(Bloomberg) -- Singapore’s latest property tax — now one of the highest among global markets — has dented foreign demand. Foreign buyers bought 57 private apartments in May, down 50% from April, according to Savills Singapore’s analysis of data from the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

In late April, Singapore authorities doubled property levies for foreigners to 60% in a bid to tame soaring home prices. The government said the policy was a preemptive move, as investment demand for residential property is likely to continue to grow otherwise.

Shares of City Developments Ltd. - one of Singapore’s biggest property developers - fell about 1.2% on Tuesday. 

--With assistance from Krystal Chia.

(Updates with company share prices in the third paragraph)

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