For Foreign Buyers

60% ABSD Calculator

Quick answer: Since 27 April 2023, foreigners pay 60% ABSD on every Singapore residential purchase, on top of Buyer's Stamp Duty. On a S$2M property that is an extra S$1.2M in ABSD alone, which is why structuring the purchase correctly matters far more than the price you negotiate.
Since 27 Apr 2023, foreign buyers pay 60% ABSD on every Singapore residential purchase, on top of BSD. That's an extra S$1.2M on a S$2M property. This page tells you the real cost, and the legitimate alternatives.

Calculate

Total stamp duty

BSD (tiered)
ABSD
Total upfront stamp duty
As % of purchase price

Alternatives if you're a foreigner

1. Marry an SC/PR (joint purchase as occupier). ABSD on the household is determined by the highest-tier profile. SC + Foreigner = SC's 0% on 1st property (but only if structure is right, get this wrong and full 60% applies).

2. Buy under a Singapore corporate vehicle (Pte Ltd). Trust + corporate rate is 65% (yes, higher), but this only works for specific commercial scenarios. Generally NOT a workaround for residential.

3. Sengkang/Tengah landed (PR exception). Some FTAs exempt nationals (US, Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland) from ABSD entirely on residential. If you're from one of these countries, you pay SC rates.

4. Wait for PR. PR (1st property) ABSD is 5%. The 55pp delta = a meaningful reason to apply.

5. Commercial/industrial property. No ABSD. But yields are different + tenant risk profile differs.
Want to map your specific situation? WA me

The information and insights provided on this page are for informational purposes only and are based on Winfred's independent research and views. While we strive to ensure accuracy and reliability, we do not guarantee the completeness, correctness, or timeliness of the data presented. Real estate investments are subject to various risks, including but not limited to market fluctuations, changes in economic conditions, interest rate volatility, regulatory shifts, liquidity constraints, and unforeseen property-specific risks. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and investment outcomes may vary. This page does not constitute investment, financial, or professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and seek advice from qualified professionals before making any investment decisions.

Frequently asked questions

How much ABSD does a foreigner pay to buy property in Singapore?

A foreigner pays 60% ABSD on a residential purchase, applied to the higher of price or market value, on top of tiered BSD. On a S$2M home that is S$1.2M of ABSD before you add the roughly S$69,600 of BSD. This calculator shows your total upfront stamp duty and what it is as a percentage of price.

Are any foreign nationals exempt from the 60% ABSD?

Under certain Free Trade Agreements, nationals of the United States, Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland are accorded the same stamp duty treatment as Singapore Citizens on residential property. If you hold one of these nationalities you may pay Citizen rates rather than 60%. Verify your eligibility carefully before you rely on it.

Does buying through a company avoid the foreigner ABSD?

No. An entity or company purchasing residential property is charged 65% ABSD, which is higher than the 60% foreigner rate, plus a further non remittable component for developers. A corporate vehicle is generally not a workaround for residential property. It only makes sense in specific commercial scenarios with very different economics.

Should a foreigner wait for PR before buying?

A Singapore PR pays 5% ABSD on a first residential property versus 60% for a foreigner. That 55 percentage point gap is a meaningful reason to time a purchase around obtaining PR if it is realistic for you. The right answer depends on your timeline, so it is worth mapping your specific situation first.

Can a foreigner buy jointly with a Singaporean to lower ABSD?

Where one buyer is a Singapore Citizen and one is a foreigner, IRAS applies the highest rate, 60%, to the whole purchase. Buying jointly does not blend the rate down. Some couples structure ownership around the Citizen spouse, but get this wrong and the full 60% applies, so professional structuring is essential.