By The Address desk · Last verified 28 September 2026
Every property buyer in Singapore pays Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD), charged in tiers from 1 to 6 per cent; on a S$1 million home it’s S$24,600. On top of that, many buyers pay Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), which depends on your residency and how many homes you already own. Citizens pay nothing on a first home, 20 per cent on a second and 30 per cent on a third. Permanent residents pay 5, 30 and 35 per cent, foreigners 60 per cent, and companies and trusts 65 per cent.
Quick facts
- BSD applies to every purchase, in tiers from 1% to 6%.
- BSD on a S$1 million home is S$24,600.
- ABSD for citizens: 0% first home, 20% second, 30% third.
- ABSD for PRs: 5%, 30%, 35%. Foreigners: 60%. Entities: 65%.
- Both are charged on the higher of the price or the market value.
- These ABSD rates have applied since 27 April 2023.
How is Buyer’s Stamp Duty worked out?
In slices, like income tax. For residential property:
| Slice of the price | Rate |
|---|---|
| First S$180,000 | 1% |
| Next S$180,000 | 2% |
| Next S$640,000 | 3% |
| Next S$500,000 | 4% |
| Next S$1,500,000 | 5% |
| Anything above | 6% |
On a S$1 million home: S$1,800 on the first slice, S$3,600 on the second and S$19,200 on the remaining S$640,000, which is S$24,600 in all.
What are the ABSD rates?
| Buyer | First home | Second home | Third and after |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore citizen | 0% | 20% | 30% |
| Permanent resident | 5% | 30% | 35% |
| Foreigner | 60% | 60% | 60% |
| Entity or trust | 65% | 65% | 65% |
The rates rose on 27 April 2023, when the foreigner rate doubled from 30 to 60 per cent. A PR buying a S$1.2 million condo as a first home pays S$60,000 in ABSD, on top of BSD.
How are homes counted?
Every residential property you own in Singapore counts, whether you own it wholly, partly or jointly. Property overseas doesn’t. A home you’re selling still counts until the sale legally completes.
When is it paid?
Stamp duty is due within 14 days of signing the purchase agreement, or exercising the option to purchase. It’s a real cash-flow item, so budget for it alongside the down payment, not after.
The WahLiao Verdict
Work out BSD and ABSD before you view, not after you fall in love with the kitchen. For citizens, the jump from 0 to 20 per cent on a second home is the number that decides most upgrade plans; get advice on the timing rules before you sign anything.
Questions people ask
Do HDB buyers pay stamp duty?
Yes. BSD applies to HDB flats too, and ABSD applies based on who is buying and what they own.
Does a flat I own overseas count for ABSD?
No. Only residential property in Singapore counts.
Are any foreigners treated like citizens?
Citizens of a few countries with free trade agreements with Singapore are. Check IRAS for the current list.
Is it charged on the price or the valuation?
On whichever is higher.
Sources: IRAS, stamp duty rates; Redbrick, BSD calculator and worked example; Rajah & Tann, April 2023 ABSD increase; 99.co on ABSD rates. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Read next: What a 99-Year Lease Means · HDB Minimum Occupation Period Explained · Back to The Address
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