Frequently asked questions
Singapore has implemented multiple cooling measures to ensure a stable property market and prevent speculative buying. Here are the main measures in detail:
Loan-to-Value (LTV) Limits
Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD)
Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR)
Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD)
Mortgage Servicing Ratio (MSR)- PR/ Singaporean ony
Property Loan Tenure Limits
Foreign Ownership Restrictions
Complete step by step guide to Singapore property investment
Determines the maximum loan a buyer can take relative to the property price.
Example: A first-time Singaporean buyer can borrow up to 75% of the property value; buyers with an existing loan can borrow less (45–55%).
Purpose: Prevents over-borrowing and reduces financial risk.
Complete step by step guide to Singapore property investment
Extra tax on top of the standard Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD).
Singapore citizens: 0% first property, 17% second, 25% third/subsequent.
Singapore PRs: 5% first, 25% second, 30% third/subsequent.
Foreigners: 60% for any residential property. ( Non- ETA member )
Foreigners: 0% for any residential property. ( FTA member ) - Citizen from USA, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein )
Complete step by step guide to Singapore property investment
Limits total debt repayments to 55% of gross monthly income, covering all loans (mortgages, car loans, personal loans).
Purpose: Prevents over-leveraging and ensures affordability.
Complete step by step guide to Singapore property investment
Tax on sellers who dispose of property within a set period to curb flipping.
Sold within 1 year: 12% of property price
Sold within 2 years: 8%
Sold within 3 years: 4%
After 3 years : 0% - Dated from the OTP date
Complete step by step guide to Singapore property investment
Caps mortgage duration to reduce financial strain.
Example: Maximum 35 years or until age 65–75 (whichever is lower).
Complete step by step guide to Singapore property investment
Certain properties (e.g., landed homes, some executive condos) restricted to Singaporeans/PRs.
Purpose: Preserves affordability for locals and controls foreign-driven demand.
Complete step by step guide to Singapore property investment