Can Foreigners Buy Commercial Property in Singapore?

Updated 12 November 2026 · CBD Office Space · General information only, not legal or tax advice.

Short answer

Yes. The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) lists "Industrial and commercial properties" among the property types a foreign person can buy without approval; the restrictions apply mainly to landed and other residential property. The buyer pays Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD), plus 9% GST if the seller is GST-registered. Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) applies to residential property only.

Which purchases need approval?

SLA defines a foreign person as anyone who is not a Singapore citizen, Singapore company, Singapore limited liability partnership or Singapore society. Under SLA's classification:

• No approval needed: industrial and commercial properties, shophouses for commercial use, condominium units, and hotels registered under the Hotels Act.
• Approval needed: landed residential property (including Sentosa Cove), vacant residential land, and shophouses for non-commercial use, among others.
• Commercial & residential properties: SLA has separate guidance; check before buying.

Buying a strata office unit in the CBD therefore generally needs no SLA application. Confirm the property's approved use (for example, office or shop) before you commit.

How is Buyer's Stamp Duty calculated?

IRAS publishes the following progressive rates for non-residential property acquired on or after 15 February 2023, applied to the higher of the price or market value:

Example: for a S$2,000,000 office unit, BSD is about S$1,800 + S$3,600 + S$19,200 + S$20,000 + S$25,000 = S$69,600. Use IRAS's own calculation for the final amount.

Is Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) payable?

Generally no. IRAS states that only residential properties are counted when determining ABSD. Watch for these cases:

• A strata unit permitted to be used as a shop under a written permission under section 14(4) of the Planning Act for more than 10 years does not attract ABSD.
• For property with a residential component (such as an HDB shop with living quarters), ABSD applies only to the value of the residential part.
• Land zoned Residential, Commercial & Residential, White and similar zonings falls within the definition of residential property even if it will be developed for non-residential use, so ABSD may apply.

Is GST payable on an office purchase?

It depends on the seller. IRAS states that GST is payable on purchases of non-residential property if the seller is GST-registered; the current GST rate is 9%. Sales and leases of residential property are exempt. Whether you can claim the GST back as input tax depends on your own GST registration and use, so check with a tax adviser.

Will Seller's Stamp Duty apply when I sell?

IRAS's Seller's Stamp Duty rules cover residential property and industrial property; offices and other commercial property are not listed. Confirm the rules in force at the time of sale with IRAS or your lawyer.

Pre-purchase checklist for foreign buyers

• Tenure: freehold, 999-year or 99-year lease, and the years remaining.
• Approved use: office, shop or mixed use, and whether it fits your business.
• Existing tenancy: vacant possession or sold with a tenant; rent, expiry and deposit.
• Management fees and sinking fund: MCST charges and the building's maintenance plans.
• Same-building transactions: more useful than district averages. See the strata office building profiles.
• Financing and funds: confirm loan terms and source-of-funds documents with your bank early.

How CBD Office Space can help

We shortlist strata offices by budget, district and use, share same-building transaction evidence and coordinate viewings. Legal and tax questions should go to a lawyer and tax adviser. See also the strata office guide.

Official references

• SLA: Foreign ownership of property
• IRAS: Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD)
• IRAS: Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD)
• IRAS: Buying other types of properties (GST)
• IRAS: Current GST rates
• IRAS: Selling or disposing property