🏠 Government Reverts to Stricter Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD)
On 3 July 2025, the Singapore government announced changes to the Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD) for residential properties bought from 4 July 2025 onward:
- Holding period extended from 3 to 4 years
- SSD rates increased by 4 percentage points
New SSD Rates (from 4 July 2025)
| Holding Period | Previous SSD Rate | New SSD Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1 year | 12% | 16% |
| More than 1 to 2 years | 8% | 12% |
| More than 2 to 3 years | 4% | 8% |
| More than 3 to 4 years | 0% | 4% |
| More than 4 years | 0% | 0% |
Impact on Sellers & Buyers
🔍 For Sellers & Investors
- Short-term sellers now face higher SSD costs.
- Example: Selling a $2 million property within 1 year now incurs $320,000 in SSD.
- Sub-sale flipping becomes much less viable.
✅ For Genuine Homeowners
- Holding beyond 4 years means no SSD impact.
- Encourages market stability and discourages speculation.
📈 For Buyers
- More stability in the resale market due to fewer short-term sellers.
- Supports long-term investment and ownership planning.
Recommendations
✅ For Sellers
- Delay sale if SSD still applies.
- Consider renting until the 4-year mark.
✅ For Buyers
- Plan to hold the property for at least 4 years.
- Check your purchase date – earlier buyers still benefit from 3-year SSD window.
Final Thoughts
This SSD update targets short-term flipping and strengthens long-term confidence. For most buyers and genuine homeowners, it’s a positive shift toward market stability and sustained growth.
📊 SSD History Chart (2010–2025)
| Year | SSD Holding Period | Top SSD Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 4 years | 16% | SSD first introduced |
| 2011–2016 | 4 years | 16% | No change |
| Mar 2017 | 3 years | 12% | SSD rates reduced |
| Jul 2025 | 4 years | 16% | Stricter SSD reinstated |
