Your search results

How Can Decoupling Help You in Buying a Second Property?

Posted by Jayson Ang on July 1, 2023

| 0

TLDR

Decoupling property ownership in Singapore can help you avoid hefty Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty fees when purchasing a second property. This process involves transferring ownership between co-owners, allowing one to be considered a first-time buyer. Different rules apply to HDB flat owners compared to private property owners. Decoupling can be done through sale or gift transfer methods, each with its own implications and considerations. Consulting with a qualified real estate agent is recommended to understand the costs and risks involved.

For those wishing to become property owners in Singapore, purchasing a second property may be a dream come true – but comes with a hefty price tag in the form of the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD).

Singapore Citizens are charged 17%, Singapore Permanent Residents 25%, and foreigners 60%, all based on the higher of the purchase price or the current market value.

All of this, part of the government’s effort to ensure the housing market remains within bounds, together with the Seller Stamp Duty (SSD) and Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR), serves to create a more balanced real estate market.

Despite the ABSD, many married couples in Singapore have managed to find a way around it and buy a second home – they call it ‘decoupling’.

What Is Decoupling?

When joint homeowners “decouple,” one co-owner can relinquish their ownership completely, allowing them to be considered a first-time property buyer and thereby purchase a second property without having to pay Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty.

If you choose to purchase a second property worth $1 million for investment without decoupling, you will be hit with an ABSD of at least $170,000 (assuming you’re a citizen buying a second property).

But by decoupling, you can preserve that amount for other home expenses such as renovations or furnishings!

It’s important to remember that this calculation only covers the cost of the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty and does not take into account other potential expenses, such as existing mortgage balances and Central Provident Fund (CPF) withdrawals. For further details on decoupling, please refer to the end of this article.

It may sound appealing, but sadly, it’s not suitable for everyone.

HDB Owners : Decoupling Is Not Allowed

Since 2016, HDB flat owners have been unable to transfer their ownership to a family member, while decoupling is typically only available for private properties.

How Can Private Homeowners Decouple Their Property?

Private homeowners have two options for decoupling – they can either opt for a sale (partial purchase) or make a transfer as a gift.

Transfer By Way Of Sale (Part Purchase)

The buyer must pay the seller for the rights to the property, as outlined in the Sale and Purchase agreement, and submit the Buyer’s Stamp Duty to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore to finalize the process of legally acquiring all the remaining shares of the property from the spouse.

All terms of the transaction must be clearly stated in the S&P agreement, typically drawn up by a lawyer or conveyancer.

Buyer Stamp Duty (BSD) with effect from (wef) 15 February 2023

As announced during Budget 2023, the BSD rates for residential and non-residential properties are to be raised as of 15 February 2023. However, there’s a transitional BSD remission for properties acquired from that same date, allowing the former BSD rates to apply if certain conditions are met.

Homes valued between $1.5 million and $3 million will now experience a 1% tax hike as the BSD rate is increased to 5%. Those with a value greater than $3 million will be taxed at 6%.

Seller Stamp Duty (SSD) wef. 11 Mar 2017

Once the lawyer has the proceeds, they can pay off the seller’s mortgages, CPF contributions, and any SSD payments. Once that is completed, the ownership is then transferred to the buyer. Should you need any help with this, don’t hesitate to reach out to me – just give me a WhatsApp and I’ll be here to provide advice and assistance!

Scenario A: Joint ownership (50-50) by John and Amanda

John and Amanda, two Singaporeans, have been joint owners of a condominium unit with equal shares for over four years – forming a joint-tenancy, thus giving them each a 50% share in the property.

When couples purchase property together, they typically divide it equally. However, if one of the co-owners dies, the other inherits the entire asset regardless of any will.

If John earns a reliable and high income, he can take out a larger loan to purchase a piece of real estate for his family; however, the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty would make this an expensive endeavor.

How John and Amada can decouple the condo:

Current condo valuation: $1m

Existing home loan balance: $500,000 (split equally between John and Amanda since each of them owns 50% of the property)

50-50% part share selling price (Since both John and Amanda owns 50% shares each in the property): $500,000 ($1m/2)

John will be receiving $100,000 in cash proceeds after decoupling, which he can use to purchase a home that’s ABSD-free.

