Course

[26 Jun 25] Real Estate and Taxation in Singapore 2025

OVERVIEW    

As the tax landscape in Singapore evolves and becomes more intricate, it is crucial for real estate developers to stay abreast of the latest developments in taxation. The course is designed to explore the complexities of property development taxation, covering various aspects of income tax, stamp duty and property tax. This session will equip property developers with the knowledge and tool to navigate the often challenging tax environment and effectively manage the tax risks faced by real estate developers. 

Participants of the session will also be given the book “Real Estate and Taxation in Singapore” (World Scientific, 2022) as part of the course materials. An all-in-one reference book, it provides a multi-disciplinary approach to the subject for Singapore real estate and tax aficionados.

TOPICS COVERED

• Overview of key tax legislation and recent changes affecting property development, covering income tax, stamp duty and property tax.
• Recent changes in Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) rules for housing developers
• Treatment of interest expenses incurred by real estate developers
• Single project concessions for real estate developers
• Tax implications when property developers change intention (from trading to investment or vice versa) with respect to their real estate holdings
• Timing of recognition of the Singapore Academy of Law stakeholding money
•  Section 13W safe harbour rule in respect of gains from disposal of shares in property-owning companies
• Case studies and expert insights on managing tax risks faced by real estate developers

  LEARNING OUTCOMES 

• Understand the latest tax changes applicable to real estate developers in Singapore
• Navigate Singapore tax considerations in Singapore real estate acquisition, development and disposal transaction
• Implement appropriate tax strategies for Singapore property development and investment, as well as fulfilling ompliance and reporting requirements

TARGET AUDIENCES

• Finance directors handling property investment decisions and tax planning
•  Tax personnel handlin property tax compliance and optimization
•  Development/Project Managers
• Asset/Investment Managers
•  Treasury Managers

CPD POINTS

2 PDUs (PEB)

KNOWLEDGE PARTNERS

Mr Leung Yew Kwong, Principal Advisor, Property Tax & Dispute Resolution, KPMG Singapore

Leung Yew Kwong serves as Principal Tax Advisor at KPMG Singapore with over 45 years of tax law experience. His 28-year tenure at the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) culminated in the concurrent roles as Chief Legal Officer, Chief Assessor, Deputy Comptroller of Property Tax, and Chief Valuer.

After leaving IRAS in 2004, he practiced as a tax lawyer for 8 years before joining KPMG in 2012. He has successfully represented clients in numerous tax cases before courts and Review Boards, with notable Court of Appeal victories including ZF v Comptroller of Income Tax (the case concerning workers’ dormitories qualifying as plant), ACC v Comptroller of Income Tax (the case concerning withholding tax on interest rate swap payments), and many others.

Yew Kwong has authored numerous publications on stamp duty, property tax, income tax and revenue law. He currently serves on the Panel of Assessors for the Land Acquisition (Appeals Board).

Mr See Wei Hwa, Partner, Tax, KPMG in Singapore

Wei Hwa is a Tax Partner of KPMG in Singapore with more than 15 years of tax advisory and compliance experience in managing the entire spectrum of international and domestic tax issues. He is an accredited tax advisor and chartered accountant who holds a Master of Laws. Wei Hwa specialises in formulating, developing and implementing tax strategies with a view towards achieving business objectives of his clients. This includes designing and implementing tax efficient solutions in relation to holding, financing, transaction and pricing structures, as well as developing practical tax solutions pertaining to intellectual property planning, value chain management, internal restructuring and mergers & acquisitions.

 Wei Hwa has extensive experience in advising clients on all major aspects of Singapore income tax, goods and service tax, stamp duty and property tax. He specialises in resolving tax controversy and disputes with the tax authority, and has also successfully assisted various clients in applying for tax rulings and incentives, managing withholding tax risks as well as resolving tax audits.

As an international tax practitioner, Wei Hwa has been significantly involved in cross-border transactions, including advising on permanent establishment risk, withholding tax exposure, digital economy taxation, BEPS development as well as tax treaty interpretation and application.

Wei Hwa has written and published various articles and books pertaining to domestic and international taxation, covering topics such income tax, stamp duty, property tax, tax treaty, tax avoidance, base erosion and profit shifting.  This includes the books “Real Estate and Taxation in Singapore” and Property Tax in Singapore (Third Edition)”.

Terms & Conditions

Request for withdrawal must be made in writing. We encourage particpants to nominate a replacement for the session. Refund requests are subject to approval on the following conditions: 

• Requests sent in at least 2 weeks before commencement: 50% of course fee refunded.
• Requests sent in less than 2 weeks before commencement: No refund, full course fee payable.

Ticket Information