If I am buying a resale HDB flat

Pointers for Buyers of Resale HDB Flats

1. Stamp Duty

You need to pay Stamp Duty for the flat you purchase.

2. Check Outstanding Property Tax

Before you buy a property, you are advised to check if there's any outstanding property tax on the property.  Under the Property Tax law, the owner of the property is liable for all property tax on the property including those that have been outstanding prior to you becoming the owner. If you appoint a lawyer to act for you in the purchase of the property, your lawyer would normally make a legal requisition to check on the outstanding property tax, and make provisions to settle all outstanding property tax with the seller.

As property tax is payable yearly in advance, you and the seller would have to agree on how the property tax for the year is to be apportioned between yourselves.  Tax apportionment is a private matter between the seller and buyer.  IRAS does not apportion the taxes for you.  In most instances, HDB officers (for HDB flats) or your lawyers would apportion the tax liability between the seller and the buyer during the sale completion of the property. All bills and notices after the transfer of the property will be sent to you as the new owner. 

Hence, you may wish to check that during the sale completion, there is no outstanding tax and tax paid has been duly apportioned.

3. Update Change of Ownership

Once you have completed the purchase of a flat with HDB, HDB will inform IRAS on the change in ownership.

4. Payment Arrangement

We encourage you to pay your Property Tax by GIRO as you will enjoy up to 12 interest-free monthly instalments.

Upon updating of ownership, IRAS will send a notice to inform you of the Property Tax payable (if any) and a Master GIRO application form. You may submit your GIRO application after you receive the notice.

5. TV Licence Fee

You need to apply for a TV Licence if you have a TV set installed at your property. You can apply for a TV Licence at any Singapore Post Office  or via MDA Online with your SingPass .

For more information on TV Licence matters, please visit the FAQ section at MDA Online  or call the MDA Customer Service Hotline at 1800 478 5478, or give your feedback using the Feedback form on MDA Online .

6. Other Taxes on Property

Rent received from the letting of property in Singapore is subject to income tax. Find out more on Rent & Net Annual Value (NAV) from property.

 

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