Last reviewed: 29 Jul 2026
Singapore Property Cooling Measures: Timeline from 2009
By Winfred Quek · CEA R073319H · Crestbrick
Rates and thresholds change. The current figures are kept in one place: the Singapore property rules reference.
Sources linked below
Key cooling measure dates
12 January 2013. ABSD rates for residential property took effect at the rates shown in the table below.
6 July 2018. ABSD rates were raised for Singapore Citizen second and third properties, PR second and third properties, foreigners and entities.
16 December 2021. ABSD rates were raised for Singapore Citizen, PR, foreigner and entity buyers.
27 April 2023. ABSD rates were raised to the rates in force today: 20% and 30% for Singapore Citizen second and third properties, 30% and 35% for PR second and third properties, 60% for foreigners and 65% for entities.
4 July 2025. Seller's Stamp Duty on residential property bought on or after this date runs for 4 years at 16%, 12%, 8% and 4% for years 1 to 4.
28 July 2026. The 15 month wait out period for private property owners buying a non subsidised HDB resale flat was removed with immediate effect.
ABSD rates by buyer profile
These are the rates published by IRAS. They apply on the higher of the purchase price or market value.
| Buyer profile | 12 Jan 2013 to 5 Jul 2018 | 6 Jul 2018 to 15 Dec 2021 | 16 Dec 2021 to 26 Apr 2023 | From 27 Apr 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore Citizen, first property | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Singapore Citizen, second property | 7% | 12% | 17% | 20% |
| Singapore Citizen, third and subsequent property | 10% | 15% | 25% | 30% |
| PR, first property | 5% | 5% | 5% | 5% |
| PR, second property | 10% | 15% | 25% | 30% |
| PR, third and subsequent property | 10% | 15% | 30% | 35% |
| Foreigner, any residential property | 15% | 20% | 30% | 60% |
| Entity, any residential property | 15% | 25% | 35% | 65% |
Under the free trade agreement provisions, ABSD treatment applies to US nationals and to nationals and PRs of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When were Singapore's most significant property cooling measures introduced?
The IRAS ABSD rates changed on 12 January 2013, 6 July 2018, 16 December 2021 and 27 April 2023. The table on this page sets out the rates for each period.
Has Singapore ever reversed or relaxed cooling measures?
The ABSD rate changes are set out in the table above. For residential property bought on or after 4 July 2025, Seller's Stamp Duty runs for 4 years at 16%, 12%, 8% and 4% for years 1 to 4.
What is the current ABSD rate for Singapore Citizens buying a second property?
From 27 April 2023, Singapore Citizens pay 20% ABSD on a second residential property and 30% on a third and subsequent residential property.
The information and insights on this page are for informational purposes only. ABSD, TDSR, LTV and SSD rates and their history referenced here are general and subject to change by MAS, IRAS and MOF at any time without notice. This page is not legal, financial, or professional advice. Conduct your own due diligence and seek qualified advice. CEA R073319H. Crestbrick Pte Ltd L3010886H.
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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