Appeals from Singles for Waiver of Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty

Parliamentary Question by Sitoh Yih Pin:

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) in the last two years, what is the number of appeals received from Singaporean singles to waive the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty on the basis that they are switching homes; and (b) how many of such appeals have been successful and what are the reasons for the successful appeals.

Parliamentary Reply by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Mr Lawrence Wong:

In 2022 and 2023, IRAS received a total of 23 appeals from singles purchasing a replacement private property for remission of Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD).

Each case is considered carefully and holistically based on its facts and circumstances. The majority of these appeals were approved as they involved extenuating personal circumstances, such as a need to purchase a replacement property for themselves and their child shortly after their spouse’s demise.