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Question

Investing in Singapore

Asked by Mr. Teo Chin Long 11 Jan 2016

I have a joint fully paid HDB with my spouse. I am looking into investing a 2nd local property, but would want to avoid the ABSD. I know that decoupling HDB before buying a private under a single name can avoid that.

Question is:
I buy the property under my single name and pay the ABSD.
1) Before TOP, if I decouple HDB, will I get back the ABSD?

2) OR I sell the HDB before TOP, and my spouse buys a resale flat (without taking loan) in her name, can she do that? I should be able to take back the ABSD.

Appreciate any expert trustworthy advices.

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9 Answers

Previously Asked Questions

YT Tan (陈永达) · Answer 1 · 2016-01-12T08:56:16+08:00

YT Tan (陈永达)

Replied 12 Jan 2016

Good morning Chin Long,

Let me assist you with your queries.

1) I am afraid to inform you that you are not eligible for ABSD remission. This is applicable if the purchase is under both names of the married couple and you manage to dispose off your HDB within 6 months from TOP date. IRAS then will treat your new condo (only property) as matrimonial home.

2) Married couple are considered as a single entity thus both names must be included to be eligible to purchase a HDB thus your wife is not eligible to purchase a HDB by herself.

Like i mentioned earlier, you can apply for absd remission if you purchase under both names and sell off your hdb from condo's purchase date to TOP date.

If you want to avoid paying ABSD for the property purchase, I will advise you to decouple first before proceeding.

Hope my explanation helps!

If you need further assistance or advice in your decoupling or property purchase, feel free to contact me. Cheers!

Warmest Regards,
YT TAN 陈永达 | ACCA Graduate, RES
Vice President (Agency)
R043025D
Property Avenue Pte Ltd
Estate Agent no. L3010650D
Blk 420 North Bridge Road #03-30 North Bridge Centre S188727

(M): +65 9111 5171
(E): yt.lovelyhomes@gmail.com
(W): www.yttan.com
(W): www.propertyavenue.com.sg Read More

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Ivan Ng · Answer 2 · 2016-01-12T09:16:57+08:00

Ivan Ng

Replied 12 Jan 2016

Hi Mr. Teo,

ABSD refund for married couple only works this way: A married couple buying a 2nd property for matrimonial home and only can get back the absd refund selling their 1st matrimonial home. For you it means, you buy the condo under joint name, sell your hdb when you collect keys to condo after it TOP. The rationale for the ABSD refund is that it is meant for genuine SC upgraders.

Your spouse cannot buy HDB on her own as well since you are a married entity couple.

May I have more details so to see if there's any other workaround? Thanks and hope to assist with your purchase further.

Warm Regards,
Ivan Ng ERA ASAP
(ASk Anything Property)
Proactive. Sincerity. Feedback.
SMU BBM (Finance), Magna Cum Laude
Email: Ivanng10@gmail.com
Contact: (+65) 97432395
CEA Registration Number: R052114D
ERA Realty Network: L3002382K
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/ASAProp
Website: http://www.ivanng10.com/#!reviews/c11r1
(Client's Testimonials) Read More

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CK Ang · Answer 3 · 2016-01-12T09:34:24+08:00

CK Ang

Replied 12 Jan 2016

HI Mr Teo,
Best is to decouple first then purchase the private condo.
To assist and advise you more in details, kindly drop me an email for me to share.

I am contactable at my mobile or email.

CK Ang
9046 3808
res.ckang@gmail.com Read More

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Geryl Lim · Answer 4 · 2016-01-12T09:41:02+08:00

Geryl Lim

Replied 12 Jan 2016

Dear Mr Teo,

Given the current performance, I highly discourage you to purchase another property for investment, unless you have no other avenues to park your funds and have no other avenues for investment.

Give me a call for more discussion if you are interested to explore more avenues.

Visit and Like my facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/propertyblogshop/

New Singapore Expatriates on facebook is up and running. Come join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/newsgexpats/

My self introductory video on https://youtu.be/6UfrCOCB6Mg

Regards,

Geryl LIM
Associate Marketing Director
Global Alliance Property (L3010679B)
CEA Reg R014783H
Mobile: +65-81577565 /+65-92787772
Email: geryl7772@gmail.com

G.A Landed Dynamic Alliance
Home of *7772 Hotline
Check out our latest Landed Dynamic Alliance 7772 mobile application on iOS or Android @ "Landed 7772" in Mobile Apps Store or Play Store now! Read More

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Able S.K Toh · Answer 5 · 2025-12-24T02:02:02+08:00

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CHINESE VERSION // 中文版本

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Able S.K Toh · Answer 6 · 2025-12-24T02:02:09+08:00

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 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

WhatsApp: https://wa.me/6598569255

---///------
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。

✔✔ ABLE TOH/ 诗强（65）9856-9255
WhatsApp：https://wa.me/6598569255

✔✔✔查看我的客户评价：
Able S K Toh
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 Read More

Able S.K Toh · Answer 7 · 2025-12-24T02:02:17+08:00

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 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

WhatsApp: https://wa.me/6598569255

---///------
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。

✔✔ ABLE TOH/ 诗强（65）9856-9255
WhatsApp：https://wa.me/6598569255

✔✔✔查看我的客户评价：
Able S K Toh
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 Read More

Able S.K Toh · Answer 8 · 2025-12-24T02:02:26+08:00

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 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

WhatsApp: https://wa.me/6598569255

---///------
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。

✔✔ ABLE TOH/ 诗强（65）9856-9255
WhatsApp：https://wa.me/6598569255

✔✔✔查看我的客户评价：
Able S K Toh
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 Read More

Able S.K Toh · Answer 9 · 2025-12-24T02:02:33+08:00

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 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

WhatsApp: https://wa.me/6598569255

---///------
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。

✔✔ ABLE TOH/ 诗强（65）9856-9255
WhatsApp：https://wa.me/6598569255

✔✔✔查看我的客户评价：
Able S K Toh
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 Read More

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