Singapore’s real estate market offers a diverse range of property types, each catering to different budgets, lifestyles, and investment goals. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, an investor, or an expat, understanding these options is crucial before making a purchase.
This guide breaks down the key property types in Singapore, their features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision. Here are the common types of properties in Singapore.
1. Public Housing (HDB flats)
The Housing Development Board (HDB) provides affordable housing for Singaporeans. HDB flats come in various sizes, ranging from studio apartments to executive maisonettes. They are typically located in residential estates and offer communal facilities like parks, playgrounds, and schools.
Ownership: Singaporeans & Permanent Residents (PRs) subject to eligibility criteria
Price Range: $1.3M+
BTO (Built-to-Order): New flats sold by HDB at subsidized rates (3–5 years wait).
Resale Flats: Pre-owned units with immediate occupancy (eligible after 5-year MOP).
✅ Pros:
✔ Affordable with government grants (up to $160k for eligible buyers).
✔ Strong community amenities (hawker centres, MRT links).
❌ Cons:
✖ 5 to 10-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) before selling/renting.
✖ PRs face stricter resale conditions.
Best For: First-time buyers, families and long-term residents.
2. Private Residential Properties
These include condominiums, apartments, and landed properties like bungalows, semi-detached, and terrace houses. Private residential properties offer more amenities and privacy compared to HDB flats but come at a higher price.
Ownership: Open to all (locals, PRs, foreigners)
Price Range: $10M+
Luxury Condos (Sentosa, Orchard, CBD) – High-end finishes, exclusivity.
Mass-Market Condos (OCR/RCR) – More affordable, family-friendly.
New Launches vs. Resale – New projects often come with discounts.
✅ Pros:
✔ No resale restrictions (can sell/rent anytime).
✔ Facilities (pool, gym, security).
❌ Cons:
✖ Maintenance fees ($1,000+/month).
✖ Foreigners pay 60% ABSD.
Best For: Singles, families, investors, expats, upgraders.
3. Executive Condominiums (ECs)
ECs are a hybrid of public and private housing, developed and sold by private developers but subject to eligibility conditions similar to HDB flats for the initial buyers. After a certain period, usually 5 years, ECs can be sold to Permanent Residents and are considered fully private properties after 10 years.
Ownership: Singaporeans & Permanent Residents (PRs) subject to eligibility criteria
Price Range: $1.4M to $2.5M+
Executive Condominiums (ECs): Hybrid public-private housing (private after 10 years).
✅ Pros:
✔ More affordable with government grants
❌ Cons:
✖ 5-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) before selling/renting.
4. Commercial & Industrial Properties
These include office buildings, retail spaces, industrial properties, and mixed-use developments. They cater to businesses and may vary widely in terms of size, location, and amenities.
Ownership: Open to all
Office Spaces (CBD, Raffles Place) – For businesses.
Industrial Factories/Warehouses – For long-term rental play
✅ Pros:
✔ No ABSD
✔ Rental income potential.
❌ Cons:
✖ Higher risk (economic-sensitive).
✖ Financing restrictions (shorter loan tenures).
Best For: Business owners, investors diversifying portfolios.
5. Landed Properties
Landed properties refer to houses with land ownership, including bungalows, semi-detached houses, and terrace houses. These properties offer privacy and space but are typically more expensive than apartments or condominiums. Find out more about the types of landed properties in Singapore.
Ownership: Mostly Singaporeans (PRs need approval)
Price Range: 2M–50M+
Terrace Houses – Mid-range, shared walls.
Semi-Detached – More space, partial privacy.
Bungalows – Most exclusive (Good Class Bungalows for elite).
✅ Pros:
✔ Capital appreciation potential.
✔ Privacy & customization options.
❌ Cons:
✖ High Entry Price
✖ Higher Maintenance
Best For: Wealthy locals, multi-generational families.
6. Shophouses
Traditional shophouses are a unique feature of Singapore’s architectural landscape. These are historical buildings with a shop on the ground floor and living quarters above. They are often used for commercial purposes but can also be converted into residential or mixed-use spaces.
Ownership: Open to all
Shophouses – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam, Joo Chiat, Little India
✅ Pros:
✔ No ABSD
✔ Capital appreciation potential.
✔ Rental income potential.
❌ Cons:
✖ Higher risk (economic-sensitive).
✖ High entry price
Best For: Business owners, investors diversifying portfolios.
Which Property Type Is Right For You?
| Buyer Profile | Recommended Property Type |
|---|---|
| First-time buyers | HDB BTO/Resale |
| Upgraders | Private Condo/EC |
| Investors | Condos, Shophouses |
| Expats | Luxury Condos |
| Business Owners | Commercial/Industrial |
Final Tips Before Buying
🔹 Check Eligibility (HDB for citizens/PRs, ABSD for foreigners).
🔹 Compare Loan Options (TDSR, LTV limits).
🔹 Research Location (rental demand, future developments).
🔹 Engage a Good Agent (especially to navigate processes and timeline).
