Lucy Wu · Singapore Property

Buying Office Space in Singapore as a Foreigner — Taxes and Tips

By Lucy Wu · Licensed Real Estate Agent (CEA R062904B) · 2 July 2026

Foreigners can freely buy office space in Singapore — no approval, no ABSD. Per IRAS, offices are commercial property: only BSD (up to 5%), plus 9% GST if the seller is GST-registered. For investors seeking stable rental yield, offices are a clear, ABSD-free option.

💡 Lucy’s tip: You don’t need to buy a whole building — plenty of strata offices let you own a CBD unit for a few million SGD, with the same no-ABSD benefit.

Two ways to buy

WayEntryFor
Strata officeLower (unit-level)Individual / smaller investors
Whole buildingHigh (tens of millions+)Institutions / family offices

Taxes (per IRAS)

  • BSD (non-residential): up to 5%.
  • No ABSD.
  • GST 9%: if the seller is GST-registered (a GST-registered buyer can usually reclaim it).
  • LTV up to ~80% (per MAS/market), 55% TDSR.

What to check

  1. Location — CBD (Raffles Place, Tanjong Pagar, D1/D2) for liquidity and rent.
  2. Tenure (99-year / 999-year / freehold).
  3. Existing tenancy and rent.
  4. Vacancy cycle.

Net yields on prime offices are typically ~3–4% (market-dependent).

Summary

  • Can buy: yes, no ABSD, no approval.
  • Entry: strata for individuals, whole building for institutions.
  • Taxes: BSD up to 5% + possible 9% GST.
  • Contact Lucy for current office opportunities.

⚠️ Rates and zoning as per IRAS/URA/MAS; yields per actual projects.

FAQ

Can foreigners buy office space in Singapore?

Yes. Per SLA, offices are commercial property; foreigners can buy without approval and pay no ABSD.

What taxes apply to buying an office?

Per IRAS, offices attract BSD (non-residential, up to 5%); if the seller is GST-registered, 9% GST also applies. There is no ABSD.

What is a strata office?

A strata office is an individually-owned unit within an office building (with its own share of title), a lower-entry way for individual and smaller investors to own CBD office space and enjoy the no-ABSD advantage.

⚠️ Figures are accurate as of the publish/update date and may change. Always verify with official sources (IRAS, URA, SLA, HDB, MAS). This is general information, not specific investment or tax advice — consult a licensed agent and professional advisers. Contact Lucy: WeChat wlx567 · +65 8310 5396.