How to Upgrade from HDB to Condo in 2025 Without Paying ABSD

Upgrading from an HDB flat to a private condominium is a major milestone for many Singaporean homeowners. But with ABSD (Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty) climbing to 20% or more, many are asking:

“Can I upgrade without paying ABSD?”

The good news is — yes, you can. This blog reveals the legal and strategic ways to do so in 2025.

💡 What is ABSD in 2025?

If you already own a property and buy another, you are subject to:

The catch: ABSD is payable even if you plan to sell your HDB later — unless you structure your upgrade right.

🔓 6 Smart Ways to Upgrade Without Paying ABSD

✅ 1. Sell Your HDB Flat First

The most straightforward strategy: sell your flat before buying a private property.

How it works:

• Once your HDB is sold (i.e., Option to Purchase exercised), you’re considered not to own any property.
• You can buy a condo as your first property, and no ABSD applies.

Bonus tip: Negotiate a 3-month extension stay after completion so you don’t need temporary rental.

✅ 2. Buy First, Sell HDB Within 6 Months – ABSD Remission (For Married Couples)

If you and your spouse are both Singapore Citizens, and you’re buying a condo together, ABSD is payable upfront but refundable when:

• You sell your HDB within 6 months of condo purchase (or 6 months after TOP for new launches).
• Both spouses are buyers and owners of the new condo.

Pros:

• Seamless move without interim rental.
• Get back full ABSD in about 6–9 months.

Cons:

• Need to pay ABSD first — can be over $300,000.
• Requires careful timeline management.

✅ 3. Sole Owner Strategy – Buy Under the Other Spouse’s Name

If your current HDB is owned solely by one spouse, the other spouse (who does not own any property) can buy a condo in their sole name.

Result: No ABSD, as it is the buyer’s first property.

Important:

• Ensure the spouse buying the condo has sufficient income for the loan.
• This strategy doesn’t work if both spouses co-own the HDB.

✅ 4. Sell HDB, Then Each Spouse Buys Separate Condo

After selling your HDB, you and your spouse can buy two separate private properties, each under a single name.

Why it works:

• Both are now first-time private buyers.
• Each avoids ABSD if properties are purchased separately.

Ideal For:

• Dual-income households with strong financial capacity.
• Families planning to stay in one unit and rent out the other.

Caution: Make sure you pass the Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) individually for each loan.

✅ 5. Buy a New Executive Condominium (EC)

If you haven’t owned any private property before, and meet eligibility, buying an EC from a developer is ABSD-free.

Eligibility:

• Must be a Singaporean couple or family nucleus.
• Monthly household income ≤ $16,000.
• First-time EC buyer.

2025 Opportunities:

• New ECs like Otto Place and Lumina Grand are drawing strong interest for exactly this reason.

Perks:

• No ABSD.
• Prices are subsidised (typically 20–30% cheaper than private condos).
• After 5 years, you can sell to Singaporeans/PRs, and after 10 years, to foreigners too.

✅ 6. Use the “Sell HDB First, Buy After” Strategy with Planning

If none of the above methods apply, the safest way remains to sell first, then buy.

Yes, it may involve:

• Short-term rental or staying with family,
• Temporary inconvenience…

But it gives you:

• Full loan eligibility (as a first-time buyer),
• No ABSD,
• Greater financial clarity and freedom.

Expert tip:

Line up your purchase before you sell, or negotiate a longer stay period with your buyer.

📌 Summary: Which Method Is Right for You?

🧠 Before You Upgrade: Run Your Numbers

Ask yourself:

• Do I have sufficient loan eligibility after CPF usage?
• Can I manage temporary accommodation or transition timelines?
• Is my HDB at a profitable stage to sell?
• Am I eligible for EC?

A Personalised Property Wealth Plan can help you weigh your options — and save you tens or even hundreds of thousands in stamp duty.

📞 Ready to Make the Move?

At PropertyNet.SG, we help HDB owners upgrade strategically with:

✅ Loan & timeline planning
✅ EC and condo project selection
✅ ABSD-free strategies
✅ CPF usage and refinancing guidance

📲 Book a free session or get your Property Report at www.PropertyNet.SG

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