Unfortunately, this means Amanda will have to shoulder a much higher loan amount of $600,000. This may be too much for a single income to support and isn’t suitable for everyone.

That’s why we highly advise you to consult me before decoupling, so I can help you come up with a suitable financial plan, in partnership with my mortgage providers, to reach your property aspirations without draining your wallet.

Nevertheless, not all assets are shared in joint-tenancy or in equal parts as exemplified earlier.

Scenario B: Tenancy-in-common (99-1) ownership

John and Amanda have become tenants-in-common in this fresh scenario. This means that instead of a 50-50% split, John holds just 1% of the property, while Amanda has the lion’s share of 99%.

John can now move forward with his purchase of a new property without having to pay Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty, since he has transferred the ownership of his property to Amanda.

Thanks to the 99-1 rule, the Buyer’s Stamp Duty fee is only $100, which is significantly lower than the $9,600 Buyer’s Stamp Duty he would have had to pay in the initial scenario.

The legal fees, however, remain the same. A potential challenge may arise if the couple divorces and one party ends up owning 99% of the house – this could lead to costly and lengthy court proceedings.

2. Transfer As A Gift

You can give away your portion of a property without compensation, but only if there are no remaining mortgage loans or CPF funds connected to the home’s purchase.

As of 9 May, 2022, new regulations concerning the transfer of residential properties into a living trust will come into effect.

Under the new regulations, a whopping 35% Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) must be paid upfront whenever a residential property is transferred into a living trust – even if there’s no identifiable beneficiary at the time of the transfer. Goodbye loophole, hello ABSD (Trust)!

Is Decoupling For You?

If you are considering decoupling your property with your spouse, it is always wise to discuss the costs and risks with a qualified real estate agent.

Some couples may decide to pay the ABSD and proceed, while others may hesitate. Wherever you stand, obtaining the counsel of property and mortgage specialists is recommended. If you have any home loan questions, I am available to assist.

Frequently Asked Questions About Decoupling

1) What happens if I do not have sufficient CPF for the downpayment, stamp duty or legal fee?

All payable costs/fees would be paid in cash if you have insufficient CPF savings.

2) Can I get a mortgage loan for my second property?

Take into account the Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR)! This rule limits your monthly loan payments to no more than 60% of your monthly income. Since various factors, such as income, employment, and credit standing, could lead to different loan amounts, talk to your bank’s mortgage officer to determine your eligibility.

3) As the seller, can I keep the sales proceeds as cash after decoupling?

The CPF Board must be the first recipient of all funds and accrued interest from the CPF Ordinary Account which are used for the payment of the property. The owner will then receive any surplus as cash.

Should You Buy, Sell or Wait?

If you’re reading this, you must be trying to figure out the best course of action right now: is it the right time to buy or sell?

It’s difficult to give an exact answer since everyone’s situation is unique and what works for one person may not necessarily work for you.

I can bring you a wealth of on-the-ground experience and a data-driven approach to provide clarity and direction. From beginners to experienced investors, our top-down, objective approach will help you on your real estate journey.

I can help you by:

Offering Strategic Real Estate Advice – I can help create a comprehensive plan to guide you through your property journey.
Connecting Your Home with the Perfect Buyers – Through stunning visuals, an effective communication strategy, and an in-depth knowledge of the market, we’ll ensure your home is presented in the best possible way to fulfill your goals.

You May Also Like …

All Opinion

Snag a Sentosa Condo for 40% Off? Should You Consider It!

Jayson Ang – May 23, 2024 –

TLDR The Residences at W Singapore Sentosa Cove has slashed prices by over 40%, but there are important details to...

All Buying Tips

Here’s How Property Data Can Be Misleading: Navigating Through Common Misunderstandings

Jayson Ang – April 14, 2024 –

TLDR When comparing property prices, discrepancies can arise due to various factors like timing of purchase, scarcity in niche projects,...

