- Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD) applies to every purchase and is charged in bands on the higher of price or market value.
- Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) applies only to residential property and depends on the buyer's profile.
- Unlike BSD, ABSD is charged on the whole price at a single rate.
- Stamp duty is due within 14 days of signing in Singapore, or 30 days after documents signed abroad arrive here.
- Rates change from time to time, so check the current position before you commit.
Buyer's Stamp Duty
Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD) is payable on every property purchase, by every type of buyer. It is calculated on the purchase price or the market value, whichever is higher, and charged in bands: each slice of the price is taxed at its own rate. As at August 2026, the rates that have applied since 15 February 2023 are:
- first $180,000: 1%
- next $180,000: 2%
- next $640,000: 3%
- next $500,000: 4%
- next $1,500,000: 5%
- above $3,000,000: 6% for residential property (non-residential property stays at 5%)
As an illustration using those bands, BSD on a residential purchase at $1,000,000 works out to $24,600: $1,800 on the first band, $3,600 on the second and $19,200 on the third.
Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty
Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) is payable only on residential property, on top of BSD. It is also calculated on the higher of price or market value, but the rate depends on who is buying and how many residential properties they already own. As at August 2026, the rates that have applied since 27 April 2023 are:
- Singapore Citizens: nil on a first home, 20% on a second, 30% on a third or later
- Singapore Permanent Residents: 5% on a first home, 30% on a second, 35% on a third or later
- foreigners: 60% on any residential property
- entities: 65% on any residential property
- trustees buying residential property: 65% (refundable if conditions for remission are met)
Two points are often missed. First, ABSD is charged on the whole price, not in bands, so moving from nil to 20% is a large step. Second, the count of properties you own can include interests you may not think of as ownership, such as a share in an inherited property. Where joint buyers have different profiles, the higher rate applies to the purchase.
Relief for some married couples
A married couple that includes a Singapore Citizen may be able to obtain relief from ABSD in some cases, for example when buying a first home together in both their names only, or when buying a replacement home before selling the first one. The second case comes with strict conditions, including selling the first property within six months of the relevant date. Missing that deadline is a common way the relief is lost, so check the conditions carefully before you commit.
When stamp duty must be paid
Stamp duty must be paid within 14 days after the document is signed in Singapore. If it is signed outside Singapore, the deadline is 30 days after it is received in Singapore. For a residential purchase, the clock usually starts when you exercise the Option to Purchase. Late payment attracts penalties, and your conveyancing lawyer normally works out the amount and arranges payment as part of the transaction.
Rates and rules can change at short notice, including between Budgets. Treat the figures above as a guide only, and confirm the current rates with your lawyer or on the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore's website before relying on them.
When to speak to a lawyer
Speak to a lawyer before you sign an Option to Purchase if you already own property, are buying with someone whose status differs from yours, are buying in trust or through a company, or are relying on any ABSD relief. The answer can change the cost of the purchase considerably.
This article is general information on Singapore law and is not legal advice. Rules and agency policies change, and every situation is different. For advice on your own circumstances, speak with one of our lawyers.
All buying & selling property guides
