The 60% flat rate
Since 27 April 2023, every foreigner buying residential property in Singapore pays a flat 60% Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty on top of the tiered Buyer's Stamp Duty. The rate is the same whether it is the foreigner's first property, second, or fifteenth.
The 60% is calculated on the higher of the purchase price or open-market value, not net of any discounts. For most arm's-length transactions the purchase price is the figure used.
Worked examples
| Price | BSD | ABSD (60%) | Total stamp duty | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000,000 | $24,600 | $600,000 | $624,600 | $1,624,600 |
| $1,500,000 | $44,600 | $900,000 | $944,600 | $2,444,600 |
| $2,000,000 | $69,600 | $1,200,000 | $1,269,600 | $3,269,600 |
| $3,000,000 | $119,600 | $1,800,000 | $1,919,600 | $4,919,600 |
| $5,000,000 | $239,600 | $3,000,000 | $3,239,600 | $8,239,600 |
Total cost = purchase price + BSD + ABSD. Excludes legal fees, agent commission, and CPF accrued interest (n/a for foreigners).
Who is a "foreigner"?
IRAS defines a foreigner as any individual who is not a Singapore Citizen and not a Singapore Permanent Resident at the date of acquisition. This includes:
- Employment Pass, S Pass, Work Permit holders
- Dependant's Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass holders
- Student Pass holders
- Tourists / Social Visit Pass holders
- Stateless individuals
Becoming a Permanent Resident after the purchase does not retroactively reduce the ABSD. Status is fixed at the date of acquisition.
Joint purchases
Where buyers have different profiles, IRAS applies the highest-ABSD rate among them. A SC + Foreigner joint purchase attracts 60% ABSD on the full purchase price — not 30%, not pro-rated.
The Married Couples Remission can refund the SPR or foreigner's share if the conditions are met. See Married Couples Remission.
FTA escape hatch
Citizens of the United States and citizens or permanent residents of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are entitled to Singapore Citizen treatment for ABSD — 0% on their first residential property in Singapore. The election must be filed at the time of stamping. See the FTA Nationals guide for the full process and documentation.
Restrictions on what foreigners can buy
- Permitted — condominium units, strata-titled apartments, designated Sentosa Cove properties.
- Restricted (LDAU approval required) — landed property on the mainland (terrace, semi-detached, detached bungalow), vacant residential land. Approval is rare.
- Prohibited — HDB flats. Foreigners cannot buy HDB BTO or resale.