Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) is a tax on top of the standard Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD) that applies when you purchase residential property in Singapore. Introduced in 2011 as a cooling measure and revised multiple times since, understanding ABSD is essential before buying any property here.
Current ABSD Rates (Effective 27 April 2023)
| Buyer Profile | 1st Property | 2nd Property | 3rd and Above |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore Citizen | 0% | 20% | 30% |
| Permanent Resident | 5% | 30% | 35% |
| Foreigner | 60% | 60% | 60% |
| Entities (companies, trusts) | 65% | ||
ABSD is calculated on the purchase price or market value, whichever is higher.
What Counts as a Residential Property?
ABSD applies to HDB flats, private condominiums and apartments, landed property, and Executive Condominiums during the initial purchase phase.
How Property Count Works for Couples
For married couples, the ABSD count is based on the combined residential property holdings of both spouses. If your spouse owns a property and you jointly purchase another, it is treated as a second property — even if it is your first individual purchase.
ABSD Remission for Singapore Citizen Couples
Singapore Citizen couples purchasing their second residential property together may apply for an ABSD remission — getting the 20% refunded — if they sell their first property within 6 months of the second property's purchase completion or key collection. Both spouses must be Singapore Citizens, and the application must be made to IRAS.
ABSD Calculation Example
A Singapore Citizen buying a second property at $1,500,000:
- BSD: $44,600
- ABSD: $1,500,000 × 20% = $300,000
- Total stamp duty: $344,600
Use our Stamp Duty Calculator to compute your BSD and ABSD based on your residency status and number of properties owned.