Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD) is a tax payable to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) on documents executed when you purchase or acquire immovable property in Singapore. Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) is a further tax payable by certain buyers of residential property, depending on their citizenship or residency status and the number of residential properties they already own. This page explains when BSD is payable, the BSD rates, and how ABSD applies, including on transfers of a partial interest in a property.
What is Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD)? #
BSD is a tax applied to documents executed when purchasing or acquiring immovable property in Singapore. Different rates apply to residential versus non-residential properties.
When you buy property located in Singapore, you must pay BSD on the relevant documents. BSD will be computed on the purchase price as stated in the document to be stamped or the market value of the property, whichever is the higher amount.
Documents subject to BSD include:
- Acceptance to Option to Purchase (exercised)
- Sale and Purchase Agreement
- Deed of Gift
- Transfer instrument
Note that BSD is payable even where the property is acquired by way of gift, eg. under a Deed of Gift, as it is computed on the market value of the property or interest transferred.
What are the current BSD rates? #
Stamp duties are a complex matter, and the sums involved are high. The rates below are stated for general reference as at 18 July 2026. Always check the latest rates and any applicable remissions on the IRAS Buyer’s Stamp Duty page at iras.gov.sg/taxes/stamp-duty/for-property/buying-or-acquiring-property/buyer’s-stamp-duty-(bsd) before proceeding.
With effect from 15 February 2023, BSD is computed at marginal rates, with a top rate of 6% for residential properties and 5% for non-residential properties.
| Residential properties | BSD rate |
|---|---|
| First $180,000 of purchase price or market value (whichever higher) | 1% |
| Next $180,000 | 2% |
| Next $640,000 | 3% |
| Next $500,000 | 4% |
| Next $1,500,000 | 5% |
| Amount exceeding $3,000,000 | 6% |
| Non-residential properties | BSD rate |
|---|---|
| First $180,000 of purchase price or market value (whichever higher) | 1% |
| Next $180,000 | 2% |
| Next $640,000 | 3% |
| Next $500,000 | 4% |
| Amount exceeding $1,500,000 | 5% |
BSD is rounded down to the nearest dollar.
Additionally, the Additional Conveyance Duties for Buyers (ACDB), which applies to qualifying acquisitions of equity interest in property holding entities, was raised from up to 44% to up to 46%. These rates apply to documents executed on or after 15 February 2023.
What is the BSD transitional remission? #
Lower rates applied before 15 February 2023. A transitional remission allowed the earlier rates where the Option to Purchase was granted on or before 14 February 2023 and exercised by 7 March 2023 (or within the OTP validity period) without variation. Details of this and other remissions are on the IRAS website.
What is Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD)? #
ABSD is an additional tax payable by certain buyers of residential property, on top of BSD, depending on their residency status (eg. Singapore Citizen, Singapore Permanent Resident, foreigner or entity) and the number of residential properties they already own. ABSD rates and the remissions available (eg. for certain married couples) change from time to time, and the sums involved are high. Always check the latest rates and remissions on the IRAS Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty page at iras.gov.sg/taxes/stamp-duty/for-property/buying-or-acquiring-property/additional-buyer’s-stamp-duty-(absd) before proceeding.
How does ABSD apply on a partial interest transfer of property? #
Where a property owner already owns a partial interest in a property (either as joint tenant or tenant in common), the ABSD rate applicable for the acquisition (eg. purchase) of an additional interest in the same property will depend on the number of residential properties he already owns at the time of the acquisition.
Therefore, if a Singapore Citizen only owns a partial interest in one property, his acquisition of an additional share in the same property would not be subject to ABSD. But if he already owns partial interests in both properties A and B, his acquisition of an additional share in property A or B or both would be subject to ABSD at the relevant rate, as he owns two properties at the time of the acquisition of the additional interest.
If a Singapore Permanent Resident only owns a partial interest in one property, his acquisition of an additional interest in the same property would be subject to ABSD at the relevant rate. But if he already owns partial interests in both properties A and B, his acquisition of an additional share in property A or B or both would be subject to ABSD at the relevant rate, as he owns two properties at the time of the acquisition of the additional interest.
Partial interest transfers between co-owners are commonly carried out as part of decoupling. For the process, CPF and mortgage considerations, see our guide to decoupling and transfer of part-share.
Caution: the above may be inaccurate and/or contain errors, and kindly do not rely on the same without obtaining proper legal advice based on your scenario. Please note that government policies and laws change from time to time. If you choose to rely on the above information, you are doing so at your own risk.
Where can I check the current rates and compute the duty? #
Current BSD and ABSD rates are available on the IRAS pages linked above. IRAS also provides a Stamp Duty Calculator to help determine the duty payable for your specific situation.
Disclaimer: This page is for general guidance only and rates may have changed at the time of reading. Always verify current rates directly with IRAS and consult your conveyancing lawyer before proceeding.
Related guide: For the wider conveyancing process, see our step-by-step guide on how to buy property in Singapore.
Related guide: For the remission categories that can reduce or refund duty, see our guide to stamp duty remission for property in Singapore.
