Answer

Stamp Duty Refund in Singapore

Paid stamp duty and wondering if you can get it back? There are a few specific scenarios where IRAS allows refunds or remissions.

Answer: Stamp duty refunds are available in specific cases: (1) the sale is annulled or falls through within 3 months of stamp duty payment, (2) ABSD remission for married couples who buy a second property and sell the first within 6 months, (3) SSD remission on inherited property. Apply via IRAS e-Stamping within 6 months. Refunds are typically processed in 2–4 weeks.

When Can You Get a Stamp Duty Refund?

Scenario	What's Refunded	Condition	Deadline to Apply
Sale annulled / falls through	BSD + ABSD (full)	Annulment within 3 months of stamp duty payment	6 months from annulment
ABSD remission (married couple)	ABSD on 2nd property	Sell 1st property within 6 months of receiving 2nd	6 months from sale of 1st
SSD remission (inheritance)	SSD	Property acquired by inheritance, not purchase	Apply before or after sale
Double stamp duty (error)	Duplicate amount	Same document stamped twice	6 months from discovery
Variation in purchase price	Excess BSD/ABSD	Price reduced after stamping (e.g., defects)	6 months from price change

ABSD Remission for Married Couples

This is the most common stamp duty refund scenario. A married couple buys a second property (paying ABSD), then sells the first within the required window.

Requirement	Detail
Citizenship	At least one spouse must be a Singapore Citizen
Marital status	Legally married at time of purchase and remission application
Sell 1st property within	6 months of completion/TOP of the 2nd property
ABSD rate remitted	Full ABSD (20% for SC 2nd property)
Ownership	Both spouses must be on the 2nd property title (joint or tenants-in-common)
Application deadline	Within 6 months of selling the 1st property

Example: Couple buys $1.5M condo (pays $300K ABSD), receives keys in June 2026. Sells HDB by December 2026. Applies for $300K ABSD refund by June 2027.

How to Apply for a Stamp Duty Refund

Step 1

Step 2

Select “Apply for Refund/Remission” and enter your stamp certificate number

Step 3

Upload supporting documents (annulment deed, sale completion letter, marriage certificate for ABSD remission)

Step 4

Provide bank account details for refund

Step 5

IRAS processes the refund in 2–4 weeks

Refund Timeline

Stage	Duration
Submit application	Same day (online)
IRAS review	1–2 weeks
Refund credited	1–2 weeks after approval
Total	2–4 weeks

Calculate your stamp duty first

Know exactly how much BSD and ABSD you're paying before exploring refund options.

Stamp Duty Calculator

FAQ

Can I get a stamp duty refund if my property sale falls through?

Yes. If the sale is annulled or voided within 3 months of the stamp duty payment date, you can apply for a BSD and/or ABSD refund from IRAS. You must apply within 6 months of the annulment.

How does ABSD remission work for married couples?

If a married couple (at least one Singapore Citizen) buys a second property and sells the first within 6 months of receiving the new property, they can apply for a full ABSD remission on the second property. The 6-month clock starts from the date of completion (not OTP).

How long does a stamp duty refund take?

IRAS typically processes stamp duty refunds within 2 to 4 weeks after receiving a complete application. Refunds are credited to the bank account used for payment, or by cheque if originally paid in cash.

Is SSD refundable if I inherit a property and sell it?

SSD remission may apply if you acquired the property through inheritance (not purchase) and sell within the SSD holding period. You must apply to IRAS with proof of inheritance (Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration).

Where do I apply for a stamp duty refund?

Apply through IRAS e-Stamping portal (https://estamping.iras.gov.sg). You will need the stamp certificate number, supporting documents (e.g., annulment deed, sale completion letter), and your bank details for the refund.

Stamp Duty Calculator — any price, any buyer profile
ABSD Guide Singapore — full ABSD breakdown
ABSD Remission for Married Couples
Seller's Stamp Duty (SSD)
Stamp Duty on a $2M Condo

Last updated Feb 2026. ABSD remission conditions per IRAS. Timelines are estimates and may vary. This is informational, not legal or financial advice.