Is inherited property subject to stamp duty in Singapore?

No. Property inherited through a will or through intestacy (no will) does not trigger BSD or ABSD. This is one of the most significant stamp duty exemptions in Singapore, making testamentary transfer more tax-efficient than lifetime gifts.

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Singapore Stamp Duty Exemptions 2026: 9 Scenarios Where You Pay Less

Q: Do foreigners from the US or Switzerland pay ABSD in Singapore?

Nationals of countries with qualifying Free Trade Agreements with Singapore -- including the US (USSFTA), Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein -- are treated like Singapore Citizens for ABSD purposes on their first residential property purchase only. They pay 0% ABSD on a first property but revert to foreigner ABSD rates (60%) for any subsequent residential purchases.

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

Quick answer: Singapore's stamp duty framework has nine scenarios where ABSD is reduced to zero or refunded, or where BSD does not apply. The most accessible are: first purchase for SC buyers (0% ABSD), inheritance via will (no BSD or ABSD), and commercial/industrial property purchases (no ABSD regardless of buyer profile or property count).

Facts verified: May 2026 · Sources linked below

The 9 Exemption Scenarios

1. Singapore Citizen Buying First Residential Property

An SC buying their first residential property pays 0% ABSD. BSD still applies on the purchase price. This is not technically a "remission" it is simply the baseline rate at which SCs are taxed on their first property. No application or documentation is required beyond the standard stamping process.

2. FTA-Qualifying Foreigners First Property Only

Nationals of countries with qualifying bilateral Free Trade Agreements with Singapore are treated like Singapore Citizens for ABSD purposes on their first residential property purchase. Qualifying nationalities include: United States (USSFTA), Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein (EFTA-Singapore FTA). These nationals pay 0% ABSD on their first property. For any second or subsequent property, they revert to the standard foreigner ABSD rate (currently 60%).

The FTA exemption applies to the individual not to companies or trusts incorporated in those countries.

3. SC Married Couple Matrimonial Home Remission

When an SC married couple (or SC/PR couple where one is SC) buys a replacement matrimonial home in both names and sells their existing jointly-held matrimonial home within 6 months of the new property's completion, the ABSD paid at stamping is refunded. This is a conditional remission ABSD must be paid upfront and claimed back. See the full remission claim guide for the step-by-step process.

4. Inheritance Through Will or Intestacy

Property transferred upon the owner's death whether through a valid will or through intestacy (dying without a will, where the Intestate Succession Act distributes assets) does not trigger BSD or ABSD. This is the most stamp-duty-efficient way to transfer property to heirs. The inheriting party takes ownership without any stamp duty liability, regardless of how many properties they already own.

5. Government Compulsory Acquisition

When the Singapore government compulsorily acquires a property under the Land Acquisition Act (e.g., for infrastructure development), the owner receives compensation without any stamp duty being payable by either party. This is not a voluntary transaction and therefore falls outside the stamp duty framework.

6. Court-Ordered Transfers (Divorce Settlements)

A property transferred pursuant to a court order in divorce proceedings may qualify for stamp duty relief. The specific treatment depends on the court order's terms, the nature of the transfer, and whether consideration is paid. In some cases, the court-ordered nature of the transfer means that ABSD is not assessed (particularly where the property passes from one divorcing spouse to the other as part of an asset division with no cash consideration). Always get a legal opinion specific to your court order.

7. Intra-Group Corporate Transfers

Companies transferring property to another company within the same group (a parent transferring to a wholly owned subsidiary, or vice versa) can apply to IRAS for stamp duty remission. Conditions include: the group relationship must exist at the time of transfer; the transferee must retain the property for at least 3 years; and the remission applies to BSD, ABSD on residential property (for companies), and SSD. Available for commercial and residential property held by corporate groups.

8. Buying Commercial or Industrial Property No ABSD

There is no ABSD on non-residential property commercial units, industrial units, shophouses used for commercial purposes, strata offices, retail units. This is arguably the most practically accessible exemption for property investors. A foreigner who would pay 60% ABSD on a residential condo pays 0% ABSD on a commercial shophouse. A SC buying their third property pays 30% ABSD on a residential condo but 0% ABSD on a strata office. Only BSD (at non-residential rates, capped at 3% for amounts above $360K) applies.

9. Developer ABSD Remission

Residential property developers who purchase land or residential properties for development and sale pay a higher ABSD (35% for developers as of 2023). However, a substantial portion of this ABSD is remitted if the developer completes construction and sells all units within 5 years of the land purchase. This is the developer ABSD remission and is specific to licensed residential developers not applicable to individual buyers.

Summary Table: All 9 Exemptions

#	Exemption Scenario	Applicable Party	ABSD Relief	BSD Relief	Conditions
1	SC first property	Singapore Citizens	0% ABSD	None (BSD still payable)	First residential property only
2	FTA foreigners first property	US, Swiss, Norwegian, Icelandic, Liechtenstein nationals	0% ABSD (first only)	None	First property only; individual (not entity)
3	Matrimonial home remission	SC married couples	ABSD refunded	None	Both names; sell existing within 6 months of completion
4	Inheritance / intestacy	Any heir	No ABSD	No BSD	Transfer must be testamentary (not lifetime gift)
5	Government acquisition	Property owners	N/A	N/A	Compulsory acquisition only
6	Court-ordered (divorce)	Divorcing spouses	Possible ABSD relief	Possible BSD relief	Case-by-case; seek legal advice
7	Intra-group transfer	Corporate groups	Remission available	Remission available	3-year hold requirement; must apply to IRAS
8	Commercial / industrial property	Any buyer	No ABSD (ever)	Lower non-residential BSD applies	Property must be classified non-residential
9	Developer ABSD remission	Licensed residential developers	Partial ABSD refunded	None	Build and sell all units within 5 years

Most accessible for foreign investors: Scenario 8 (commercial property) is the single most practically significant exemption for foreign buyers and multiple-property holders who want Singapore real estate exposure without the 60% ABSD. A commercial shophouse in Tanjong Pagar or a strata office in Paya Lebar no ABSD, lower BSD, and often strong capital appreciation. The tradeoff is lower liquidity and higher entry price.