Singapore’s safe-haven status draws more Chinese capital into property sector

AdvertisementInternational PropertyBusinessSingapore’s safe-haven status draws more Chinese capital into property sector

Mainland firms’ investments in Singapore fixed assets zoomed to 21 per cent of the total in 2025 from 2.5 per cent a year earlier

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Cheryl ArcibalPublished: 10:00am, 3 May 2026Updated: 10:03am, 3 May 2026China has become one of the largest sources of investment in land parcels and other properties in Singapore, as the safe-haven status of Southeast Asia’s top financial hub continues to attract global capital, according to analysts.

China-linked developers and business entities have become more active in the market, said Alan Cheong, executive director for research and consultancy at Savills Singapore. “Chinese developers who have had experience in Singapore are now familiar with the rules, regulations and market behaviour, and are expected to continue bidding to replenish their landbanks.”

Mainland Chinese firms were the second-biggest investors in Singapore in 2025, accounting for 21 per cent of the total of S$14.16 billion (US$11.07 billion) in fixed-asset investment across all sectors, versus 2.5 per cent a year earlier, according to a February report from the Singapore Economic Development Board. Europe moved into the top spot, with its share staying steady at around 25 per cent, while the US fell to third from first as its share dropped to 17.3 per cent from 55.5 per cent.

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Recent notable transactions include a nearly 145,500 sq ft lot on Dover Drive, which was acquired by CNQC Realty (Prime), Forsea Residence and Jianan Realty Investments at the end of the first quarter for S$951 million. The site is likely to yield 625 residential units.

In April last year, Kingsford Group, via Kingsford Huray, won a tender for a 222,161 sq ft plot called Lentor Gardens, in the Lentor Hills estate, for S$429.23 million. In November, the China-based developer also picked up a 147,350 sq ft plot on Telok Blangah Road via a tender for S$918.3 million. The residential sites are expected to yield more than 1,240 units.

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In March last year, SingHaiyi Group and Haiyi Holdings acquired a parcel on Bayshore Road with an area of about 112,992 sq ft, which is expected to yield 515 units, for S$658.9 million. In the same month, a group comprising Qingjian Realty, China Communications Construction Company’s unit Forsea Residence and Hoovasun Holding, which is fully owned by Singapore citizen Zhang Song, paid S$315 million for Media Circle (Parcel A), with an area of 82,125 sq ft. The plot is likely to accommodate 345 flats.

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