What Is Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD)? Singapore Rates Explained

Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD) is a tax everyone pays when they buy property in Singapore. It's one of the first figures a property agent needs to get right — and it's a regular in RES Paper 2.

What BSD is

BSD is charged on every property purchase, regardless of residency or how many properties you own. For residential property it is calculated on the higher of the purchase price or market value.

How it's calculated (residential)

BSD uses progressive (tiered) rates — each band of the price is taxed at its own rate:

• 1% on the first $180,000
• 2% on the next $180,000
• 3% on the next $640,000
• 4% on the next $500,000
• 5% on the next $1,500,000
• 6% on any amount above $3,000,000

Try the exact figure on our free BSD calculator.

BSD vs ABSD

Don't confuse the two. BSD applies to everyone. ABSD (Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty) is an extra duty on top, and only applies based on residency status and how many residential properties you already own. See our ABSD explainer for that.

When it's payable

BSD is generally due within 14 days of signing the contract (or of receiving the document in Singapore if signed overseas).

Rates can change with government measures — confirm current figures with IRAS. For the exam, knowing the tiers and that BSD is on the higher of price or value is what matters most.