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Hi,
Ideally, you should seek the advice of your conveyancing lawyer so that you do not run fowl of the legal system.

Please contact me so that I can be of further assistance.
Cheers!

Elan Govan
MABA (Lancaster)
 90170747 
jayelan@gmail.com
www.goodpropertiesguide.com Read More

Hi,

I would be most glad to assist you further and pls feel free to let me know if you need any assistance. Have a good day ahead. By the way, this is still a tricky issue and I would suggest that you consult a law firm.

Regards
Aaron Chong
 9730 8455 
aaronchong2774@yahoo.com.sg Read More

Good day to you.

Is your primary motive for decoupling related to tax avoidance? Since both co-owners share responsibility for the ownership of a single property, they may have significant funds tied up. With a shift in investment preferences, one may decide to decouple and use the locked funds to invest in another more appealing unit. What is your situation?

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Regards
Mike Lim
 96929209 
R026708F
m52i@yahoo.com
ERA Read More

It depends on what your intention is, no matter the the percentage split on the first property. As you had described in your question already, it sounds like the decoupling intention is to avoid ABSD on the second purchase - which is exactly what the government has an issue with.

I'm a Harvard graduated real estate agent with a degree in economics, and I have a decade of experience working on Singapore public policy.

This is a complex matter, and I would love to schedule a free consultation to discuss your options if you need any support.

Feel free to reach out via whatsapp or email.

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

In the article published on 2nd August 2025 by The Straits Time, and I quote what Mr Stephen Phua, a leading tax expert has mentioned in the article:

"Decoupling is not wrong if a joint owner makes an outright transfer of his share in that property because this owner, who no longer has any property, can then buy another without being liable for ABSD."

"The problem lies if the owner continues to retain a beneficial interest in the property after the transfer via a secret arrangement. If this scheme is exposed, such as in a dispute, the consequences could be severe." Read More

Hi,

1) The IRAS is catching those who try to evade from paying taxes.
2) As long as the required taxes are paid in order, you can have any percentage in a tenancy-in-common ownership.
3) Your lawyer should be the best profession to advise you over such issue.

All The Best!!!

Hope the above answers your main concerns, but if there are more queries, please feel free to contact me at 90110636  or email: ling.ck7@gmail.com if more information is needed.
I'll be glad to assist.

Best regards
Ling CK
 90110636 
ling.ck7@gmail.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckling/
https://agents.huttonsgroup.com/R056727F/

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Any response to our answer does not reach us until we scroll through every query posted daily.
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Hi there,

Good question. While decoupling under a 50/50 structure may appear “safer” than a 99/1 split from an optics point of view, the key issue isn’t the share ratio — it’s the intent.

If the authorities assess that the sole purpose of the transaction is to avoid ABSD, regardless of whether it’s 99/1 or 50/50, it could be flagged as tax avoidance. Singapore takes a firm stance on this — and it’s advisable to stay fully compliant rather than take on the risk.

In short: 50/50 may draw less attention, but it doesn’t make the approach bulletproof. It’s always best to get legal advice and ensure there’s genuine substance behind the transfer — not just a workaround for stamp duties.

Happy to share more if you’re planning something similar. Feel free to reach out at 96576701  .

Best regards,
Aren Goh | PropNex
arengohrealty.com Read More

Hi Do contact me at 97970200  to understand more and discuss.

Mark, your RIGHT choice
Propnex Read More

Hi, appreciate your sharing. Able to seek help and check with law firm before proceeding your plan.
Looking forward to assist you at 9696 4398  or email me at stewartlim96964398@gmail.com

Cheers
Stewart-PropNex (Senior Associate Division Director) Read More

1. It’s best to **consult your conveyancing lawyer** to ensure you stay fully compliant with the law.

2. From your description, the **ownership split on the first property** isn’t the main issue—the concern is your intention.

3. If the decoupling is meant to **avoid ABSD on a second purchase**, that is exactly what the government is trying to prevent.

4. I’m happy to guide you further if you’d like to discuss your plans in detail.

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