Asked by Anonymous
ABSD feels so high now!! Any way around it?
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7 Answers
**Tax evasion is illegal, but there are legitimate, established regulatory frameworks to structure property purchases without incurring high ABSD.**
With ABSD sitting at **20% for a Singapore Citizen’s 2nd home** and **30% for the 3rd**, purchasing under personal names directly can be prohibitive.
---
### 1. "Decoupling" (For Private Property Owners)
If a married couple co-owns a private condo, one spouse can sell their 50% share to the other via a formal legal conveyance.
* **The Result:** The selling spouse completely frees up their property profile to purchase a second property as a **first-time buyer (0% ABSD)**.
* **Cost Check:** The remaining spouse must pay Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD) on the bought-over 50% share and have sufficient income to support the single mortgage.
* *(Note: Decoupling is prohibited for HDB flats unless under specific grounds like divorce or death).*
---
### 2. Owner + Essential Occupier Structure (For HDB / BTO)
When applying for a new BTO or resale flat as a married couple, register **one spouse as the sole owner** and the other as an **essential occupier**.
* Once the 5-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) is fulfilled, the essential occupier remains recognized as having **zero residential properties**, allowing them to buy a private condo as a pure first-time buyer with **0% ABSD**.
---
### 3. ABSD Remission via Upfront Selling / Upgrading
* **Sell First, Buy Second:** If upgrading, legally executing the Option to Purchase (OTP) on your existing property before exercising the new home avoids having two properties concurrently, bypassing ABSD altogether.
* **Married Couple Remission:** SC couples buying a second property can apply for a full ABSD refund if the first property is sold within **6 months** of the new property's purchase (or TOP date).
* **Executive Condominiums (ECs):** HDB upgraders buying a new EC enjoy **upfront ABSD remission** automatically.
---
### 4. Alternative Asset Classes (0% ABSD)
* **Commercial & Industrial Real Estate:** Shophouses (commercial-zoned), offices, and B1/B2 industrial spaces are strictly exempt from ABSD.
* **Dual-Key Condos:** A single residential strata title divided into two self-contained sub-units (e.g., studio + 2-bedder) counts as one property (0% ABSD if it is your first purchase) while generating rental income.
---
Gan Eng Joo Onassis 颜荣裕, REALTOR®
MSc BIT (Middlesex, UK); BBA (UniSA)
CEA Reg No: R021244C | Mobile: (+65) 88899918
Email: onassis@sgagent.com
SGAgent.com | SGRealtor.com | SGCommercial.com | SGCBD.com
SGShowflat.com | SGNewLaunch.com
Integrated Services: SGCash.com | SGRepair.com | SGLegal.com
Social (Facebook & TikTok): @sgcommercial Read More
With ABSD sitting at **20% for a Singapore Citizen’s 2nd home** and **30% for the 3rd**, purchasing under personal names directly can be prohibitive.
---
### 1. "Decoupling" (For Private Property Owners)
If a married couple co-owns a private condo, one spouse can sell their 50% share to the other via a formal legal conveyance.
* **The Result:** The selling spouse completely frees up their property profile to purchase a second property as a **first-time buyer (0% ABSD)**.
* **Cost Check:** The remaining spouse must pay Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD) on the bought-over 50% share and have sufficient income to support the single mortgage.
* *(Note: Decoupling is prohibited for HDB flats unless under specific grounds like divorce or death).*
---
### 2. Owner + Essential Occupier Structure (For HDB / BTO)
When applying for a new BTO or resale flat as a married couple, register **one spouse as the sole owner** and the other as an **essential occupier**.
* Once the 5-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) is fulfilled, the essential occupier remains recognized as having **zero residential properties**, allowing them to buy a private condo as a pure first-time buyer with **0% ABSD**.
---
### 3. ABSD Remission via Upfront Selling / Upgrading
* **Sell First, Buy Second:** If upgrading, legally executing the Option to Purchase (OTP) on your existing property before exercising the new home avoids having two properties concurrently, bypassing ABSD altogether.
