Answer
ABSD Remission for Married Couples in Singapore
Buying your next home before selling the current one? Married couples can get the ABSD refunded — but the rules are strict and the clock is ticking.
Answer: Married SC+SC or SC+PR couples buying a 2nd property can claim ABSD remission if they sell their existing property within 6 months of the new purchase. You pay the ABSD upfront in cash, then apply to IRAS for a refund after selling. SC+SC couples save 20% ABSD (e.g. $300,000 on a $1.5M property). SC+PR couples save 5% ABSD. PR+PR couples do not qualify.
Who Qualifies for ABSD Remission
| Couple | ABSD on 2nd Property | Remission Eligible? | Amount Refunded |
|---|---|---|---|
| SC + SC | 20% | Yes | 20% |
| SC + PR | 5% (PR rate) | Yes | 5% |
| PR + PR | 30% | No | $0 |
Remission only applies when replacing your existing home — not for investment properties.
The 6-Month Rule
This is the core condition. You must sell (dispose of) your existing property within 6 months of purchasing the new one. Miss the deadline and you forfeit the entire ABSD — no refund, no extension.
- 1. Buy new property — pay full ABSD upfront in cash.
- 2. Sell existing property within 6 months of the new purchase date.
- 3. Complete the sale (legal completion, not just OTP).
- 4. Apply to IRAS for remission with proof of sale.
- 5. IRAS processes and refunds the ABSD (takes several months).
Timeline Example — SC+SC Couple
Buying a $1.5M condo while owning an HDB
| Step | When | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Month 0 | Buy new condo | Pay $300,000 ABSD upfront (20% of $1.5M) in cash |
| Month 1–5 | List & sell HDB | Market, negotiate, OTP, completion |
| Month 5 | HDB sale completes | Legal completion — within the 6-month window |
| Month 6 | Apply for remission | Submit to IRAS with sale completion proof |
| Month 8–10 | Refund received | $300,000 ABSD refunded by IRAS |
You need $300,000 cash available upfront. This is separate from your down payment and BSD.
How Much You Save
ABSD refunded if you sell within 6 months
| New Property Price | SC+SC Savings (20%) | SC+PR Savings (5%) |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000,000 | $200,000 | $50,000 |
| $1,500,000 | $300,000 | $75,000 |
| $2,000,000 | $400,000 | $100,000 |
| $2,500,000 | $500,000 | $125,000 |
| $3,000,000 | $600,000 | $150,000 |
What Happens If You Miss the 6-Month Deadline
You pay the full ABSD with no refund. For an SC+SC couple buying a $1.5M condo, that is $300,000 gone. No extensions, no exceptions. This is why most upgraders choose to sell first, then buy — it eliminates the risk entirely.
If you go the buy-first route, make sure you can absorb the ABSD as a worst case. Do not rely on selling in time.
Calculate your exact ABSD
Enter your property price and buyer profile to see the full stamp duty breakdown — including the ABSD you would need to pay upfront.
Stamp Duty CalculatorFAQ
Do both spouses need to be Singapore Citizens for ABSD remission?
No. ABSD remission is available to SC+SC couples and SC+PR couples. However, PR+PR couples do not qualify. At least one spouse must be a Singapore Citizen.
What is the 6-month deadline for ABSD remission?
You must sell your existing property within 6 months of purchasing the new property. The 6-month clock starts from the date of the new property purchase (exercise of Option to Purchase for resale, or completion for new launches). If you miss the deadline, the ABSD you paid upfront is forfeited — no refund.
Can you extend the 6-month deadline?
No. IRAS does not grant extensions for the 6-month selling deadline. There are no exceptions, even if market conditions are poor or the sale is delayed due to buyer financing issues. Plan your timeline carefully.
Is the ABSD remission automatic?
No. You must apply to IRAS for the remission after selling your existing property. You pay the full ABSD upfront in cash at the point of purchasing the new property. After you sell and complete the disposal of the existing property, you submit the remission application to IRAS with the supporting documents. Processing typically takes a few months.
What if the sale of my existing property falls through?
If the sale falls through and you cannot complete another sale within the 6-month window, you lose the ABSD. There is no refund. This is a real risk — if the buyer pulls out close to the deadline, you may not have enough time to find another buyer and complete the sale.
Related
Last updated Feb 2026. ABSD remission rules per IRAS. Rates effective 27 Apr 2023. This is informational, not financial advice.