Permanent Residents in Singapore pay 5% ABSD on the first residential property and 30% ABSD on the second residential property as of 2026. These rates were last revised on 27 April 2023 and apply to PRs regardless of how long they have held PR status. Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland PRs are treated as Singapore Citizens under FTAs.
Current ABSD rates for PRs
| Property count | ABSD rate |
|---|---|
| First residential | 5% |
| Second residential | 30% |
| Third and subsequent | 35% |
The 5% on first property and 30% on second were both raised on 27 April 2023 as part of cooling measures targeting property speculation. Source: IRAS ABSD framework.
PRs cannot buy HDB flats as singles. PRs can buy resale HDB only as part of a PR family household with at least one occupier already meeting HDB occupancy requirements.
FTA PRs are exempt from ABSD
Nationals and PRs of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland qualify for ABSD remission under Free Trade Agreements — they pay zero ABSD on the first residential property (same treatment as Singapore Citizens). Source: IRAS FTA remission.
Worked example: PR buying a S$1.2M condo
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Purchase price | S$1,200,000 |
| BSD (standard rates) | S$32,600 |
| ABSD @ 5% (PR first property) | S$60,000 |
| Total stamp duties | S$92,600 |
| If SC first property (0% ABSD) | S$32,600 |
| PR premium vs SC | S$60,000 |
A PR first-time buyer pays S$60,000 more than an SC for an identical property — entirely the ABSD differential. PRs who plan to convert to citizenship may consider timing the purchase post-conversion to save this premium.
The complete Singapore ABSD framework covers all buyer profiles including FTA nationals.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim ABSD remission as a PR married to an SC?
Yes. SC + PR married couples qualify for the SC first-property treatment (0% ABSD) on a jointly-owned first residential property.
Does PR status duration matter for ABSD?
No. The ABSD rate is identical whether you've held PR for 1 year or 20 years.
What happens to ABSD if I become an SC?
ABSD is assessed at the property purchase date based on your status at that time. Subsequent citizenship change does not refund past ABSD.