* **Married Couple Remission:** SC couples buying a second property can apply for a full ABSD refund if the first property is sold within **6 months** of the new property's purchase (or TOP date).
* **Executive Condominiums (ECs):** HDB upgraders buying a new EC enjoy **upfront ABSD remission** automatically.
---
### 4. Alternative Asset Classes (0% ABSD)
* **Commercial & Industrial Real Estate:** Shophouses (commercial-zoned), offices, and B1/B2 industrial spaces are strictly exempt from ABSD.
* **Dual-Key Condos:** A single residential strata title divided into two self-contained sub-units (e.g., studio + 2-bedder) counts as one property (0% ABSD if it is your first purchase) while generating rental income.
---
Gan Eng Joo Onassis 颜荣裕, REALTOR®
MSc BIT (Middlesex, UK); BBA (UniSA)
CEA Reg No: R021244C | Mobile: (+65) 88899918
Email: onassis@sgagent.com
SGAgent.com | SGRealtor.com | SGCommercial.com | SGCBD.com
SGShowflat.com | SGNewLaunch.com
Integrated Services: SGCash.com | SGRepair.com | SGLegal.com
Social (Facebook & TikTok): @sgcommercial Read More
ANSWERS
✔1. Check if you qualify for an exemption or remission. Certain married couples buying a first matrimonial home may qualify, while eligible Singapore Citizen seniors aged 55 and above may qualify for an ABSD refund when replacing their only property, subject to conditions.
✔2. Consider selling your existing property before buying another. If you’re a Singapore Citizen buying a second property, selling your current home before committing to the next purchase may avoid the 20% ABSD. Check the timing carefully with your conveyancing lawyer.
✔3. Check your buyer profile and property count. Current rates vary by citizenship and number of Singapore residential properties owned: Singapore Citizens pay 20% on a second property, PRs 5% on their first, and foreigners generally 60%.
✔4. Avoid artificial workarounds. Putting a property under a relative’s name or using a trust just to reduce ABSD can create legal and tax risks. IRAS may claw back duty and impose penalties for contrived arrangements
Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD)
✔5. Get advice before paying the option fee. ABSD is generally payable upfront and cannot simply be deferred or paid in instalments, so confirm your eligibility with IRAS or a conveyancing lawyer before committing.
“Smart planning means understanding the rules before making your move.”
WhatsApp me at >> ✔✔9856 9255 or through this link.:https://wa.me/6598569255.
-----------------------99Years------------------------999Years---------------------->>>
IF YOU NEED more assistance with PROPERTY matters such as RENTING, SELLING, BUYING, or INVESTING, I’m here to help.
WhatsApp me at ✔✔ ABLE TOH (65) 9856 9255 , Property Agent (Director ) or via this link:
* https://wa.me/6598569255
* Unfortunately, this platform does not allow direct contact, but you can easily reach me on WhatsApp.
* ✔✔✔You can READ my REVIEWS here:Able S K Toh
* https://www.propertyguru.com.sg/agent/able-s-k-toh-61591
* For PRIVATE HOME BUYERS
* ✔✔ I offer solutions for sourcing resale and new PRIVATE homes at ZERO charge
* ✔✔ Most PRIVATE seller agents are willing to share commission with buyer agents
* DEVELOPER SALES TEAM
* ✔✔ BEST PRICES ✔✔ NO AGENT FEES
* ✔✔ LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEED
* For UPDATED INFO, E BROCHURE, FLOOR PLAN, and PRICE LIST for New Launches Condominium in Singapore, contact me directly.
