Approval for Foreigners Buying Properties Zoned "Commercial" but Approved for Mixed Commercial and Residential Development

Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for Law whether foreigners are required to obtain SLA approval for buying properties zoned as "Commercial" but which properties have been approved for mixed commercial and residential development.

Approval under the Residential Property Act (RPA) is required if a foreign person is seeking to acquire land that is zoned "Commercial" but where the permanent approved use is restricted under the Act. As an example, approval is required if a foreign person is seeking to acquire an entire mixed-use development with a permanent approved use that has a residential component of at least 60% of the total Gross Floor Area, which is within the current planning parameters for land zoned "Commercial and Residential".

Under RPA, a foreign person is generally not required to obtain approval to acquire individual strata units in a non-landed development.