1. Timeline for Purchasing a New Launch or Uncompletd Project in Singapore
Stage | Action | Timeframe | Timeframe |
1 | Issue Option to Purchase (OTP) | Day 1 | 5% Booking Fee |
2 | Sales & Purchase Agreement (S&P) sent to Law Firm or Buyer | Within 2 weeks | — |
3 | Exercise OTP and sign S&P at Law Firm | Within 3 weeks from delivery of S&P | — |
4 | Pay all Stamp Duties (BSD & ABSD) | Within 2 weeks of signing S&P | Varies |
5 | Pay remaining downpayment (Cash/CPF/Both) | Within 8 weeks from Day 1 | 15% Downpayment |
6 | Progressive Payments | Thereafter | 80% Progressive Payment Breakdown |
Note: The entire procedure must be completed within 8 weeks from the Date of Option. Delays require written requests to the developer and are subject to approval.
2. Installment Calculator
Monthly Installment: $
Loan Amount: $
Down Payment: $
Stamp Duty: $
ABSD Amount: $
3. Home Loan Calculator
4. MSR & TDSR
Mortgage Servicing Ratio (MSR)
Applies to:
- HDB flats
- Executive Condominiums (ECs) purchased directly from developers
Cap:
- Max 30% of gross monthly income can go towards housing loan repayment
Formula:
MSR = (Monthly mortgage repayment) ÷ (Gross monthly income)
Must be ≤ 30%
Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR)
Applies to:
- All property types, including private condos, landed, commercial, and HDB
Cap:
- Max 55% of gross monthly income can go toward all debts, including:
- Home loans
- Car loans
- Student loans
- Credit card debts
- Personal loans
Formula:
TDSR = (All monthly debt obligations) ÷ (Gross monthly income)
Must be ≤ 55%
Summary Comparison:
Criteria | MSR | TDSR |
Applies to | HDB, EC (from developer) | All properties |
Income Limit Ratio | 30% of gross monthly income | 55% of gross monthly income |
Includes | Mortgage loan only | All monthly debt obligations |
Affected Buyers | HDB & EC buyers | All property buyers (private incl.) |
Used Together? | Yes, for HDB and EC buyers | Yes, both MSR & TDSR apply together |
These guidelines are subject to change based on regulatory updates. It’s advisable to consult with financial institutions or relevant authorities for the most current information.
5. BSD (Buyer's Stamp Duty)
Purchase Price or Market Value | BSD Rate |
First $180,000 | 1% |
Next $180,000 | 2% |
Next $640,000 | 3% |
Next $500,000 | 4% |
Next $1,500,000 | 5% |
Remaining amount | 6% |
BSD is calculated on the higher of the purchase price or market value of the property and is rounded down to the nearest dollar, subject to a minimum duty of $1.
💰 BSD Calculator (Singapore)
6. ABSD (Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty)
Category | Type of Property | Rates Before 27 Apr 2023 | Rates On or After 27 Apr 2023 |
Singapore Citizens | First residential property | 0% | 0% |
Second residential property | 17% | 20% | |
Third and subsequent residential property | 25% | 30% | |
Permanent Residents | First residential property | 5% | 5% |
Second residential property | 25% | 30% | |
Third and subsequent residential property | 30% | 35% | |
Foreigners | Any residential property | 30% | 60% |
Entities/Trustees | Any residential property | 35% | 65% |
Housing Developers | Any residential property | 35% + 5%* | 35% + 5%* |
* The 5% is non-remittable and must be paid upfront upon purchase. Developers may apply for remission of the 35%, subject to conditions.
7. LTV (Loan-To-Value) Limits for Subsequent Property Purchases:
Property Purchase | Loan Tenure ≤ 30 Years & Age ≤ 65 | Loan Tenure > 30 Years or Age > 65 |
First Property | 75% LTV | 55% LTV |
Second Property | 45% LTV | 25% LTV |
Third and Subsequent Properties | 35% LTV | 15% LTV |
Note: The LTV ratio decreases with each subsequent property purchase. For the second property, the LTV is 45% if the loan tenure is up to 30 years and the borrower’s age does not exceed 65 years. If these conditions are exceeded, the LTV decreases to 25%. For the third and subsequent properties, the LTV is 35% under the standard conditions and 15% if the conditions are exceeded.
These guidelines are subject to change based on regulatory updates. It’s advisable to consult with financial institutions or relevant authorities for the most current information.
8. What is SSD (Seller’s Stamp Duty)?
- SSD is a duty imposed on sellers/transferors of property when the property is sold (or disposed) within a specified “holding period” after the acquisition.
- SSD is designed as a cooling / anti-speculation measure, to discourage very short-term flipping of property.
- SSD is calculated on the higher of (i) the selling price (consideration) or (ii) the market value (if higher) of the property or portion thereof.
- SSD only applies to certain classes of property (residential and industrial), not all property types.
SSD Summary & Comparison
Property Type / Scenario | SSD Applies? | Holding Period / Rates | Key Notes / Exceptions |
Private Residential (condo, landed) | √ if sold within SSD period | For acquisitions ≥ 4 July 2025: up to 1 yr = 16%, 1–2 = 12%, 2–3 = 8%, 3–4 = 4%, >4 yrs = 0% | For acquisitions before that date, refer to old regime. |
HDB flats | Generally X in practice (due to MOP) | SSD might apply in rare cases if sold before MOP / under special approval | Default exemption via regulation; not many HDB cases with SSD. |
Commercial properties (office, retail, etc) | X | N/A | SSD does not apply generally. Portion-based if mixed use.. BSD applies to buyers. |
Industrial properties | √ | Portion-based if mixed use. | |
Mixed-use (residential + commercial) | √ (residential portion) | SSD on residential portion per residential rate | Determine permitted use, apportion accordingly. |
How do I calculate the holding period for Seller's Stamp Duty (SSD)?
Date of Property Purchase/Acquisition | Minimum Holding Period |
Between 14 Jan 2011 and 10 Mar 2017 (all inclusive) | 4 Years |
Between 11 Mar 2017 and 3 Jul 2025 (all inclusive) | 3 years |
On and after 4 Jul 2025 | 4 Years |
Please refer to the IRAS website for more information on calculating the holding period for SSD under different circumstances.
The date of purchase or acquisition
If a residential property is acquired on or after 20 Feb 2010, SSD is payable if the residential property is disposed of within the holding period.
In most instances, the date of purchase/ acquisition of a property refers to:
- Date of Acceptance of the Option to Purchase* or
- Date of Sale and Purchase Agreement or
- Date of Agreement for Lease (for new HDB flat) or
- Date of transfer to a beneficiary where the property was originally held on trust for non-identifiable beneficial owner(s) or
- Date of Transfer where the above (a), (b), (c) and (d) are not applicable
*Excludes an Option to Purchase that is subject to the execution/ signing of the Sale and Purchase Agreement
9. Contact Us
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🏡 Huttons Asia Pte Ltd
📍 3 Bishan Place #05-01 CPF Bishan Building Singapore 579838
📌 Albert Leow | CEA Reg. No. R012699G
📧 Email: sgoutlook@gmail.com
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