* ✔✔ Connect Singapore Line (ABLE TOH): (65) 9856 9255 , Property Agent (Director )
* ✔✔ WhatsApp: https://wa.me/6598569255
* ✔✔ Email: Able.selling@gmail.com
* ---///------
* CHINESE VERSION // 中文版本
* 如需房产相关协助，
* 包括出租、出售、购买或投资，
* 欢迎联系我。
* ✔✔ 房地产经纪（董事) 诗强:/ABLE TOH (65)9856 9255
* WhatsApp：https://wa.me/6598569255
* ✔✔✔查看我的客户评价：
* Able S K Toh,房地产经纪（董事) 诗强
* https://www.propertyguru.com.sg/agent/able-s-k-toh-61591
* 私人住宅买家服务
* ✔✔ 协助转售及新私人住宅
* ✔✔ 买家无需中介费
* 发展商销售团队
* ✔✔ 最优惠价格
* ✔✔ 无中介费
* ✔✔ 保证最低价
* 新推出私人公寓资料、电子手册、户型图及价格表，
* 欢迎随时联系。
* ✔✔ 新加坡联系号码（ABLE TOH）/ 诗强：（65）9856-9255
* ✔✔ 电子邮箱：Able.selling@gmail.com
* --------------- 结束 / The END ------------------ Read More
✔1. Check if you qualify for an exemption or remission. Certain married couples buying a first matrimonial home may qualify, while eligible Singapore Citizen seniors aged 55 and above may qualify for an ABSD refund when replacing their only property, subject to conditions.
✔2. Consider selling your existing property before buying another. If you’re a Singapore Citizen buying a second property, selling your current home before committing to the next purchase may avoid the 20% ABSD. Check the timing carefully with your conveyancing lawyer.
✔3. Check your buyer profile and property count. Current rates vary by citizenship and number of Singapore residential properties owned: Singapore Citizens pay 20% on a second property, PRs 5% on their first, and foreigners generally 60%.
✔4. Avoid artificial workarounds. Putting a property under a relative’s name or using a trust just to reduce ABSD can create legal and tax risks. IRAS may claw back duty and impose penalties for contrived arrangements
Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD)
✔5. Get advice before paying the option fee. ABSD is generally payable upfront and cannot simply be deferred or paid in instalments, so confirm your eligibility with IRAS or a conveyancing lawyer before committing.
“Smart planning means understanding the rules before making your move.”
WhatsApp me at >> ✔✔9856 9255 or through this link.:https://wa.me/6598569255.
-----------------------99Years------------------------999Years---------------------->>>
IF YOU NEED more assistance with PROPERTY matters such as RENTING, SELLING, BUYING, or INVESTING, I’m here to help.
WhatsApp me at ✔✔ ABLE TOH (65) 9856 9255 , Property Agent (Director ) or via this link:
* https://wa.me/6598569255
* Unfortunately, this platform does not allow direct contact, but you can easily reach me on WhatsApp.
* ✔✔✔You can READ my REVIEWS here:Able S K Toh
* https://www.propertyguru.com.sg/agent/able-s-k-toh-61591
* For PRIVATE HOME BUYERS
* ✔✔ I offer solutions for sourcing resale and new PRIVATE homes at ZERO charge
* ✔✔ Most PRIVATE seller agents are willing to share commission with buyer agents
* DEVELOPER SALES TEAM
* ✔✔ BEST PRICES ✔✔ NO AGENT FEES
* ✔✔ LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEED
* For UPDATED INFO, E BROCHURE, FLOOR PLAN, and PRICE LIST for New Launches Condominium in Singapore, contact me directly.
* ✔✔ Connect Singapore Line (ABLE TOH): (65) 9856 9255 , Property Agent (Director )
* ✔✔ WhatsApp: https://wa.me/6598569255
* ✔✔ Email: Able.selling@gmail.com
* ---///------
* CHINESE VERSION // 中文版本
* 如需房产相关协助，
* 包括出租、出售、购买或投资，
* 欢迎联系我。
* ✔✔ 房地产经纪（董事) 诗强:/ABLE TOH (65)9856 9255
* WhatsApp：https://wa.me/6598569255
* ✔✔✔查看我的客户评价：
* Able S K Toh,房地产经纪（董事) 诗强
* https://www.propertyguru.com.sg/agent/able-s-k-toh-61591
* 私人住宅买家服务
* ✔✔ 协助转售及新私人住宅
* ✔✔ 买家无需中介费
* 发展商销售团队
* ✔✔ 最优惠价格
* ✔✔ 无中介费
* ✔✔ 保证最低价
* 新推出私人公寓资料、电子手册、户型图及价格表，
* 欢迎随时联系。
* ✔✔ 新加坡联系号码（ABLE TOH）/ 诗强：（65）9856-9255
* ✔✔ 电子邮箱：Able.selling@gmail.com
* --------------- 结束 / The END ------------------ Read More
Hi there!
