How to Claim ABSD Remission From IRAS: Step by Step 2026

By Winfred Quek · CEA R073319H · 7 minute read · Last reviewed May 2026

Quick answer: SC married couples buying a replacement matrimonial home in joint names must pay ABSD upfront at stamping, then claim remission after selling the existing home, within 6 months of the new property's completion. Miss the 6 month window and the ABSD is forfeited. IRAS takes 4 to 8 weeks to refund. No interest is paid on the held ABSD.

Rates and thresholds change. The current figures are kept in one place: the Singapore property rules reference.

Facts verified: May 2026 · Sources linked below

Who Is Eligible for ABSD Remission?

ABSD remission for married couples applies when ALL of these conditions are met:

At least one spouse is a Singapore Citizen (SC). The other spouse can be SC or PR.
The new property is purchased jointly in both spouses' names.
Both spouses must be named on the existing matrimonial home that will be sold.
Neither spouse owns any other residential property at the time of the new purchase.
The existing matrimonial home is disposed of within 6 months of the new property's completion date (TOP for new launches; legal completion for resale).

If only one spouse's name is on the existing property, or if one spouse has a share in a third property, remission may not be granted. Always verify eligibility with a property lawyer before proceeding.

Step by Step Remission Claim Process

Step 1: Pay ABSD upfront at stamping. ABSD cannot be deferred. When you exercise the OTP or sign the S&P for the new property, ABSD is due within 14 days. Pay it in full. For a $1.5M property with 20% ABSD, that is $300,000 cash locked up until the refund.

Step 2: Complete the sale of your existing matrimonial home. Ensure the sale is completed meaning legal completion, not just OTP exercise within 6 months of the new property's TOP (for new launches) or its legal completion date (for resale). Buyer delays on your existing property count against your 6 month window, so begin marketing early.

Step 3: Submit the remission claim to IRAS. Log in to myTax Portal at mytax.iras.gov.sg and navigate to "Stamp Duty" → "Claim Remission." Submit within 6 months of the new property's completion. The claim must be made within this window; there is no extension for late applications.

Step 4: Compile and attach all required documents. A complete document set is essential. Incomplete submissions are returned and may miss the deadline.

Step 5: IRAS processes the claim. Processing takes approximately 4 to 8 weeks. IRAS may contact you for additional information. Ensure your contact details on myTax Portal are current.

Step 6: Receive the ABSD refund. Refund is credited to your bank account registered with IRAS. Register or update your bank account on myTax Portal before submitting the claim to avoid delays.

Documents Checklist for ABSD Remission Claim

Document	Purpose	Source
Stamp certificate for new property	Proves ABSD was paid	Your conveyancing lawyer / IRAS portal
OTP or S&P Agreement for new property	Shows purchase details, both names on title	Lawyer's file
Completion account or Notice of Vacant Possession (new launch) for new property	Establishes the completion date / start of 6 month clock	Developer or lawyer
OTP or S&P Agreement for sold property	Shows disposal details	Lawyer's file
Completion account for sold property	Proves legal completion occurred within 6 months	Lawyer's file
Marriage certificate	Proves married couple status	ICA / ROM
NRIC / Passport of both spouses	Identity verification	Personal document

Timeline: When to File Based on Property Type

New Property Type	Completion Event	6 Month Clock Starts	Latest Sale Completion of Old Property
New launch (BUC)	TOP (Temporary Occupation Permit)	Date of TOP	Within 6 months of TOP date
Resale (completed property)	Legal completion of purchase	Date of legal completion	Within 6 months of legal completion

The hidden cost of ABSD remission: IRAS refunds the ABSD principal only no interest is paid. If ABSD was $300,000 and it was tied up for 3 years during construction plus a 6 month sell window, you effectively lost ~$9,000 to $13,500 in foregone interest (at 3 to 4.5% p.a. in a high rate environment). This is a real cost of the "upgrader" strategy and should be factored into the decision.

Common Errors That Cause Rejection

Only one spouse submits the claim. IRAS requires the claim to be filed jointly or on behalf of both spouses with authorisation.
New property not in both names. If the new property is in one spouse's name only, the remission does not apply. Both names must be on title.
Sold property was not the matrimonial home. If you owned an investment property (not lived in) and sold that instead of the matrimonial home, the condition is not met.
One spouse had a share in another property. Even a 1% share in a third property including inherited shares disqualifies you.
Missing the 6 month deadline. IRAS does not grant extensions. If you miss the window by one day, the ABSD is forfeited.

Run your property numbers with Winfred

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Winfred Quek is an Associate Marketing Consultant at Crestbrick Pte Ltd. CEA R073319H. Information on this page is general and does not constitute financial, investment, or mortgage advice.

Use the ABSD Calculator to run the numbers on your situation.

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for ABSD remission in Singapore?

Singapore Citizen married couples (SC/SC or SC/PR where the SC is one of the purchasers) buying a replacement matrimonial home in both names and selling their existing jointly owned matrimonial home within 6 months of the new property's completion (or TOP, for new launches). Both spouses must be named on both properties.

How long does IRAS take to refund ABSD after a remission claim?

IRAS typically processes ABSD remission claims within 4 to 8 weeks after receiving a complete application with all supporting documents. The refund is credited to a bank account registered with IRAS. No interest is paid on the ABSD during the period it was held.

How does this apply to your own numbers?

General rules only take you so far. What actually decides your move is your financing, your timeline, and what you already own. A Property Portfolio Analysis maps your real position, so you are deciding on your own figures rather than a rule of thumb.

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Winfred Quek (CEA R073319H) is an Associate Marketing Consultant with Crestbrick Pte Ltd (CEA Licence No. L31010886H) and is not a licensed financial adviser or mortgage broker. Information on this site is general and does not constitute financial, investment, or mortgage advice. ABSD remission conditions, required documents and application steps are set by IRAS and can change; confirm your own remission eligibility and process directly with IRAS.