If you are purchasing property in Singapore, you will need to pay Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD), a tax on documents executed for the transfer of property ownership. This guide explains the current BSD rates, how calculations are done, and tips for property buyers to plan ahead.
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🏠 1. What is Buyer’s Stamp Duty?
Buyer’s Stamp Duty is a tax imposed on property buyers when purchasing any property in Singapore, whether residential, commercial, or industrial. It is payable to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) and is calculated based on the higher of:
- The purchase price as stated in the signed sale & purchase agreement, or
- The market value of the property, as assessed by IRAS.
📊 2. Current BSD Rates (As of 2025)
BSD rates in Singapore are tiered and differ for residential and non-residential properties. Here is the breakdown:
Residential Properties
| Portion of Purchase Price or Market Value | BSD Rate |
|---|---|
| First $180,000 | 1% |
| Next $180,000 | 2% |
| Next $640,000 | 3% |
| Next $500,000 | 4% |
| Next $1.5 million | 5% |
| Amount exceeding $3 million | 6% |
Non-Residential Properties
| Portion of Purchase Price or Market Value | BSD Rate |
|---|---|
| First $180,000 | 1% |
| Next $180,000 | 2% |
| Next $640,000 | 3% |
| Amount exceeding $1 million | 5% |
🧮 3. How to Calculate BSD
Let’s look at an example for a residential property purchase of $4 million:
- 1% × $180,000 = $1,800
- 2% × $180,000 = $3,600
- 3% × $640,000 = $19,200
- 4% × $500,000 = $20,000
- 5% × $1,500,000 = $75,000
- 6% × $1,000,000 = $60,000
Total BSD = $179,600
📅 4. When and How to Pay BSD
BSD must be paid to IRAS within 14 days after signing the Sale & Purchase Agreement (or within 30 days if executed overseas). Payment can be made via:
- GIRO
- eNETS
- Cashier’s Order
Failure to pay on time will incur penalties.
⚠️ 5. Additional Considerations
- Foreign buyers may also need to pay Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD).
- BSD is payable even if the property is purchased under a trust.
- BSD applies to both new and resale properties.
✅ 6. Tax Planning Tips for Buyers
- Understand both BSD and ABSD before committing to a purchase.
- Factor BSD into your total property acquisition cost.
- Consult a property tax expert to explore potential savings.
📍 Final Thoughts
The Buyer’s Stamp Duty is a significant part of property acquisition costs in Singapore. Being informed about the current rates and calculation methods can help you budget better and avoid surprises during the buying process.
