Stamp duty is a tax on documents relating to immovable properties, stocks or shares. Stamp duty is computed based on the consideration or market value of the relevant asset, whichever is higher.
In recent years, stamp duties have been used as a wealth tax, or property market cooling measure in Singapore to ensure a stable and sustainable property market.
Broadly, there are three types of stamp duties for immovable properties in Singapore:
Buyer’s Stamp Duty;
Seller’s Stamp Duty; and
Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty.
Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD)
BSD is levied on all purchases of property e.g. residential, commercial or industrial properties.
Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD)
Residential Properties
In February 2010, the Government introduced SSD on sellers who purchased residential properties on or after 20 February 2010 and disposed of them within the specified holding period. SSD is applied on sale of residential property within the holding period. The SSD schedule was last revised on 11 March 2017.
Industrial Properties
SSD is also applicable on the sale of industrial properties bought on or after 12 January 2013.
Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD)
The Government introduced ABSD on 8 December 2011. It aims to moderate demand for residential property, thereby ensuring that residential property remains affordable for Singaporeans and that property prices move in tandem with economic fundamentals.
ABSD is applicable in addition to the BSD payable on the purchase of immovable residential properties in Singapore. The ABSD rates were last revised on 27 April 2023 to pre-emptively manage investment demand, to promote a sustainable property market and prioritise housing for owner-occupation.
Details on BSD, SSD and ABSD can be found on IRAS' website.