Moving to Singapore from USA? Find your home before you arrive.
Moving to Singapore from the USA for work, family or a new lifestyle? For many Americans, that means buying property in Singapore from USA savings or investment funds — and thanks to the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, US citizens are treated like Singapore Citizens for stamp duty on their first home, which changes the numbers significantly.
Level Up With Jess helps Americans moving to Singapore find the right home based on their budget, goals and eligibility as a foreign buyer.
Whether you're moving from New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles or elsewhere in the US, you can get local property guidance before you commit to a purchase.
Tell Us What You Need
A few details now means a shortlist that actually fits — no generic listings, no wasted viewings.
Thanks — that's in.
Jess will be in touch shortly to start planning your Singapore property purchase.
Moving From the USA Is Exciting. Navigating Singapore's Property Rules Doesn't Have to Be Overwhelming.
That's Where Level Up With Jess Can Help.
We help Americans moving to Singapore understand the rules, shortlist the right homes and move through the buying process with confidence.
Singapore Property Buying Support for US Citizens
Buying a property isn't simply about browsing listings. The right purchase needs to fit your budget, goals and Singapore's foreign-ownership rules. As your local Singapore property specialist, Jess can help you navigate the buying process from your initial requirements through to completion.
Understand Your Requirements
We learn about your budget, purpose — own-stay or investment — timeline and preferred lifestyle.
Explain ABSD & the US-Singapore FTA
A plain-English walkthrough of what Americans can purchase, and how the FTA affects what you owe.
Shortlist Suitable Properties
Condos and apartments matched to your budget and goals — no wasted viewings.
Viewings & Negotiation
Support through viewings, the Option to Purchase and price negotiation.
Purchase & Completion Support
Guidance through exercising the OTP, your conveyancing lawyer and completion.
Moving Before You've Even Arrived From the USA to Singapore?
Yes, planning your purchase before you move can make the process much smoother.
If you're relocating from the USA to Singapore, understanding your ABSD position and foreign-ownership rules early avoids costly surprises later. Spending your first few weeks searching for a property can add unnecessary stress to an already busy relocation. That's why it can be useful to start understanding your property options before you leave the US.Before You Move From the USA
- → Understand what you can buy as a foreigner
- → Confirm your ABSD position under the US-Singapore FTA
- → Shortlist properties remotely
- → Plan virtual viewings
After You Arrive In Singapore
- → View properties in person
- → Compare and decide
- → Submit and exercise your Option to Purchase
- → Complete with your lawyer
- → Collect your keys
Americans Moving to Singapore? We Can Help If You're…
US Professionals
Relocating for a new role and ready to buy rather than rent.
Couples & Families
Settling in Singapore long-term and looking for the right home.
Property Investors
US citizens buying Singapore property to diversify a portfolio.
PRs & Long-Term Residents
Already living in Singapore and ready to move from renting to owning.
Singapore Property for American Buyers: What Can You Purchase?
Foreigners, including US citizens, can freely buy non-landed private condominiums and apartments. Landed homes are restricted, with Sentosa Cove the main exception, subject to government approval.
1-Bedroom Condos
View Suitable Properties →2-Bedroom Condos
View Suitable Properties →Family-Sized Condos
View Suitable Properties →Luxury Apartments
View Suitable Properties →New Launch Condos
View Suitable Properties →Resale Condos
View Suitable Properties →Sentosa Cove Landed Homes (Approval required)
View Suitable Properties →Not Sure Where to Live in Singapore?
There isn't one “best” area for every American moving to Singapore. The right neighbourhood depends on your budget, purpose and lifestyle.
| Area | Best For |
|---|---|
| Holland Village | Expats & professionals |
| Bukit Timah | Families |
| River Valley | Professionals & couples |
| Tanjong Pagar / Marina Bay | CBD professionals & investors |
| Tanglin | Premium family living |
| Sentosa Cove | Landed-home buyers (foreigner-eligible) |
Not Sure Which Area Is Right for You?
Tell us your budget, purpose and lifestyle preferences and we'll help you narrow down your options.
Why Americans Moving to Singapore Choose Jess
Moving countries is a major decision. Having someone who understands local rules, costs and the market can make all the difference.
Local Singapore Property Knowledge
Advice based on actual neighbourhood and property-market experience.
