How much does it really cost to buy a home in Singapore in 2026? Learn the true price of HDB flats, condos, landed homes, taxes, CPF usage, legal fees, and hidden costs in SGD.
Buying a home in Singapore is one of the biggest financial commitments most people will ever make. Yet many first-time buyers — and even seasoned investors — underestimate the true cost of homeownership.
Beyond the headline property price, buyers must factor in stamp duties, legal fees, CPF usage, down payments, renovation costs, and long-term ownership expenses. In 2026, with higher interest rates, tighter loan limits, and evolving property cooling measures, understanding the full cost of buying a home has never been more important.
This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly how much it really costs to buy a home in Singapore in 2026, using Singapore laws, policies, and real-world examples — so you can plan accurately and avoid costly surprises.
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Overview: Property Prices in Singapore (2026 Snapshot)
Property prices in Singapore vary significantly depending on property type and location. Below are typical price ranges in 2026:
| Property Type | Estimated Price Range (SGD) |
|---|---|
| HDB Resale Flat | $400,000 – $900,000 |
| Executive Condominium (EC) | $900,000 – $1.4 million |
| Private Condominium | $1.2 million – $2.5 million |
| Landed Property | $2.8 million – $6 million+ |
However, purchase price is only the starting point.
1. Cost of Buying an HDB Flat in Singapore (2026)
Purchase Price
- BTO flats: Subsidised, starting from ~$300,000 (location-dependent)
- Resale flats: Market-driven, commonly $450,000–$850,000
Down Payment
- Using HDB Loan: Up to 20% (fully payable using CPF OA)
- Using Bank Loan: Up to 25%, with minimum 5% cash
Stamp Duties (Buyer’s Stamp Duty – BSD)
Calculated progressively:
- 1% on first $180,000
- 2% on next $180,000
- 3% on next $640,000
- 4% on remaining amount
Example:
$600,000 resale HDB → BSD ≈ $14,600
Legal & Administrative Fees
- Conveyancing & legal fees: $2,000 – $3,000
- HDB resale administrative fees: ~$80
CPF Usage
CPF Ordinary Account savings can be used for:
- Down payment
- Monthly mortgage instalments
Administered by the CPF Board.
Estimated Total Upfront Cost (HDB)
$90,000 – $150,000, depending on loan type and CPF balance.
2. Cost of Buying a Private Condominium in Singapore
Purchase Price
- OCR (Outside Central Region): $1.2m – $1.6m
- RCR (Rest of Central Region): $1.5m – $2.2m
- CCR (Core Central Region): $2.2m+
Down Payment
- 25% total
- 5% cash
- 20% CPF or cash
Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD)
Example for $1.8 million condo:
- BSD ≈ $59,600
Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD)
Applies if:
- You own another property
- You are a foreigner
| Buyer Profile | ABSD Rate (2026) |
|---|---|
| Singapore Citizen (1st home) | 0% |
| Singapore Citizen (2nd home) | 20% |
| PR (1st home) | 5% |
| Foreigner | 60% |
ABSD is enforced by Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore.
Legal & Miscellaneous Fees
- Legal fees: $3,000 – $6,000
- Valuation & bank fees: $500 – $1,500
Estimated Total Upfront Cost (Private Condo)
$300,000 – $500,000+
3. Cost of Buying Landed Property in Singapore
Purchase Price
- Terrace houses: $2.8m – $4m
- Semi-detached: $4m – $6m
- Good Class Bungalow: $10m+
Unique Costs
- Higher BSD due to price
- Renovation costs often exceed $300,000
- Foreign ownership restrictions apply (approval required)
Estimated Upfront Cost
$800,000 – $1.5 million+
4. Home Loan & Interest Costs (2026)
Loan rules are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Loan-to-Value (LTV) Limits
- First housing loan: up to 75%
- Reduced for subsequent loans
Interest Rates (2026 Estimate)
- Floating rates: ~3.0% – 3.8%
- Fixed rates: ~3.2% – 4.0%
Example Monthly Mortgage
$1.5m condo, 75% loan, 25 years, 3.5% interest
→ Monthly payment: ~$5,600
5. Renovation, Furnishing & Move-in Costs
| Expense | Estimated Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Renovation (HDB) | $30,000 – $60,000 |
| Renovation (Condo) | $50,000 – $120,000 |
| Furniture & Appliances | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Air-conditioning | $5,000 – $8,000 |
These costs are often overlooked but unavoidable.
6. Ongoing Ownership Costs
Annual Expenses
- Property tax: $1,000 – $30,000+ (progressive)
- Maintenance fees (condo): $300 – $600/month
- Home insurance: $300 – $800/year
CPF Accrued Interest
Using CPF means accrued interest must be refunded upon sale — a hidden long-term cost many buyers miss.
7. Total Cost Summary (Realistic 2026 Estimates)
| Property Type | Realistic Total Cost (First Year) |
|---|---|
| HDB Flat | $500,000 – $1 million |
| Private Condo | $1.4 million – $3 million |
| Landed Property | $3.5 million – $7 million+ |
FAQs: People Also Ask
Is buying property in Singapore still affordable in 2026?
Affordability depends on income, CPF savings, and loan eligibility. HDB flats remain accessible for most citizens, while private property requires higher financial readiness.
How much cash do I really need to buy a house?
Minimum cash:
- HDB with bank loan: ~5%
- Private property: at least 5% cash, more if ABSD applies.
Can CPF fully pay for my home?
CPF can cover a large portion, but cash is always required, especially for private property.
Are property prices expected to fall?
Singapore’s property market is tightly regulated. Prices may stabilise, but sharp drops are unlikely without major economic shocks.
What is the biggest hidden cost of buying a home?
CPF accrued interest, stamp duties, and renovation costs are commonly underestimated.
Conclusion: The True Cost of Homeownership in Singapore
Buying a home in Singapore in 2026 is not just about the listing price. Once you include taxes, CPF implications, interest, renovations, and long-term ownership costs, the real cost can be 20%–35% higher than expected.
The smartest buyers plan holistically — not emotionally.
If you’re considering buying, always:
- Stress-test your mortgage
- Plan CPF usage carefully
- Budget for all upfront and ongoing costs
A well-informed purchase today can protect your financial future for decades.