{"id":20678,"date":"2026-10-31T13:59:26","date_gmt":"2026-10-31T02:59:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chuatan.com.au\/gift-melbourne-property-to-children-singapore-parents\/"},"modified":"2026-10-31T13:59:26","modified_gmt":"2026-10-31T02:59:26","slug":"gift-melbourne-property-to-children-singapore-parents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chuatan.com.au\/en\/gift-melbourne-property-to-children-singapore-parents\/","title":{"rendered":"Giving Your Melbourne Property to Your Children While You Are Alive: What Singaporean Parents Should Check"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

“Why wait? We may as well put the flat in our son’s name now.”<\/p>\n

Many Singaporean parents tell us this. The property was often bought for the child in the first place, and the child now lives in Melbourne. A lifetime transfer can feel simpler than probate later.<\/p>\n

Sometimes it is the right decision. But a transfer of Australian property is a legal and tax event, and once it is done it is hard to undo. Here is what to check first.<\/p>\n

1. Stamp duty may be payable, even on a gift<\/h2>\n

In Victoria, a transfer of land is generally subject to land transfer duty<\/strong>, even if no money changes hands. For a gift, duty is usually assessed on the property’s market value<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

If your child is a foreign person<\/strong> for Victorian duty purposes (for example, a Singapore citizen who is not an Australian citizen or permanent resident), foreign purchaser additional duty<\/strong> of 8% may also apply.<\/p>\n

2. Capital gains tax for you, the parent<\/h2>\n

For tax purposes, giving a property away is usually treated as if you sold it at market value<\/strong>. If the property has risen in value since you bought it, you may have a capital gains tax<\/strong> liability in Australia, even though you received nothing.<\/p>\n

As a foreign resident, you generally cannot claim the main residence exemption. Foreign resident withholding rules may also need to be considered. Tax advice is essential before you sign anything.<\/p>\n

3. Is your child allowed to own it?<\/h2>\n

If your child is an Australian citizen or permanent resident<\/strong>, foreign investment approval is usually not needed. If your child is a temporary visa holder or a foreign person<\/strong>, foreign investment rules apply, and the current ban on foreign persons acquiring established homes (until 30 June 2029) may prevent the transfer.<\/p>\n

4. The mortgage<\/h2>\n

If the property has a loan, the lender must agree to any transfer. Your child may need to refinance in their own name.<\/p>\n

5. Protecting yourself<\/h2>\n

Once the property is in your child’s name, it belongs to your child<\/strong>. It may be affected by:<\/p>\n