What is the ABSD Married Couples Remission?

There are two related remissions for married couples. (a) No-Existing-Property Remission: a SC + SPR couple buying their 1st residential property together can get the SPR's 5% ABSD refunded if neither owns other residential property at the date of purchase (SC + SC couples pay 0% ABSD on their 1st home and don't need this remission). (b) Sell-First Refund: a SC + SC couple who buys a 2nd residential property may apply for a full refund of the ABSD paid if they sell the first property within 6 months of buying the second.

Who is eligible for the Sell-First Refund?

Both spouses must be Singapore Citizens (SC + SC), and at least one spouse must be a buyer of the new property. The first property must be sold within 6 months of (a) the purchase of the second property (for completed properties) or (b) the issue of TOP / CSC for the second property (if uncompleted). All buyers and owners must be married to each other (no other parties on title).

What's the deadline for applying for the refund?

The refund application must be filed within 6 months after the sale of the first property is completed (legal completion, not OTP). Late applications are not entertained. The refund is paid via cheque or GIRO to the applicants.

Can SC + SPR couples claim the Sell-First Refund?

The Sell-First Refund is generally for SC + SC couples. SC + SPR couples have access to the No-Existing-Property Remission instead (refund of SPR's 5% on the 1st property). For a 2nd-property scenario, SC + SPR couples cannot get the Sell-First Refund of the SPR portion.

What if we can't sell the first property in 6 months?

There is no extension mechanism. If you miss the 6-month deadline, the ABSD paid is forfeited. Most buyers planning to sell their first property usually agree to a longer completion timeline for the second purchase to give themselves a runway, but the 6-month clock is rigid.

ABSD Married Couples Remission Singapore

Two distinct remissions

Singapore IRAS provides two married-couple ABSD remissions that are often confused. They apply in different scenarios:

(a) No-Existing-Property Remission — for SC + SPR couples

Scenario: A SC married to an SPR buying their first matrimonial home together. The 5% ABSD that would normally apply to the SPR portion can be refunded if conditions are met.

Both spouses are listed as buyers (joint tenants or tenants-in-common).
Neither spouse owned any other residential property at the date of purchase.
The application is submitted within 6 months of (a) the date of purchase (for completed property) or (b) the date of TOP / CSC issuance (for uncompleted).
The couple does not dispose of the property within 3 years of acquisition.

(b) Sell-First Refund — for SC + SC couples on a 2nd property

Scenario: A SC + SC couple already owns one residential property and buys a second property. They pay the 20% ABSD upfront, then sell the first property within 6 months — and apply for full refund of the ABSD.

Both spouses are SC.
The first property must be sold within 6 months of (a) the purchase of the second (for completed) or (b) the issue of TOP / CSC for the second (for uncompleted).
The 2nd property is the only residential property the couple owns at the application date.
The refund application is submitted within 6 months of the sale of the 1st property.

Worked examples

Example 1 — SC + SPR couple, first home $1.5M

BSD: $44,600 (not refundable)
ABSD upfront: 5% × $1.5M = $75,000 (paid by buyer)
If conditions met → SPR's 5% refunded: $75,000 back
Effective stamp duty after refund: $44,600 (same as SC + SC first home)

Example 2 — SC + SC couple buying $1.5M 2nd home, sell 1st within 6 months

BSD: $44,600 (not refundable)
ABSD upfront: 20% × $1.5M = $300,000
Sell first property within 6 months → ABSD refunded: $300,000 back
Effective stamp duty after refund: $44,600 (same as a first home)

How to apply

Engage your conveyancing lawyer or apply directly to IRAS via the e-Stamping portal.
Provide the OTP / S&P for the new property, evidence of the previous property sale (sale OTP and TOP/CSC if relevant).
Provide marriage certificate.
For SPR no-existing-property remission, provide declarations that neither spouse owned other residential property at purchase date.
Wait for IRAS' decision — typically 1–3 months.

Common pitfalls

Joint ownership with parents — putting a parent on title disqualifies the remission. Couples often buy alone to preserve eligibility.
Selling the wrong property — the property sold must be the one the couple already owned, not a recently acquired property.
Missing the 6-month window — the deadline is calendar months from purchase or TOP, not extendable.
Holding the property in a trust — ABSD (Trust) of 65% may apply and is treated separately.

ABSD Married Couples Remission