Master Plan developments.

• Upcoming URA Master Plan projects can boost capital appreciation.

• Rental demand in the area (if investment).

• Resale restrictions (HDB MOP = 5 years).

• Rental yield vs capital appreciation potential.

• Liquidity of the property type in current market.

• OTP (Option to Purchase) & exercising timeline.

• Bank loan approval in-principle before committing.

• HDB vs private transaction timeline differences.

• Sole vs joint ownership (Joint Tenancy vs Tenancy-in-Common).

• For investors: Decoupling or buying under trust (to manage ABSD).

• Check caveats lodged on the property.