Table of Contents
Additional Buyer Stamp Duty Overview
Depending on buyer profile, they might be have to pay Additional Buyer Stamp Duty (ABSD) on top of the normal Buyer Stamp Duty (BSD). The ABSD is calculated based on the property purchase price. From 6 July 2018, ABSD rate has been adjusted for the purchase of residential properties in Singapore.
When is ABSD payable?
Additional Buyer Stamp Duty (ABSD) is payable depending on the profile of the buyers at the time or purchase of the residential property.
- Number of residential properties owned by the respective buyer(s)
- Buying as individual or as entity
- Residential status of the buyer(s)
* Date of Purchase refer to the date when the Option to Purchase is executed or the date of the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SNP).
Number of residential properties owned by the respective buyer(s)
Total number of properties currently owned by the individual as of the time of purchase affect the Additional Buyer Stamp Duty Rate. Property owned included those in joint partnership, inherited or transferred etc.
Properties purchased outside Singapore will not be included.
Buying as Individual or as an Entity
Entity refer to person who is not an individual. It covers
- An unincorporated associated
- Trustee manager for a business trust
- Trustee on behalf of collective investment scheme
- Parters where the parters in the partnership in not an individual
The profile of the highest ABSD rate will apply if the property is purchased by different buyers’ profile.
Residential Status of the Buyer(s)
Residency status of the buyer affect the rate of the Additional Buyer Stamp Duty (ABSD). It depends on the nationality and if the residency status has been awarded by Immigration and Checkpoint Authority (ICA) at the point of property purchase. Residency status include Singapore Citizen (SC), Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) or Foreigner (FR).
Additional Buyer Stamp Duty Rate and Computation
Buyer Profile | ABSD Rate (8 Dec 2011 to 11 Jan 2013) | ABD Rate (12 Jan 2013 to 5 Jul 2018) | ABSD Rate (After 6 July 2018) |
Singapore Citizen (SC) - 1st Residential Property | N.A. | N.A. | N.A |
Singapore Citizen (SC) - 2nd Residential Property | N.A. | 7% | 12% |
Singapore Citizen (SC) - 3rd Residential Property | 3% | 10% | 15% |
Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) - 1st Residential Property | N.A. | 5% | 5% |
Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) - 2nd Residential Property or More | 3% | 10% | 15% |
Foreigners (FR) - Any Residential Property | 10% | 15% | 20% |
Entities - Any Residential Property | 10% | 15% | 25% |
Remission for Acquisition of Residential Properties
For property purchase after 6 Jul 2018, the new ABSD rate will apply. The following are some scenarios where buyers are eligible for remission.
- Option to Purchase is granted on or before 5 Jul 2018
- Option to Purchase is not varied that include any possibility of extension on or after 6 Jul 2018
- Option to Purchase to be exercised on or before 26 Jul 2018
Option to Purchase is considered exercised once the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SNP) or Acceptance to OTP is executed.
Remission of Stamp duty is not applicable for Singapore Citizen (SC) or Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) 1st property as they are not affected by the ABSD.
For application of any remission of Stamp Duty have to be written to IRAS by the 14 days from date of execution.