While Japan, South Korea and New Zealand have zero restrictions against foreign ownership of residential property, other countries across Asia Pacific have a full spectrum of restrictions for both resident and non-resident foreigners.
Here is a regional snapshot.
Thailand
- Foreign buyers can buy freehold for up to 49% of a single development, if exceeded, the tenure will be leasehold.
- Foreigners can buy land as a leasehold, whereas the improvements (residence) can be freehold.
- Foreigners are allowed to own apartments and condominium units above the ground floor.
- Land can be held by foreigners on long (renewable) leases.
- A foreign national of non-Indian origin, resident outside India cannot purchase any immovable property in India unless such property is acquired by way of inheritance from a person who was a resident in India.
- Non-resident purchasers who do not meet other criteria set out in Decree 51 are unable to purchase apartments or condominiums.
- Foreigners are not allowed to own land (red book).
Hong Kong
- Foreigners can buy property without restriction but must pay a 15% additional buyer's stamp duty.
- No restrictions but subject to a general pricing threshold of RM500,000 and above per unit.
- Foreigners can buy private condominiums freely although they are subject to 15% additional buyer's stamp duty.
- Sentosa Cove is the only place in Singapore where non-PR foreigners may buy a landed home.
- A foreign national who is not resident or considered to benefit national development is unable to buy residential property in Indonesia.
- Non-resident foreigners are not permitted to buy property in mainland China.
- Foreigners can purchase dwellings that add to the housing stock. This includes 'new dwellings': off-the-plan properties under construction or yet to be built, or vacant land for development. Foreigners cannot buy established dwellings as investment properties or as homes.
- No restrictions.