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Strata Title (Condo) vs Landed Property in Singapore
Thinking about whether to buy a condo or a landed home? They’re fundamentally different ownership structures. Here’s the full breakdown — from who owns what, to who pays for what, to who should buy which.
Answer: Strata title (condos) gives you ownership of your unit + a share of common property, managed by an MCST with monthly fees of $300–$1,200. Landed property gives you full ownership of land and building — no MCST, no shared costs, but full maintenance responsibility. Condos average $1,500–$2,200/psf; landed runs $1,000–$2,500/psf on land area. Landed appreciates faster historically (5–8% vs 4–6%) but requires $3,000,000+ entry.
Strata Title vs Landed — Full Comparison
| Strata Title (Condo) | Landed Property | |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Unit airspace + share of common property | Land + building outright |
| Governance | MCST (mandatory) | None — owner decides everything |
| Monthly fees | $300–$1,200/mo | $0 mandatory |
| Maintenance | MCST handles common areas | 100% owner’s responsibility |
| Renovations | Interior only (some MCST approval) | Full freedom (URA/BCA rules) |
| En bloc | Yes (80%/90% consent) | No collective sale |
| Facilities | Pool, gym, BBQ, security, tennis | Whatever you build yourself |
| Foreign buyers | Allowed (60% ABSD) | SLA approval (rarely given) |
| Entry price | $800,000–$3,000,000 | $3,000,000–$15,000,000+ |
| Rental yield | 3–4% gross | 2–3% gross |
| Appreciation | 4–6% p.a. historically | 5–8% p.a. historically |
Price Per Sqft Comparison (2026)
| Property Type | Region | Price/sqft (Strata Area) | Typical Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Condo (mass market) | OCR | $1,500–$1,800/psf | 700–1,200 sqft |
| Condo (mid-tier) | RCR | $1,800–$2,500/psf | 600–1,100 sqft |
| Condo (prime) | CCR | $2,500–$4,000+/psf | 800–2,000 sqft |
| Terrace house | Island-wide | $1,000–$1,500/psf | 1,600–2,500 sqft land |
| Semi-detached | Island-wide | $1,200–$1,800/psf | 2,500–4,500 sqft land |
| Detached / Bungalow | Island-wide | $1,500–$2,500+/psf | 4,500–15,000+ sqft land |
| Good Class Bungalow | Gazetted areas | $1,800–$3,000+/psf | 15,000+ sqft land |
Condo prices are per strata sqft (including a share of common areas). Landed prices are per sqft of land area. Not directly comparable — landed land area is pure ownership.
MCST: What Condo Owners Deal With
Monthly maintenance breakdown
Your MCST fees typically cover: managing agent fees (15–20%), security (25–35%), cleaning (10–15%), landscaping (5–10%), utilities for common areas (10–15%), insurance (5–8%), and sinking fund contribution (25–30%). The bigger the development and the more facilities, the higher the fees.
Voting and governance
Ordinary resolutions (50%+ votes) cover routine matters. Special resolutions (75%+) for major changes like adding facilities or changing house rules. En bloc requires 80%/90%. Bigger units get more votes — a penthouse owner has more say than a studio owner.
The good and the bad
Good: someone else handles repairs, security, landscaping. Lock and leave when you travel. Bad: MCST politics, slow decision-making, special levies when the sinking fund runs dry, restrictions on what you can do with your unit.
Annual Maintenance Cost Comparison
| Cost Item | Condo (Annual) | Landed (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| MCST / routine upkeep | $4,800–$14,400 | $5,000–$15,000 |
| Property tax | $1,000–$3,000 | $2,000–$8,000 |
| Home insurance | $200–$500 | $500–$1,500 |
| Major works reserve | Included in MCST | $5,000–$20,000 |
| Total annual holding cost | $6,000–$18,000 | $12,500–$44,500 |
Landed maintenance is lumpy — $0 some years, then $80K for a roof or $150K for A&A. Budget conservatively.
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose strata (condo) if...
- • Budget under $3,000,000
- • You want facilities without managing them
- • Lock-and-leave lifestyle (travel, low maintenance)
- • You want en bloc potential as a long-term exit
- • You’re a foreigner or PR (landed is restricted)
- • You prefer rental yield (3–4%) over pure capital appreciation
Choose landed if...
- • Budget of $3,000,000+ and can handle ongoing costs
- • You want full control — no MCST, no shared governance
- • You need space: garden, multiple storeys, no shared walls
- • Generational wealth (freehold land holds value best)
- • You’re a Singapore Citizen (foreigners can’t buy)
- • You’re optimising for long-term capital appreciation over yield
Know the type — now check what you can afford.
Run your numbers through the calculator to see your budget, monthly payment, and stamp duty for either option.
FAQ
What is the difference between strata title and landed property?
Strata title (condos) means you own your unit plus a share of common property, governed by an MCST. Landed property means you own the land and building outright — no shared governance, no mandatory maintenance fees. Strata = convenience + shared costs. Landed = full control + full responsibility.
What is an MCST and why does it matter?
MCST (Management Corporation Strata Title) is the legal body that manages a strata development. Every condo owner is automatically a member. The MCST collects maintenance fees, manages common property, hires managing agents, and makes decisions at AGMs. You get votes based on your unit’s share value.
Is strata title or landed better for investment?
Landed historically appreciates faster (5–8% annually vs 4–6% for condos) because land is scarce in Singapore and supply is fixed. However, condos offer rental yield (3–4%) and en bloc potential. Landed requires much higher capital outlay ($3M+) with lower rental yield (2–3%).
Can foreigners buy landed property in Singapore?
Generally no. Foreigners need Singapore Land Authority (SLA) approval under the Residential Property Act, which is rarely granted except for Sentosa Cove. Foreigners can freely buy strata-titled condos (with 60% ABSD). PRs face restrictions on landed purchases too.
What are typical maintenance costs for strata vs landed?
Strata condos: $300–$1,200/month in mandatory MCST fees covering common areas, security, sinking fund, and insurance. Landed homes: no mandatory fees, but budget $5,000–$15,000/year for routine upkeep, plus major works (roof, exterior) can cost $50K–$200K when needed.
How does en bloc work for strata properties?
En bloc (collective sale) requires 80% consent by share value and strata area for developments 10+ years old, or 90% for newer ones. A collective sale committee forms, appoints marketing agents, tenders to developers, and if successful, all owners sell at the agreed price. Landed homes don’t have this mechanism.
Related
Last updated Feb 2026. Strata rules per BMSMA. Prices from URA/SRX data. Appreciation figures are historical averages and not guaranteed. This is informational, not financial advice.