Property tax is something we have to pay when we own any property. The owner-occupied property incurs less tax than one that is not owner-occupied.  Let's you own Property A, for which IRAS has assessed the Annual Value at $18,000, then:   If it is owner-occupied, the first $8,000 is tax-free. The next $10,000 @ 4% will incur $400.   But if it is non owner-occupied, then the tax is $18,000 @ 10% = $1,800. And if also own Property B, for which the Annual Value is $24,000, then: If it is owner-occupied, the first $8,000 is tax-free. The next $16,000 @ 4% will incur $640. But if it is non owner-occupied, then the tax is $24,000 @ 10% = $2,400. Clearly, it makes sense to be paying property tax on Property B (which has a higher Annual Value) as owner-occupied, and Property A as non owner-occupied. ...