Singapore Property Investment for Chinese Nationals (新加坡房产投资指南)

Singapore’s stable economy, transparent legal system, and world-class education make it a magnet for Chinese investors seeking safe real estate assets.

Foreigners, including mainland Chinese, can freely buy most private condominiums and apartments in Singapore, but with the caveat of a 60% Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) on residential purchases.

As a Chinese investor, it pays to know which property types are exempt from ABSD and what unique opportunities exist. In practical terms, the phrase “no ABSD property Singapore” (如“免额外买家印花税的新加坡房产”) highlights investments in commercial or industrial real estate.

For example, foreigners can buy offices, retail shops, warehouses or hotels without ABSD. In particular, heritage shophouses (for commercial use) are a prized niche – Singapore’s shophouses (保护建筑) yield high rents and hold value, and a purely commercial shophouse purchase by a foreigner is exempt from ABSD. Investors like Jack Ma and other chinese

Other non-residential purchases like industrial B2 factories or strata offices also avoid ABSD. These “no ABSD” options (无ABSD房产) can offer higher rental yields and portfolio diversification for Chinese investors.

Why Singapore Appeals to Chinese Investors (吸引中国投资者的原因)

Singapore’s skyline symbolises its status as a safe, clean, and globally-connected city. Its strong rule of law and stable currency make property investing here attractive to Chinese buyers. 

Singapore is consistently ranked one of the world’s safest, most livable cities, with stringent law enforcement, low corruption and political stability. Its government offers a transparent regulatory framework, making it an ideal wealth-preservation hub.

With more than 70% of the Singapore population ethnically Chinese, Chinese nationals find it easy to integrate to the lifestyle here. Many Chinese families particularly value Singapore’s high-quality education: English as the main language, but many elite international schools and bilingual programs (including Chinese-language options) cater to expatriate children.

In fact, many Chinese investors cite their desire for dual-language education and international exposure for their children as a top reason to invest in Singapore property.

• Strong legal and financial system: Singapore’s pro-business rules and abundant free trade agreements (including with China) create a stable environment.

• Robust economy and currency: The Singapore dollar is stable, and the economy routinely posts steady growth. Compared to overheated markets, Singapore’s relatively stable property prices and 低利率 mortgages appeal to Chinese wealth-seekers.

• Safety and infrastructure: With strict laws and efficient city planning, Singapore offers high quality of life and security. Chinese buyers note Singapore’s safety, clean streets and world-class healthcare as key attractions.

• Strong Chinese community: A sizeable ethnic Chinese population (近华人占多) and Mandarin usage in business make the cultural transition easy. Warm China–Singapore diplomatic ties also give investors added confidence.

Observers note that many Hong Kong or mainland Chinese investors view Singapore as a more stable alternative to other markets. The result: sustained Chinese demand for luxury condos and commercial assets, especially in well-established districts.

Eligible Buyers and No-ABSD Opportunities for Chinese Investors in Singapore

Singapore has long been a top destination for Chinese investors seeking safe, stable, and profitable property opportunities.

However, one of the biggest considerations for foreign buyers is the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD). Mainland Chinese buyers are classified as foreign investors, which means a 60% ABSD applies on residential property purchases (The only ABSD exemption is for first-home buyers from FTA countries like the US or Switzerland).

While this makes direct residential investment costly, several alternative property types allow Chinese investors to participate in Singapore’s real estate market without incurring ABSD.

Commercial/Industrial properties

Foreigners face no ABSD on non-residential property. Popular types include offices, retail spaces, and industrial units. These can often be purchased outright by foreigners without special approval. (For example, foreigners can buy any Singapore hotel or office building under the Hotels Act or appropriate land-use zoning, and face no ABSD.)

Shophouses (商业店屋)

A Chinese buyer can purchase a standalone shophouse zoned purely commercial and pay no additional stamp duty. These heritage shophouses are limited in supply, especially in historic areas. Foreign funds have been active in this niche, seeing strong rental yields.

Sentosa Cove Landed Homes

While landed houses generally require SLA approval and do incur ABSD, Sentosa Cove is an exception where foreigners can buy with approval. (However, ABSD still applies to landed purchases even in Sentosa Cove.)

How to Become a Licensed Property Agent in Singapore (如何成为新加坡地产经纪人)

Interested in the Singapore property market? Chinese nationals can become a real estate salesperson (RES agent) in Singapore, but there are strict requirements.

According to Singapore’s Council for Estate Agencies (CEA), the basic steps are:

1. Work Pass Requirement

   • To legally work as a RES, the person must have a valid Employment Pass (EP) or other valid work visa issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

   • Foreigners cannot operate as RES on a visit pass, student pass, or tourist visa.

2. Education & Course: Be at least 21 years old, with a minimum of four GCE O-Level passes or equivalent. If you have foreign qualifications (e.g. Chinese high school diploma or university degree), you can submit them to CEA for assessment or take a literacy/numeracy test.

3. RES Course & Exam: Complete the CEA-approved Real Estate Salesperson (RES) course and pass the RES examination papers. The courses are offered by private institutes and cover Singapore law, contracts, and market practices.

4. Join a Licensed Agency: After passing the exam, you must register with a licensed real estate agency (such as PropNex, Huttons, etc.) that will sponsor your salesperson licence. The agency submits your application to CEA. The “fit and proper” criteria are checked (no serious criminal convictions, moneylending licenses, etc.).

5. Registration & Ongoing Requirements: Once approved, you become a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson (RES). You must maintain Professional Indemnity Insurance and complete continuing education each year.

Becoming an agent opens doors to insider deals and commissions on Singapore property transactions. The career offers flexibility and high earning potential. As one agent notes, top performers can earn six-figure commissions and set their own schedules.

For Chinese professionals fluent in Mandarin, becoming an agent allows you to bridge markets – advising Chinese buyers on Singapore properties and vice versa.

Take Action: Consult Amy Lim or Join Her Team

Ready to explore Singapore’s property market? Schedule a private consultation with Amy Lim, a senior PropNex agent experienced with Chinese investors.

Amy can advise you on “新加坡房产投资” strategies or help you navigate the licensing process to become an agent. Key next steps:

Book a Consultation

Discuss your investment goals and let Amy craft a tailored plan. Amy Lim offers 1-to-1 portfolio consultations to analyze opportunities, whether you seek ABSD-free deals or premium condos. (Contact Amy Lim via AmyLim@rocketmail.com or +65 8588 4986.)