US-Singapore FTA Expertise
Clear guidance on how the Free Trade Agreement affects your ABSD position as a US citizen.
Personalised Property Search
Recommendations based on your actual budget and goals — not a stock list.
Local Market Guidance
Understand prices, locations and property options before you commit.
End-to-End Purchase Support
From initial consultation through to completion and key collection.
CEA Registered
Registration Number R062922J — verifiable on the official CEA Public Register.
What Americans Say After Moving to Singapore
"We came in expecting the standard 60% foreigner stamp duty and were floored to learn Americans pay the same rate as Singapore Citizens on a first property. Jess confirmed our eligibility upfront, which changed our entire budget."
"Relocating from San Francisco with two kids, our main worry was schools. Jess steered us toward Bukit Timah and had a shortlist ready before our first video call ended."
"I was buying as an investment and needed the numbers to work, not just the lifestyle pitch. Jess was upfront about yield versus capital growth trade-offs across three CBD-fringe condos."
"Financing as a non-resident felt like the biggest unknown moving from LA. Jess connected us with a local bank contact and walked us through the loan-to-value limits before we even landed."
What Does It Actually Cost to Buy in Singapore?
Rough purchase price ranges to help you plan before you commit to a figure — Jess will map this to your exact budget in a free consultation.
1-Bedroom Condo
Suits singles or couples wanting a compact, well-located base.
2-Bedroom Condo
A common pick for couples and small families needing extra room.
Family-Sized (3-Bed)
Larger condos near good schools and family-friendly amenities.
Luxury Apartment
Premium central addresses and Sentosa Cove landed homes.
Good news for Americans: under the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, US citizens are treated the same as Singapore Citizens for stamp duty on their first residential property — Jess will confirm your eligibility and walk you through the full cost breakdown.
Moving to Singapore From USA — FAQs
Can US citizens buy property in Singapore? +
Yes. Americans can freely purchase non-landed private condominiums and apartments. Landed property is restricted, and generally only available on Sentosa Cove with Singapore Land Authority approval.
Do Americans pay ABSD in Singapore? +
Under the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, US citizens are treated the same as Singapore Citizens for Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty, meaning 0% ABSD on a first residential property. Standard citizen-tier rates apply on a second or subsequent property. This is a major difference from most other foreign nationals, who pay a flat 60%.
Can you help me find a property before I move from the USA? +
Yes. Budgeting, shortlisting and virtual viewings can all start while you're still in the US.
Can US citizens get a mortgage in Singapore? +
Yes. Singapore banks lend to foreign buyers, typically up to around 75% loan-to-value on a first home loan, subject to the Total Debt Servicing Ratio. CPF funds can't be used, since that applies only to citizens and PRs.
Which Singapore neighbourhood is best for American expats? +
Holland Village, Bukit Timah, River Valley, Tanjong Pagar, Marina Bay and Tanglin are consistently popular — the right one depends on your budget, purpose and lifestyle.
How long does the buying process usually take? +
From shortlisting to completion, most purchases take roughly 8–12 weeks, factoring in the Option to Purchase, exercise period and legal completion.
Can you arrange property viewings? +
Yes — virtually from the US, and in person once you've landed in Singapore.
Will owning property in Singapore affect my US taxes? +
As a US citizen, you're taxed on worldwide income, so any rental income from a Singapore property is reportable to the IRS, and the asset may fall under FATCA or FBAR reporting depending on how it's held. Jess handles the Singapore property side and can point you to cross-border tax advisors for the US side.
Do I need a property agent when buying in Singapore? +
It's not a legal requirement, but a CEA-registered agent who understands the US-Singapore FTA, financing and foreign-ownership rules helps you avoid costly mistakes — especially when buying from overseas.
Can you help with buying for investment versus for own-stay? +
Yes. Jess tailors the search to your purpose — rental yield and capital growth for investors, lifestyle and location for own-stay buyers.
Can you help if I don't know which area I want to live in? +
That's exactly where most clients start. Jess narrows down the options based on your budget, purpose and lifestyle.
Ready to Move From Australia to Singapore?
Your Singapore move starts with finding the right place to live. Tell us where you're moving from, when you're arriving and what you're looking for — we'll help you take the next step.