Singapore Raises Seller’s Stamp Duty Rates and Holding Period

SINGAPORE – Effective July 4, 2025, sellers of private residential properties in Singapore will face higher Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD) rates ranging from 4% to 16% if they sell their property within four years of purchase.

The revised SSD rates now range from 4% to 16%, up from the previous 4% to 12%, and apply to properties sold within four years of purchase. This reverses the 2017 policy that had reduced the holding period to three years.

Authorities say the move aims to curb short-term speculation, especially sub-sales of uncompleted units. A report by OrangeTee Group showed sub-sale transactions jumped to 1,306 in 2024, up from 178 in 2020, accounting for 6.6% of non-landed home sales.

Key Changes to Seller’s Stamp Duty

• SSD holding period increased from 3 years to 4 years
• SSD rates raised by 4 percentage points at each tier
• Applies to residential properties purchased on or after July 4, 2025

This change reinstates the pre-2017 SSD rules, aiming to curb speculative buying and selling—particularly of uncompleted units sold via sub-sale.

Why the Change?

According to the Ministry of National Development (MND), Ministry of Finance (MOF), and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), there has been a notable rise in short-term transactions and sub-sales in recent years.

A report by OrangeTee Group (April 2025) revealed:

• Sub-sale transactions surged to 1,306 in 2024, up from 178 in 2020
• Sub-sales made up 6.6% of non-landed home sales in 2024

Who Is Affected?

• Affected: Private residential property buyers from July 4, 2025
• Not affected: HDB flat owners (due to the 5-year Minimum Occupation Period)

Recent Cooling Measures

This is the latest in a series of property market tightening measures:

• April 2023: Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) increased across the board, with foreigners paying 60%
• December 2021: ABSD raised for both home buyers and developers

SSD Summary Table

SSD Holding Period	Previous SSD Rate	New SSD Rate (From July 4, 2025)
Within 1 year	12%	16%
1 to 2 years	8%	12%
2 to 3 years	4%	8%
3 to 4 years	0%	4%
More than 4 years	0%	0%

What Property Buyers & Sellers Should Know

These new SSD rules are meant to promote long-term ownership and deter speculative activity. Buyers and investors should plan carefully and consult property professionals before committing to a purchase or sale.

The new SSD structure applies to all private homes bought from July 4, 2025 onward, but does not affect HDB flat owners, who already have a minimum occupation period of five years.

This is the latest cooling measure in Singapore’s property market. In April 2023, Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) was raised for Singaporeans, PRs, and foreigners — with the rate for foreign buyers doubled to 60%.

The government said the new SSD rules will help maintain a stable and sustainable housing market by discouraging property flipping and ensuring homes remain accessible, especially to owner-occupiers.

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