Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD)

Flat-rate tax on top of BSD that targets second and subsequent home purchases, PRs, foreigners (60%), and entities (65%). Latest revision took effect 27 Apr 2023.

Example: A Singaporean buying their 2nd residential property pays 20% ABSD on top of BSD.

What ABSD is, and why it exists

Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty is a flat-rate property tax on top of regular Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD). It was introduced in 2011 and last revised on 27 April 2023 — the steepest revision since the policy began.

ABSD's purpose is to cool the residential property market by deterring multiple home ownership, foreign demand, and corporate buying. The rates differ sharply by buyer profile.

Current ABSD rates (from 27 Apr 2023)

Singapore Citizens: 0% on the 1st residential property, 20% on the 2nd, 30% on the 3rd or more.

Permanent Residents: 5% on the 1st, 30% on the 2nd, 35% on the 3rd or more.

Foreigners: 60% — flat, regardless of how many properties they own. Doubled from 30% in the 2023 revision.

Entities (companies, trusts): 65%. Housing developers can claim remission upon completing the development and selling all units.

Worked example

A Singapore Citizen buying a S$2,000,000 condo as their second property pays:

BSD: S$1,800 + S$3,600 + S$30,000 + S$25,000 + S$30,000 = S$90,400.

ABSD at 20%: S$400,000.

Total stamp duty: S$490,400. The ABSD alone is more than 4× the BSD.

Remission for married couples

Married couples where at least one spouse is a Singapore Citizen and the property is bought jointly may apply for ABSD remission on the matrimonial home — provided they don't own any other residential property between them.

Couples can also apply for a refund of ABSD paid on their second property if they sell their first matrimonial home within 6 months of completion. The refund window is non-extendable.

Frequently asked questions

What are the current ABSD rates in Singapore?

Effective from 27 April 2023: Singapore Citizens 0% (1st residential property), 20% (2nd), 30% (3rd+). PRs 5% (1st), 30% (2nd), 35% (3rd+). Foreigners 60% flat. Entities/companies 65%.

Can married couples avoid ABSD on a second home?

Married couples with at least one Singapore Citizen spouse can apply for ABSD remission on a jointly-bought matrimonial home — provided neither spouse owns any other residential property at the time. Alternatively, you can claim an ABSD refund if you sell your first matrimonial home within 6 months of completing the new purchase.

When is ABSD due?

ABSD (and BSD) must be paid to IRAS within 14 days of signing the Option to Purchase (OTP) for the property. Late payment triggers penalties.

Does ABSD apply to commercial property?

No. ABSD only applies to residential property. Commercial and industrial buyers pay BSD at slightly different rates but no ABSD — a reason some high-net-worth buyers prefer commercial property over investment condos.

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