Stamp Duty Rates

On Sale or Transfer of Immovable Property in Hong Kong

Ad valorem stamp duty (AVD) is computed at the applicable rate on the consideration or value of the property (whichever is the higher). With effect from 23 February 2013, AVD rates are divided into Scale 1 rates and Scale 2 rates. Scale 1 rates are further divided into Part 1 and Part 2 from 5 November 2016.

Any instrument executed on or after 26 November 2020 for the sale and purchase or transfer of non-residential property will be subject to AVD at the rates under Scale 2.

Unless specifically exempted or otherwise provided, the rate of AVD under Part 1 of Scale 1 is applicable to instruments of residential property executed on or after 5 November 2016.

The rates at Scale 1 are as follows:

Part 1 of Scale 1 

1. Applicable to instruments of residential property executed between 5 November 2016 and 24 October 2023: A flat rate of 15%
2. Applicable to instruments of residential property executed between 25 October 2023 and 27 February 2024: A flat rate of 7.5%
3. Applicable to instruments of residential property executed on or after 28 February 2024: Rates same as those of Scale 2

Part 2 of Scale 1 rates (Applicable to instruments of residential property executed between 23 February 2013 and 4 November 2016 and instruments of non-residential property executed between 23 February 2013 and 25 November 2020) are as follows:

(Where the stamp duty calculated includes a fraction of $1, round-up the duty to the nearest $1.)

You can refer to the Q&A and examples of calculating AVD on the following links.

You can refer to the current stamp duty rates table for immovable property, lease and stock in Hong Kong on the following link.

Stamp duty rates table

With effect from 26 February 2025, the rates of Scale 2 are as follows:

(Where the stamp duty calculated includes a fraction of $1, round-up the duty to the nearest $1.)

With effect from 1 April 1999, the exact amount or value of the consideration will be used to compute the stamp duty for property transfers. That is, round-up of the value or consideration to the nearest $100 is no more required. 

With effect from 31 January 1992, stamp duty at the same rates as conveyances of immovable property is chargeable on agreements for the sale and purchase of residential property. After the agreement has been so stamped, the related conveyance will be chargeable with a fixed stamp duty of $100 only.

Find out the duty rates from 1 April 1988 to 25 February 2025 on the following link.

With effect from 20 November 2010, any residential property acquired on or after 20 November 2010, either by an individual or a company (regardless of where it is incorporated), and resold within 24 months (the property was acquired on or after 20 November 2010 and before 27 October 2012, or was acquired on or after 26 October 2021 and was disposed of on or after 25 October 2023 but before 28 February 2024) or 36 months (the property was acquired on or after 27 October 2012 and was disposed of before 25 October 2023), will be subject to a Special Stamp Duty (SSD).

SSD is calculated by reference to the stated consideration or the market value of the property (whichever is the higher), at the following rates for different holding periods of the property by the seller or transferor before disposal -

Unless specifically exempted, Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD) is payable on an agreement for sale or a conveyance on sale executed on or after 27 October 2012 but before 28 February 2024 for the acquisition of any residential property. BSD is charged at 7.5% (applicable to instruments executed between 25 October 2023 and 27 February 2024) or 15% (applicable to instruments executed between 27 October 2012 and 24 October 2023) on the stated consideration or the market value of the property (whichever is the higher).

You can refer to the Q&A and examples of calculating SSD and BSD on the following links.

On Lease of Immovable Property in Hong Kong

Stamp duty is calculated at rates which vary with the term of the lease as follows:

(Where the stamp duty calculated includes a fraction of $1, round-up the duty to the nearest $1.)

Note 1: The yearly rent/average yearly rent/total rent has to be rounded-up to the nearest $100.

Please note that any deposit which may be mentioned in the lease will not be taken into account in assessing the stamp duty.

On Transfer of Hong Kong Stock

With effect from 17 November 2023, stamp duty on sale or purchase of any Hong Kong stock is charged at rate which vary with the amount or value of the consideration as follows:

(Where the stamp duty calculated includes a fraction of $1, round-up the duty to the nearest $1.)

Find out the duty rates from 1 April 1993 to 16 November 2023 on the following link.