Stamp Duty in Singapore
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Singapore Acts of Parliament, subsidiary legislation, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Stamp duty is payable on documents relating to property transactions and certain other instruments:
- Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD): Progressive rates up to 6% for residential property (on the portion above $1.5 million).
- Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD): Applies on top of BSD — rates depend on citizenship and number of properties owned: Singapore citizens pay 20% on 2nd property, 30% on 3rd+; PRs pay 5% on 1st, 30% on 2nd+; foreigners pay 60% on any property.
- Seller's Stamp Duty (SSD): If you sell a residential property within 3 years of purchase: 12% (≤1 year), 8% (1–2 years), 4% (2–3 years).
- Lease stamp duty: Tenancy agreements exceeding 4 years must be stamped. In practice, tenancy agreements of any length should be stamped for enforceability.
When does it apply?
- You are buying, selling, or leasing a property in Singapore.
- Stamp duty must be paid within 14 days of signing the agreement (for Singapore transactions).
What to Do If You Are Buying Property in Singapore and Need to Understand Your Stamp Duty Obligations
- Calculate your stamp duty before committing to a purchase — ABSD can be a significant cost.
- Pay stamp duty via IRAS e-Stamping portal within 14 days of the document date.
- Keep the stamped document — unstamped documents are not admissible in court as evidence of the transaction.
- Check if you qualify for any remissions — e.g., married couples may qualify for ABSD remission when buying a second property together under certain conditions.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't forget to stamp tenancy agreements — unstamped tenancies may not be enforceable in court.
- Don't try to avoid ABSD through artificial arrangements — IRAS has anti-avoidance provisions and can impose penalties.
- Don't miss the 14-day window — late stamping incurs a penalty of up to 4× the stamp duty payable.
Common Questions
How much ABSD does a Singapore citizen pay on a second property?
Singapore citizens pay 20% ABSD on a second property and 30% on a third or subsequent property, on top of Buyer's Stamp Duty. PRs pay 5% on their first property and 30% on a second or subsequent property. Foreigners pay 60% ABSD on any residential property. BSD itself rises progressively to 6% for residential property on the portion above S$1.5 million.
How long do I have to pay stamp duty in Singapore?
Stamp duty must be paid within 14 days of signing the agreement for Singapore transactions. Pay via the IRAS e-Stamping portal. Late stamping incurs a penalty of up to 4 times the stamp duty payable, and unstamped documents are not admissible in court as evidence of the transaction.
What is Seller's Stamp Duty in Singapore?
If you sell a residential property within 3 years of purchase, Seller's Stamp Duty applies: 12% if you sell within 1 year, 8% within 1–2 years, and 4% within 2–3 years. Tenancy agreements exceeding 4 years must also be stamped, and in practice tenancies of any length should be stamped for enforceability.
When does it apply — stamp duty?
You are buying, selling, or leasing a property in Singapore.Stamp duty must be paid within 14 days of signing the agreement (for Singapore transactions).
What should I do if I am buying a second property in Singapore and need to calculate how much ABSD and BSD I owe IRAS?
Calculate your stamp duty before committing to a purchase — ABSD can be a significant cost.Pay stamp duty via IRAS e-Stamping portal within 14 days of the document date.Keep the stamped document — unstamped documents are not admissible in court as evidence of the transaction.Check if you qualify for any remissions — e.g., married couples may qualify for ABSD remission when buying a second property together under certain conditions.
What should you NOT do — stamp duty?
Don't forget to stamp tenancy agreements — unstamped tenancies may not be enforceable in court.Don't try to avoid ABSD through artificial arrangements — IRAS has anti-avoidance provisions and can impose penalties.Don't miss the 14-day window — late stamping incurs a penalty of up to 4× the stamp duty payable.