Gov’t raises seller stamp duties on residential properties to curb ‘flipping’

The government increased seller stamp duty (SSD) rates by four percentage points for each tier of the holding period on residential properties to curb property flipping.

According to the government, the number of private residential property transactions in recent years with short holding periods has increased sharply. In particular, there has been a significant increase in the sub-sale of units that have not been completed.  

Therefore, the government will revert to the pre-2017 SSD holding period of four years and raise the SSD rates by four percentage points for each tier of the holding period.

For properties sold within one year of purchase, the rate will rise to 16% from the current 12%. Those sold after more than one year but within two years will be subject to 12%, up from 8%. Properties held for more than two years but up to three years will see the rate increase to 8% from 4%. A new 4% rate will apply to properties sold after more than three years but within four years, which are currently exempt. Properties held for more than four years will remain exempt from SSD, with no change to the 0% rate.

The changes took effect on 4 July 2025, at 12 AM.