Singapore is an ideal spot for those seeking to get the best of both worlds; the East and West. This is perhaps the key reason why Singapore can be a preferred destination for expat Chinese along with other Asians, who'd like their children obtain the best education, yet remain rooted and near their culture. Sentosa Cove can be a virtual hub for expats who've made this gated community within the ocean marina, their house. Actually, there are many reports that claim that Singapore has become the third most popular destination for the wealthy Chinese. Here are a few highlights to be taken into account when choosing property in Singapore.

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• Foreigners in Singapore can purchase non landed properties (read apartments and condominiums) without prior approval with the government. This rule is caused by an enactment in 2005 that barred foreigners from buying property in apartment blocks that are lower than six storeys or come under the category of condominiums. Nonetheless they still must seek permission from your Singapore Land Authority to purchase landed properties like bungalows, semi-detached houses, and vacant plots.

• They are also restricted from buying an HDB shophouse, an HDB house directly from the HDB, a resale HDB flat that's approved by the HDB, and a condominium that's purchased underneath the Executive Condominium Housing Scheme of 1996. This scheme was introduced for people who desired to buy something a lot better than an HDB flat, but couldn't afford to buy private property. For that uninitiated, HDB means for Housing and Development Board- Singapore, the public housing authority of Singapore. It was set up from the government of Singapore, with an try to help Singaporeans buy quality home at affordable prices.

• Permanent Residents or PR's are allowed to purchase HDB flats from the HDB, provided they form a household nucleus with a Singapore citizen. Pr's may also buy an HDB flat in the resale market; provide they enlist a minumum of one occupier being a Singaporean citizen or PR. And to protect people from flipping their home, owners seeking to sell apartments which are lower than 3 years old, would have to pay an obligation of three per cent from the resale value. Thus homeowners who buy property through easy credit and selling them quickly to get a profit are discouraged from doing this.

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• As for properties under the Executive Condominium Scheme, PR's can buy property in projects that are in their sixth to tenth year of the Temporary Occupation Permit or TOP. For foreigners and corporate bodies; they can buy EC property only after the eleventh year from the TOP.