STAMP DUTY ACCURACY
Our schedule integrates the latest Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD) and Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) adjustments announced by IRAS. We ensure you calculate based on the higher of the purchase price or market value.
TRANSACTION
FEE SCHEDULE
Comprehensive breakdown of mandatory HDB resale costs, legal disbursements, and stamp duty obligations for the current fiscal quarter in Singapore.
View Fee MatrixLEGAL FEE TRANSPARENCY
Avoid hidden disbursements. We detail the standard conveyancing fees for HDB-appointed solicitors versus private law firms, including caveat lodgment and mortgage stamping fees.
VALUATION PRECISION
Understand the fixed HDB valuation request fees and how they impact your Loan-to-Value (LTV) limits. Essential data for navigating the Cash-Over-Valuation (COV) landscape.
STAMP DUTY CALCULATION RATES
Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD) is a mandatory tax paid on the acceptance of the Option to Purchase (OTP) or the Sale and Purchase Agreement. In Singapore, BSD rates are tiered based on the purchase price of the HDB flat. For transactions where the market value exceeds the actual price paid, the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) requires the tax to be calculated based on the higher valuation. Currently, the rates for residential properties are 1% for the first $180k, 2% for the next $180k, 3% for the next $640k, and 4% for the subsequent amount up to $1.5 million.
Current BSD Tier Schedule:
- First $180,000 1%
- Next $180,000 2%
- Next $640,000 3%
- Next $500,000 4%
- Remaining Amount 5% to 6%
It is critical to note that Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) may also apply if the purchaser is a Permanent Resident or a Singapore Citizen acquiring a second property. For most HDB upgraders, the ABSD can be remitted if they sell their first flat within six months of purchasing the second, provided specific criteria are met. Failure to account for these liquid cash requirements often leads to transaction delays.
Source: IRAS Property Tax Division, March 2024.
VALUATION FEE BREAKDOWN
Before a housing loan can be processed, HDB or the bank requires a formal valuation of the property. For HDB resale flats, the buyer must submit a Request for Value once the Option to Purchase has been granted by the seller. The fee for this request is strictly non-refundable and must be paid directly via the HDB Flat Portal.
The current processing fee for a Request for Value is $120 (inclusive of GST). This valuation remains valid for three months. If the transaction is not completed within this window, a new request may be required, incurring additional costs.
Key Valuation Statistics:
- 94% of valuation requests are processed within 10 working days.
- Valuation directly dictates the maximum CPF usage allowed for the purchase.
- HDB-appointed private valuers perform the physical inspection.
LEGAL FEE STANDARD COSTS
HDB APPOINTED SOLICITORS
If you are taking an HDB loan, you may appoint HDB to act for you in the conveyancing process. The fees are subsidized and calculated based on the loan amount and purchase price.
- • Conveyancing Fees: First $30,000 (at $0.90 per $1,000)
- • Next $30,000 (at $0.72 per $1,000)
- • Minimum Fee: $20.00
PRIVATE LAW FIRMS
Buyers opting for bank loans must engage private solicitors. While more expensive, they handle complex title searches and CPF charge clearances more aggressively.
- • Professional Fees: $2,500 - $4,500
- • Mortgage Stamping: $500 (capped)
- • Caveat Lodgment: $64.45
"Legal disbursements are often overlooked. Beyond the professional fee, buyers must budget for 'out-of-pocket' expenses including title searches, courier charges, and the Land Registry's administrative fees which can total an additional $300 to $600."
CASH OVER VALUATION (COV) ANALYSIS
Cash Over Valuation (COV) occurs when the agreed resale price is higher than the official HDB valuation. This difference must be paid in cold cash, as it cannot be covered by a housing loan or CPF funds. In high-demand areas like Bishan or Queenstown, COV has recently ranged from $20,000 to over $100,000 for "Jumbo" or "DBSS" units.
35%
Percentage of resale transactions involving COV in 2023.
$30k
Median COV for 4-room flats in mature estates during Q1 2024.
Managing COV requires a strategic approach to price negotiation. Buyers are advised to review the HDB Financial Analysis: Bedok District Report to understand localized price trends before committing to an Option Fee. Overpaying in COV can severely deplete your renovation budget and emergency cash reserves.
PAYMENT TIMELINE
01
OPTION FEE (CASH)
Paid to the seller upon granting the OTP. Range: $1 to $1,000. This secures the property for 21 days.
02
OPTION EXERCISE FEE (CASH)
Paid upon signing the OTP. The total of Option Fee + Exercise Fee cannot exceed $5,000. This constitutes the deposit.
03
STAMP DUTIES & LEGAL FEES
Usually payable within 14 days of exercising the option. Can be paid via CPF if sufficient funds are available.
04
CASH BALANCE (COMPLETION)
Any remaining cash component including COV and the 5-25% downpayment (less CPF usage) must be settled at the HDB completion appointment.
READY TO CALCULATE?
Download our comprehensive Transaction Fee Schedule or compare financing options to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.
Regulatory Information & Disclosure
Field Rooted operates as a decentralized informational platform specializing in Singaporean residential real estate analytics. This digital resource is a strictly independent reference project. We maintain no affiliation, endorsement, or contractual partnership with the Housing & Development Board (HDB), the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board, the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), or any other governmental agency, statutory board, or commercial brand mentioned herein. All fee structures and rates are provided for educational purposes and should be verified with licensed legal professionals or official government portals before financial commitment.