I can understand your concern. At the current ABSD rates, the additional cost can be substantial, particularly when purchasing a second or subsequent residential property.
However, **before exploring ways to reduce ABSD, the first question is whether you actually need to incur it in the first place.**
For example, a Singapore Citizen purchasing a first residential property generally does not pay ABSD, while a Singapore Citizen purchasing a second residential property is currently subject to 20% ABSD.
There are also legitimate arrangements worth considering, depending on your circumstances.
**If you're upgrading your home**, selling your existing property before committing to the next purchase may allow you to avoid ABSD altogether.
**If you're a married couple**, certain ABSD remission provisions may apply when purchasing a replacement home, subject to the applicable conditions and timelines.
**If you're considering retaining your existing property for investment**, the situation becomes more complex. We would need to examine the ownership structure, financing implications, stamp duties and whether any proposed arrangement genuinely makes financial sense.
My advice is not to pursue an arrangement simply because someone suggests it can save ABSD. The legal, financing and tax implications should be properly assessed first.
**May I ask three questions?**
1. Are you a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident or foreign buyer?
2. Do you currently own any residential property?
3. Are you planning to upgrade your home or purchase an additional property for investment?
With these details, I can help you explore the available options and assess the financial implications before you make any commitment.
Where necessary, we can also involve a conveyancing lawyer or tax professional to verify the proposed arrangement.
**Sometimes, the most effective way to save on ABSD isn't through a complicated ownership structure, but through proper planning of your property transactions.**
Feel free to WhatsApp me directly if you'd like to discuss your situation.
Best regards,
**Geryl Lim**
CEA Reg. No. R014783H
WhatsApp: 9278 7772 Read More
I can understand your concern. At the current ABSD rates, the additional cost can be substantial, particularly when purchasing a second or subsequent residential property.
However, **before exploring ways to reduce ABSD, the first question is whether you actually need to incur it in the first place.**
For example, a Singapore Citizen purchasing a first residential property generally does not pay ABSD, while a Singapore Citizen purchasing a second residential property is currently subject to 20% ABSD.
There are also legitimate arrangements worth considering, depending on your circumstances.
**If you're upgrading your home**, selling your existing property before committing to the next purchase may allow you to avoid ABSD altogether.
**If you're a married couple**, certain ABSD remission provisions may apply when purchasing a replacement home, subject to the applicable conditions and timelines.
**If you're considering retaining your existing property for investment**, the situation becomes more complex. We would need to examine the ownership structure, financing implications, stamp duties and whether any proposed arrangement genuinely makes financial sense.
My advice is not to pursue an arrangement simply because someone suggests it can save ABSD. The legal, financing and tax implications should be properly assessed first.
**May I ask three questions?**
1. Are you a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident or foreign buyer?
2. Do you currently own any residential property?
3. Are you planning to upgrade your home or purchase an additional property for investment?
With these details, I can help you explore the available options and assess the financial implications before you make any commitment.
Where necessary, we can also involve a conveyancing lawyer or tax professional to verify the proposed arrangement.
**Sometimes, the most effective way to save on ABSD isn't through a complicated ownership structure, but through proper planning of your property transactions.**
Feel free to WhatsApp me directly if you'd like to discuss your situation.
