Renting out property in Singapore: landlord guide

Costs of buying

• Buyer's stamp duty (BSD) on homes: 1% on the first S$180,000, 2% on the next S$180,000, 3% on the next S$640,000, 4% on the next S$500,000, 5% on the next S$1.5 million and 6% above S$3 million.
• Additional buyer's stamp duty (ABSD) on top: citizens pay 0% on a first home, 20% on a second and 30% on later ones; permanent residents 5%, 30% and 35%; foreigners 60% on any home.
• Seller's stamp duty: homes bought on or after 4 July 2025 and sold within four years pay 16%, 12%, 8% or 4% depending on the year of sale.

Buying as a foreigner

• Foreigners can buy private condos and apartments without approval. Landed homes need approval from the Singapore Land Authority (Sentosa Cove is the main exception), and HDB flats are not open to foreigners.
• Nationals of the US, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland pay ABSD at the same rates as citizens under free trade agreements.

Official guidance: Singapore Land Authority: Residential Property Act · IRAS: Stamp duty for property (ABSD)

How rental income and property tax work

• Rental income is taxed with your other income at resident rates from 0% to 24%. Non-residents pay a flat 24% on the net rent.
• Returns for the previous year are due by 15 April on paper or 18 April by e-filing.
• Property tax on homes that are not owner-occupied, including rented homes, runs from 12% to 36% of the annual value, and is due by 31 January each year.

Expenses claimable against rental income

• Mortgage interest.
• Property tax, fire insurance, and repairs and maintenance.
• Maintenance (conservancy) fees.
• Agent's commission for securing a tenant on a lease of up to one year.
• Instead of actual expenses (other than mortgage interest), you can claim a deemed 15% of the gross rent without receipts, plus mortgage interest.

Tenancy rules and customs

• The minimum rental period is three months for private homes and six months for HDB flats.
• The usual deposit is one month's rent for each year of the lease.
• Tenancy agreements must be stamped within 14 days of signing (30 days if signed outside Singapore). The tenant usually pays.

Key dates

• 31 January: Property tax for the year
• 15 April (18 April e-filing): Income tax return for the previous year's income, including rent
• Within 14 days of signing: Stamp the tenancy agreement (30 days if signed abroad)

Questions landlords ask

What is a good rental yield in Singapore?

Gross yields on private condos are commonly around 2.5–3.5% of the price; after maintenance fees, the higher property tax on rented homes and empty months the net yield is usually below 2.5%. Use the rental yield calculator for Singapore to check a specific unit.

Can foreigners buy property in Singapore?

Yes, private condos and apartments, but they pay 60% additional buyer's stamp duty on top of the buyer's stamp duty. Landed homes need approval and HDB flats are not open to foreigners.

Which expenses can I claim against rental income in Singapore?

Mortgage interest, property tax, fire insurance, repairs and maintenance, maintenance fees, and agent's commission for leases of up to a year. Or claim a deemed 15% of gross rent plus mortgage interest without receipts.

How much property tax do I pay on a rented-out home in Singapore?

Homes that are not owner-occupied pay from 12% to 36% of the annual value (the estimated yearly rent), more than owner-occupied homes. The bill is due by 31 January.

What is the minimum rental period in Singapore?

Three months for private homes and six months for HDB flats.

Official sources

• IRAS: Stamp duty for property
• IRAS: Rental income
• IRAS: Property tax
• Singapore Land Authority