All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Exploring the Resale Condo Market? Here’s What to Watch Out For!

Jayson Ang – March 22, 2023 –

TLDR The impact of COVID-19 on Singapore's real estate market has been significant, leading to a surge in demand for...

All Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

5 Warning Signs of New Launch Condominiums That Certain Property Agents Might Not Disclose to You

Jayson Ang – November 29, 2025 –

TLDR When buying a new launch condo, don’t just rely on show flats or sales pitches—look deeper. Watch out if...

All Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

Singapore Property Prices in 30 Years: Understanding Their Unique Inflationary Trajectory

Jayson Ang – August 25, 2026 –

TLDR Singapore’s property market has shown a unique inflationary trajectory over the past 30 years, consistently outpacing general consumer inflation....

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Live Music Venues in Singapore

Jayson Ang – May 20, 2024 –

Singapore, a vibrant and multicultural city-state, is well-known for its diverse food scene, stunning architecture, and bustling shopping districts. However,...

All Blog Posts Buying Tips

What to Do Before Exercising Option to Purchase?

Jayson Ang – July 19, 2023 –

TLDR Home buyers are advised to thoroughly research property values using online tools, secure an ideal home loan package early...

All Blog Posts Buying Tips

6 Essential Factors HDB Upgraders Should Be Aware Of Before Purchasing a Condo in 2023

Jayson Ang – June 12, 2023 –

TLDR When upgrading your property, consider factors like rental rates, Buyer's Stamp Duty adjustments, higher interest rates for bank loans,...

All Blog Posts Buying Tips

How Can Decoupling Help You in Buying a Second Property?

Jayson Ang – July 1, 2023 –

TLDR Decoupling property ownership in Singapore can help you avoid hefty Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty fees when purchasing a second...

All Buying Tips Selling Tips

Singapore Homebuyers: Finding Hidden Value in ‘Undesirable’ Property Traits

Jayson Ang – June 15, 2025 –

TLDR Many perceived drawbacks in Singapore’s property market—such as mortgage lock-ins, leasehold status, west-facing units, nearby construction, inefficient spaces, and...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Benefits Of Singapore’s Cooling Measures For Home Buyers

Jayson Ang – April 11, 2025 –

Singapore's real estate market has experienced rapid growth in recent years, leading to concerns about affordability and sustainability. In response,...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Shopping Malls in Singapore for Luxury Shopping

Jayson Ang – March 5, 2024 –

Singapore, a bustling city-state known for its stunning architecture and diverse culture, is also a paradise for luxury shopping enthusiasts....

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Reasons : Why Jayson Ang is the Best Property Agent in Singapore. And Why You Should Engage Him Today

Jayson Ang – March 9, 2024 –

In the bustling city-state of Singapore, the real estate market is highly competitive and constantly evolving. Finding the perfect property...

All Blog Posts Opinion

How to Maximise Your Home Value Before Selling : 6 Simple Steps

Jayson Ang – February 9, 2023 –

TLDR When looking to sell your home, consider simple ways to boost its value without costly renovations. Organize living spaces,...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Tips for First-Time Chinese Buyers Looking to Invest in Singapore Today

Jayson Ang – May 31, 2023 –

Top 5 Tips for First-Time Chinese Buyers Looking to Invest in Singapore Today Here are the top 5 tips for...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 : Common Characteristics Of Singapore Condos That Make Them An Attractive Investment Opportunity For Foreign Buyers

Jayson Ang – January 6, 2025 –

Singapore, a thriving hub of business and commerce in Southeast Asia, has become an attractive destination for foreign investors looking...

All Buying Tips Selling Tips

Discovering the Response of Private Property Owners towards the 15-Month Wait-Out Phase

Jayson Ang – August 25, 2023 –

TLDR The blog post discusses the impact of the 15-month wait-out period cooling measure on private property owners in Singapore....

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 : Benefits of Investing in Older vs. Newer Singapore Property Market Condos for International Buyers?

Jayson Ang – January 14, 2025 –

Singapore's property market has long been an attractive investment destination for international buyers, offering a stable and well-regulated environment with...