ABSD when upgrading from HDB to a condo.

Current ABSD rates

Rates for purchases on or after 27 April 2023, per IRAS.

The remission for married couples

IRAS refunds the ABSD only if all of these are true:

• At least one spouse is a Singapore Citizen.
• The condo is bought in both your names only. Buying in one name does not qualify, even if you sell the HDB in time.
• Each of you owned no more than one home when you bought the condo.
• You sell your first home within 6 months: of buying a completed condo, or of the TOP or CSC (whichever is earlier) for a new launch.
• You stay married, do not change ownership of the condo, and do not buy another home in the meantime.

You pay first, then get it back

The ABSD is paid upfront when the condo purchase is stamped. If you declared at purchase that you would sell and claim the refund, IRAS refunds it automatically within about 6 weeks after your HDB sale is stamped. Otherwise, apply within 6 months of the sale. Plan the cash, or a bridging loan, for the months in between.

There is no extension

IRAS states that the 6-month deadline is not extended. Miss it and the 20% stays paid.

How to stay inside the 6 months

• For a resale condo, the clock starts at purchase, so line up your HDB sale first. The HDB resale process alone takes about 4 months from OTP to completion: see how to sell your HDB.
• For a new launch, the clock starts at TOP, often years away. Your HDB flat must have met its MOP before you buy.
• Check eligibility, MOP, loan and timeline together before you sign anything. Sell HDB, buy a condo puts them in one plan.