Answer
All Costs When Selling Property in Singapore
Every dollar that comes out of your sale proceeds — so there are no surprises at completion.
Answer: Selling costs are typically 1.5–3% of the sale price (excluding SSD). For a $1.5M condo: agent commission $15,000–$30,000 + legal fees $2,500–$3,500 + possible mortgage penalty $0–$15,000 = $17,500–$48,500. Seller's Stamp Duty adds 4–16% if you sell within 4 years of purchase.
Complete Cost Breakdown
| Cost | How Much | When It Applies | Paid To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agent commission | 1–2% of sale price | Always (if using agent) | Property agent |
| Legal / conveyancing | $2,500–$3,500 | Always | Lawyer |
| Mortgage prepayment penalty | 1.5% of outstanding loan | If within lock-in period | Bank |
| Seller's Stamp Duty (SSD) | 4–16% of sale price | If sold within 4 years | IRAS |
| Outstanding property tax | Pro-rated | If unpaid for current year | IRAS |
| Outstanding maintenance fees | Pro-rated | Condos only | MCST |
| Minor repairs / touch-ups | $500–$3,000 | Optional | Contractor |
Agent Commission by Property Type
| Property Type | Commission Rate | On $800K | On $1.5M | On $2M |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDB resale | 2% | $16,000 | — | — |
| Condo (standard) | 2% | $16,000 | $30,000 | $40,000 |
| Condo (negotiated) | 1% | $8,000 | $15,000 | $20,000 |
| No agent (DIY) | 0% | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Commission rates are negotiable and not fixed by law. CEA guidelines suggest 1–2% but agents can charge more or less. GST applies if agent is GST-registered.
Seller's Stamp Duty (SSD) Rates
For properties purchased on or after 27 Apr 2023
| Holding Period | SSD Rate | On $1M | On $1.5M | On $2M |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 1 year | 16% | $160,000 | $240,000 | $320,000 |
| 1–2 years | 12% | $120,000 | $180,000 | $240,000 |
| 2–3 years | 8% | $80,000 | $120,000 | $160,000 |
| 3–4 years | 4% | $40,000 | $60,000 | $80,000 |
| After 4 years | 0% | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Properties purchased before 27 Apr 2023 follow the old 3-year SSD rule: 12%/8%/4%. Holding period starts from date of purchase (S&P date).
Example: Total Selling Costs
Selling a $1.5M condo, held for 5 years, $700K outstanding loan, 1.5% agent commission
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Agent commission (1.5%) | $22,500 |
| Legal fees | $3,000 |
| SSD | $0 |
| Mortgage prepayment penalty | $0 |
| Total selling costs | $25,500 |
| Outstanding mortgage repaid | $700,000 |
| CPF refund (principal + accrued interest) | ~$350,000 |
| Estimated cash in hand | $424,500 |
This is illustrative. Your CPF refund amount depends on how much CPF you used and for how long (accrued interest at 2.5% p.a.).
Mortgage Prepayment Penalty
| Loan Type | Lock-In Period | Penalty | On $600K Loan |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDB loan | None | No penalty | $0 |
| Bank fixed rate | 2–3 years | 1.5% | $9,000 |
| Bank floating rate | 1–2 years | 1.5% | $9,000 |
| Any bank (after lock-in) | Expired | No penalty | $0 |
Some banks may charge a clawback of legal subsidy ($2,000–$3,000) if you refinanced recently. Check your loan letter.
Buying next? Check your stamp duty.
If you're selling to upgrade, calculate the stamp duty on your next property purchase.
Stamp Duty CalculatorFAQ
How much does it cost to sell a property in Singapore?
For a typical sale with no SSD, expect to pay 1.5–3% of the sale price in total costs. This includes agent commission (1–2%), legal fees ($2,500–$3,500), and possibly a mortgage prepayment penalty (1.5% of outstanding loan if within lock-in period).
Do sellers pay agent commission in Singapore?
Yes, sellers typically pay 1–2% of the sale price to their property agent. For HDB resale, 2% is standard. For private property, 1–2% depending on the price and negotiation. Buyers usually pay $0 commission (their agent is co-broked by the seller’s agent).
What is Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD) and when does it apply?
SSD is a tax on selling property within the holding period. For properties bought after 27 Apr 2023: 16% (year 1), 12% (year 2), 8% (year 3), 4% (year 4). After 4 years, no SSD. For properties bought before that date, it’s a 3-year holding period with rates of 12%/8%/4%.
How much are legal fees for selling property in Singapore?
Legal fees (conveyancing) for selling a property are typically $2,500–$3,500 for a condo and $1,800–$2,500 for an HDB flat. This includes title searches, discharge of mortgage, and transfer of title. Additional disbursements of $200–$500 may apply.
What is the mortgage prepayment penalty?
If you sell your property during the mortgage lock-in period (typically 2–3 years), you pay a prepayment penalty of 1.5% of the outstanding loan amount. On a $600K outstanding loan, that’s $9,000. After lock-in, there’s no penalty.
Do I need to pay tax on profit from selling property in Singapore?
Singapore has no capital gains tax on property. However, if IRAS determines you’re trading property as a business (frequent buy-sell), the gains may be taxed as income. For most owner-occupiers selling 1–2 properties over their lifetime, no tax applies beyond SSD.
Related
Last updated Feb 2026. SSD rates effective 27 Apr 2023 for new purchases. Commission rates are market norms, not fixed. This is general guidance, not financial or legal advice.