Singapore Stamp Duty

Stamp duty in Singapore applies to property transactions, share transfers, and lease agreements. Administered by IRAS, it is essential for ensuring legal compliance in these transactions.


What is Stamp Duty?

Stamp duty is a tax imposed on legal documents related to the sale, lease, or transfer of immovable property and shares.


Types of Stamp Duty in Singapore

1. Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD)

BSD is payable by the buyer on the purchase price or market value of the property, whichever is higher. Rates below apply to documents executed on or after 15 February 2023:

Purchase price or market valueResidentialNon-residential
First S$180,0001%1%
Next S$180,0002%2%
Next S$640,0003%3%
Next S$500,0004%4%
Next S$1,500,0005%5%
Remaining amount6%5%

BSD is rounded down to the nearest dollar, subject to a minimum duty of S$1. For documents executed from 20 Feb 2018 to 14 Feb 2023 the top residential rate was 4%.

2. Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD)

ABSD is payable in addition to BSD on residential property, based on the buyer’s profile and the number of residential properties owned. Rates below apply on or after 27 April 2023:

Profile of buyerABSD rate
Singapore Citizen – first residential propertyNot applicable
Singapore Citizen – second residential property20%
Singapore Citizen – third and subsequent30%
Singapore Permanent Resident – first5%
Singapore Permanent Resident – second30%
Singapore Permanent Resident – third and subsequent35%
Foreigners – any residential property60%
Entities – any residential property65%
Trustees – any residential property65%
Housing developers35% (plus a further non-remittable 5%)

ABSD is rounded down to the nearest dollar, subject to a minimum duty of S$1. Reliefs may apply, including under Free Trade Agreements and for married couples with at least one Singapore Citizen.

3. Seller's Stamp Duty (SSD) – Residential

SSD is payable if residential property is sold within the holding period. The holding period was extended from three to four years, and each tier raised by four percentage points, for property purchased on or after 4 July 2025:

Property sold withinPurchased on/after 4 Jul 2025Purchased 11 Mar 2017 – 3 Jul 2025
1 year16%12%
More than 1 and up to 2 years12%8%
More than 2 and up to 3 years8%4%
More than 3 and up to 4 years4%No SSD
More than 4 yearsNo SSDNo SSD

SSD is computed on the higher of the selling price or market value. HDB flats are generally unaffected because of the Minimum Occupation Period. Industrial property has its own separate SSD schedule.

4. Stamp Duty for Leases

  • Applies to leases exceeding 4 years.
  • Rate: 0.4% of the total rent.

5. Stamp Duty for Shares

  • Payable on share transfers.
  • Rate: 0.2% of purchase price or market value, whichever is higher.

How to Calculate and Pay Stamp Duty

  1. Use IRAS's online Stamp Duty Calculator.
  2. Access the e-Stamping Portal via Singpass or CorpPass.
  3. Make payment via internet banking, GIRO, or card.
  4. Receive the Stamp Certificate as proof of payment.

Penalties for Late Payment

  • 5% penalty on overdue stamp duty.
  • Further fines or legal action for continued non-payment.

Exemptions and Reliefs

  • Marriage Exemption: No ABSD for married couples with one Singapore Citizen.
  • Intragroup Transfers: Relief available for property or share transfers within corporate groups.

How Apexia Corporate Advisory Can Help

  • Stamp Duty Assessment: Calculate and assess duty payable.
  • Documentation Support: Assistance with IRAS filing.
  • Exemption Applications: Guidance on applying for reliefs.
  • Compliance Review: Ensure adherence to Singapore's stamp duty laws.

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