Foreign Buyer Share in Singapore Luxury Homes Ticks Up to 4% in H1 2026
Luxury Market | Lianhe Zaobao | 8 Jul 2026
Non-permanent-resident foreign buyers accounted for 4 per cent of Core Central Region transactions in the first half of 2026, up 0.7 percentage points year on year, according to SRI’s H1 2026 Luxury Housing Market report released on Jul 7. While the share remains well below the 13.6 per cent recorded in H1 2023 before additional buyer stamp duty hikes took effect, the gradual uptick reflects renewed safe-haven demand driven by global geopolitical uncertainty.
Foreign buyer share H1 2026
Singapore citizen share
US buyer growth YoY
Most active price band
Buyer Nationality and Citizenship Breakdown
Singapore citizens remain the dominant force in the CCR luxury segment, accounting for 77.6 per cent of transactions in H1 2026, up 0.5 percentage points year on year. Permanent resident buyers saw their share dip from 19.6 per cent to 18.3 per cent, while non-PR foreign buyers edged up from 3.3 per cent to 4 per cent. The foreign share remains well below H1 2024’s 5.3 per cent and H1 2023’s 13.6 per cent, which was the last period before significant ABSD hikes.
By nationality, mainland Chinese buyers remained the largest foreign group, rising from 94 to 104 transactions. American buyers recorded the strongest growth, surging 76 per cent from 29 to 51 transactions to become the second-largest foreign cohort. Malaysian buyers dipped slightly from 38 to 35, while Indonesian buyers nearly doubled from 18 to 33. Indian buyers rose from 17 to 22, and British buyers from 11 to 21.
The notable increase in American buyers may be linked to the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, under which qualifying US citizens enjoy the same stamp duty treatment as Singaporeans, giving them a significant cost advantage over other foreign buyers.
Price Bands and Market Activity
The S$2 million to S$3 million price band was the most active segment for new luxury transactions, jumping 59.1 per cent from 394 to 627 units and now accounting for 45 per cent of new luxury sales, up from 30 per cent a year earlier. The S$3 million to S$5 million segment also gained ground, with its share rising from 12.6 per cent to 19.2 per cent.
The new private home market is seeing increased activity compared to the resale segment, which has been declining. SRI’s head of research, Mohan Sandrasegeran, described the luxury market as experiencing a gradual recovery, with geopolitical risks continuing to drive safe-haven demand for Singapore property among international buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What share of Singapore luxury home buyers are foreigners?
Non-permanent-resident foreign buyers accounted for 4 per cent of Core Central Region transactions in H1 2026, up from 3.3 per cent a year earlier. Singapore citizens dominate with 77.6 per cent, while PRs account for 18.3 per cent.
Which nationalities are buying the most luxury homes in Singapore?
Mainland Chinese buyers remain the largest foreign group with 104 transactions in H1 2026. American buyers surged 76 per cent to 51 transactions, making them the second-largest cohort. Indonesian buyers nearly doubled from 18 to 33, while Indian and British buyers also increased.
Why are more American buyers purchasing property in Singapore?
The growth may be linked to the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, under which qualifying US citizens enjoy the same stamp duty treatment as Singaporeans, giving them a significant cost advantage over other foreign buyers who face higher additional buyer stamp duties.
What price range is most popular for luxury homes?
The S$2 million to S$3 million band was the most active, jumping 59.1 per cent to 627 units and now representing 45 per cent of new luxury transactions, up from 30 per cent. The S$3 million to S$5 million segment also gained, rising from 12.6 per cent to 19.2 per cent share.
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