Can a PR buy a resale HDB flat?
Yes. A Permanent Resident can buy a resale HDB flat, but only as part of a PR household where both applicants have each held PR status for at least 3 years. A PR single cannot buy an HDB flat alone. Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty of 5% applies to a PR's first residential property.
The full rules
Who can buy a resale HDB flat as a PR
| Situation | Can buy a resale HDB flat? |
| Two PRs forming a household | Yes, once both have held PR for at least 3 years |
| PR single, buying alone | No |
ABSD rates by buyer profile
| Buyer profile | 1st property | 2nd property | 3rd or more |
| Singapore Citizen | 0% | 20% | 30% |
| Permanent Resident | 5% | 30% | 35% |
| Foreigner | 60% | 60% | 60% |
| Entity | 65% | 65% | 65% |
ABSD is charged on the higher of the purchase price or market value.
Under certain free trade agreements, nationals of the USA, and nationals and PRs of Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are treated as Singapore Citizens for ABSD. If this applies to you, confirm your status with IRAS.
Worked example
Worked example
Ari and Mei are both Permanent Residents. Ari has held PR for 5 years and Mei for 4 years, so both clear the 3-year mark and can apply as a PR household.
They buy a resale HDB flat for $600,000, and it is the first property for both.
- ABSD rate (PR, first property): 5%
- ABSD payable: 5% × $600,000 = $30,000
This is on top of the usual Buyer's Stamp Duty. Confirm your eligibility and final figures with HDB and IRAS before committing.
What this means for you
Two PRs, both over 3 years
You can buy a resale HDB flat together. Expect 5% ABSD on the purchase if it is a first property.
PR couple, one under 3 years
You must wait until both of you have held PR for at least 3 years before applying.
PR buying alone
You cannot buy an HDB flat on your own as a single PR. You would need to form an eligible household first.
Related questions
Can a single PR buy an HDB flat?
No. A Permanent Resident cannot buy an HDB flat alone. You would need to form an eligible household, such as two PRs who have each held PR status for at least 3 years.
How long must we hold PR before buying?
Both applicants in a PR household must have held PR status for at least 3 years before they can buy a resale HDB flat.
How much ABSD does a PR pay?
A Permanent Resident pays 5% ABSD on a first residential property, 30% on a second, and 35% on a third or subsequent property.
Are any PRs treated as citizens for ABSD?
PRs of Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are treated as Singapore Citizens for ABSD under free trade agreements. Confirm your eligibility with IRAS.
Is ABSD based on the price or the valuation?
ABSD is calculated on the higher of the purchase price or the market value of the property. Check your figures with IRAS.
More answers: Can a foreigner buy a condo in Singapore? · Can a PR buy a condo in Singapore? · Can a single PR buy an HDB flat? · Can I buy a condo while owning an HDB flat?
Sources: HDB — resale flat eligibility · IRAS — Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty · Last verified 2026-10-19