1 The Government announced today a package of measures to cool the private residential and HDB resale markets. With effect from 16 December 2021, Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) rates will be raised, and the Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) threshold will be tightened. The Government will also tighten the LTV limit for loans from HDB from 90% to 85%. In addition, the Government will increase public and private housing supply to cater to demand.
2 The Government has been closely monitoring the property market for several quarters. The private residential and HDB resale markets have been buoyant, despite the economic impact of COVID-19. Private housing prices have risen by about 9% since 1Q2020. HDB resale flat prices are also recovering sharply after a six-year decline, [1] rising about 15% since 1Q 2020. Even though House Price-to-Income ratios remain below their historical averages, there is clear upward momentum. Amid the low interest rate environment, transaction volumes in the private housing market and HDB resale market have also been high despite the COVID-19 situation.
3 If left unchecked, prices could run ahead of economic fundamentals, and raise the risk of a destabilising correction later on. Borrowers would also be vulnerable to a possible rise in interest rates in the coming years.
4 The Government has therefore decided to implement a set of measures to cool the private and public housing markets, to promote continued housing affordability. The private residential measures are calibrated to dampen broad-based demand, especially from those purchasing property for investment rather than owner-occupation. Measures to tighten financing conditions for both public and private housing will encourage greater financial prudence. The Government will also be ramping up the supply for both private and public housing.
Measures Applicable to All Residential Property
Raising Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) Rates
5 The current ABSD rates for Singapore Citizens (SCs) and Singapore Permanent Residents (SPRs) purchasing their first residential property will remain at 0% and 5% respectively.
6 The Government will raise the ABSD rates as follows:
a. Raise ABSD rate to 17% for SCs purchasing their 2nd residential property;
b. Raise ABSD rate to 25% for SCs purchasing their 3rd and subsequent residential property, and SPRs purchasing their 2nd residential property;
c. Raise ABSD rate to 30% for SPRs purchasing their 3rd and subsequent residential property and foreigners purchasing any residential property;
d. Raise ABSD rate to 35% for entities purchasing any residential property; and
e. Raise ABSD rate to 35% for developers purchasing any residential property. This 35% may be remitted under the Stamp Duties (Non-licensed Housing Developers) (Remission for ABSD) Rules and the Stamp Duties (Housing Developers) (Remission of ABSD) Rules, subject to conditions. In addition to this 35% ABSD rate, the non-remittable component remains unchanged at 5%.
7 Table 1 summarises the adjustments to the ABSD rates.
Source: Monetary Authority of Singapore