Expats: Navigating ABSD Remission under FTA

From Daunted Renters to Proud Homeowners: Gareth and Edna's Journey to Buying Their First Home in Singapore

Gareth and Edna, a married couple, embarked on their journey in Singapore a year ago when they arrived to work in this vibrant city-state. Initially renting, they recently decided it was time to put down roots and purchase a place they could call their own, especially with their plans to stay in Singapore long term.

Initial Challenges and Concerns

Being relatively new to Singapore, Gareth and Edna found themselves overwhelmed and somewhat daunted by the intricacies of the local property market. When they first met me, they expressed feeling quite alone in this endeavor, with numerous unanswered questions clouding their minds. One key concern that created significant anxiety for them was understanding their eligibility for Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) remission, particularly under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

Finding Clarity in ABSD Eligibility

In Singapore, nationals or permanent residents of specific countries under respective FTAs receive the same Stamp Duty treatment as Singapore Citizens:

• Nationals and Permanent Residents of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland
• Nationals of the United States of America