Hong Kong Stamp Duty Calculator 2026
Calculate property stamp duty for Hong Kong residential purchases including Ad Valorem Stamp Duty (AVD), Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD) for non-permanent residents, and Special Stamp Duty (SSD) for resale within the holding period. Updated with the February 2024 policy changes that removed BSD and SSD. Based on Inland Revenue Department (ird.gov.hk) rates.
Stamp Duty Breakdown
| Property Purchase Price | HK$0 |
| AVD Rate Applied | 0% |
| AVD Amount | HK$0 |
| BSD (removed Feb 2024) | HK$0 |
| SSD (removed Feb 2024) | HK$0 |
| Total Stamp Duty | HK$0 |
AVD Scale 2 Rate Table (Post-Feb 2024)
| Property Value (HKD) | Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to $3,000,000 | 1.5% |
| $3,000,001 - $4,500,000 | 2.25% |
| $4,500,001 - $6,000,000 | 3% |
| $6,000,001 - $9,000,000 | 3.75% |
| $9,000,001 - $20,000,000 | 4.25% |
| Over $20,000,000 | 4.25% |
What Is Hong Kong Stamp Duty?
Hong Kong stamp duty is a property transaction tax levied by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) on the purchase or transfer of immovable property. The primary duty applicable today is Ad Valorem Stamp Duty (AVD), calculated as a percentage of the property's purchase price or market value, whichever is higher. In February 2024, the Hong Kong government removed both the Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD) and Special Stamp Duty (SSD), making the property market significantly more accessible. All rates in this calculator are sourced from ird.gov.hk. Last updated: May 2026.
AVD Scale 2 Rates Explained
AVD Scale 2 applies to all residential property transactions in Hong Kong since the removal of the tiered system in 2024. The rates are progressive, ranging from 1.5% for properties valued at up to HK$3 million, to 4.25% for properties exceeding HK$20 million. Unlike many jurisdictions that use marginal banding (where each tranche is taxed separately), Hong Kong applies the full band rate to the entire property value once a threshold is crossed. For non-residential properties, the same Scale 2 rates apply. This flat-within-band approach means small price differences near a threshold can produce a noticeable jump in duty, so buyers should pay close attention to the exact purchase price relative to each band boundary.
2024 Policy Changes: BSD and SSD Removed
Prior to 28 February 2024, non-permanent residents and companies purchasing residential property in Hong Kong were subject to a 7.5% Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD) on top of AVD. Additionally, any residential property resold within 24 months attracted a Special Stamp Duty (SSD) of 10% to 20% depending on the holding period. Both levies have been fully abolished. This landmark policy change makes Hong Kong one of the most tax-friendly property markets in Asia for foreign buyers and short-term investors. The removal was designed to stimulate transaction volumes and restore confidence in the property market after several years of declining prices.
Tips for Minimizing Stamp Duty in Hong Kong
While the removal of BSD and SSD has already significantly reduced costs, buyers can still optimize their stamp duty obligations. First-time buyers benefit from the same Scale 2 rates as all other purchasers since the 2024 changes. Consider the property price relative to band thresholds. A property priced at HK$3,050,000 attracts a 2.25% rate on the full amount rather than 1.5%, so negotiating below the threshold saves more than the price reduction alone. Joint tenancy versus tenancy in common has implications for future stamp duty liability if one owner subsequently purchases another property. Always verify whether the IRD assesses duty on the nominal consideration or the market value, especially for transactions between related parties. Stamp duty must be paid within 30 days of executing the sale and purchase agreement, and late payment attracts penalties of up to 10 times the duty amount.