Best regards,
**Geryl Lim**
CEA Reg. No. R014783H
WhatsApp: 9278 7772 Read More
1
Hi, appreciate your sharing over PropertyGuru, able to do a purchase breakdown for you to decide before proceeding next move. Currently able to consider commercial or industrial property or oversea ? WhatsApp +65 9696 4398
or email me at stewartlim96964398@gmail.com
Cheers
Stewart
PropNex Senior Associate Division Director Read More
Cheers
Stewart
PropNex Senior Associate Division Director Read More
This is a common concern for many clients I work with, but not to worry!
I'm a Harvard graduated real estate agent with a degree in economics, and have supported clients on more than $1 billion in transactions.
I offer extensive overall asset-management and portfolio optimization consultation services for all my clients. We will do a full deep-dive into your existing property portfolio to assess its health, identify potential exit opportunities (or advise you to hold), and also identify potential buy-side opportunities for you to maximize your returns with ABSD considerations in mind.
For many of my high net worth clients, they tap my support specifically for such a holistic planning approach that requires a sophisticated agent of a different pedigree.
Please drop me a message on whatsapp or email via my contact below, and we can chat further! The consultation services are free :)
Kay Cloud
The Harvard Educated Agent
Propnex Realty Pte Ltd
cloud@propnex.com
Tel: (+6.5.) 8.5.6.7.4.5.8.5
Whatsapp -> https://wa.me/6585674585 Read More
I'm a Harvard graduated real estate agent with a degree in economics, and have supported clients on more than $1 billion in transactions.
I offer extensive overall asset-management and portfolio optimization consultation services for all my clients. We will do a full deep-dive into your existing property portfolio to assess its health, identify potential exit opportunities (or advise you to hold), and also identify potential buy-side opportunities for you to maximize your returns with ABSD considerations in mind.
For many of my high net worth clients, they tap my support specifically for such a holistic planning approach that requires a sophisticated agent of a different pedigree.
Please drop me a message on whatsapp or email via my contact below, and we can chat further! The consultation services are free :)
Kay Cloud
The Harvard Educated Agent
Propnex Realty Pte Ltd
cloud@propnex.com
Tel: (+6.5.) 8.5.6.7.4.5.8.5
Whatsapp -> https://wa.me/6585674585 Read More
Hi,
1) The main reason implementing ABSD is to avoid speculation in property.
2) This is not only to deter local, it is also to deter foreigner in damaging our property value.
3) You might have saw the property market in Hong Kong during the late 70s' and 90s, and now in China.
4) The property market crashed after a few years, price rise when foreign investment enter the market, and fall after the investment left the country.
5) Singapore govt only wanted a stable market, and ensure that property market is protected from speculators.
6) A stable and not overly heated property market is something we wanted. This was the main reason why all residents felt secure when they bought their home here.
All The Best!!!
I hope the above answers your main concerns. If you have more questions, please feel free to contact me at 9011*0636 or email ling.ck7@gmail.com for more information.
I'll be glad to assist.
Best regards
Ling CK
9011 * 0636
ling.ck7@gmail.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckling/
https://agents.huttonsgroup.com/R056727F/ Read More
1) The main reason implementing ABSD is to avoid speculation in property.
2) This is not only to deter local, it is also to deter foreigner in damaging our property value.
3) You might have saw the property market in Hong Kong during the late 70s' and 90s, and now in China.
4) The property market crashed after a few years, price rise when foreign investment enter the market, and fall after the investment left the country.
5) Singapore govt only wanted a stable market, and ensure that property market is protected from speculators.
6) A stable and not overly heated property market is something we wanted. This was the main reason why all residents felt secure when they bought their home here.
All The Best!!!
I hope the above answers your main concerns. If you have more questions, please feel free to contact me at 9011*0636 or email ling.ck7@gmail.com for more information.
I'll be glad to assist.
Best regards
Ling CK
9011 * 0636
ling.ck7@gmail.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckling/
https://agents.huttonsgroup.com/R056727F/ Read More
1
Hi do contact me at 97970200
to understand more and discuss.
Mark, your RIGHT choice
Propnex Read More
Mark, your RIGHT choice
Propnex Read More