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89 articles on home financing.

Regulations & Policy

Own both an HDB flat and private property in Singapore? Here's what borrowers need to know

Dual ownership of an HDB flat and private property is legal in Singapore, but only after the HDB flat's Minimum Occupation Period is fulfilled. Retaining both properties triggers 20% ABSD for citizens on the private purchase, restricts future HDB financing to bank loans only, and requires both mortgages to be counted under the 55% TDSR cap. The reverse path, buying an HDB resale flat while holding private property, requires disposal of the private property within six months of completion.

Sarah Chen·8 May 2026
Regulations & Policy

Executive condo cooling measures explained: 10-year MOP, no DPS, and what changes for first-timers

From 8 May 2026, executive condominiums in Singapore are subject to three major rule changes: the minimum occupation period doubles from five to ten years, the Deferred Payment Scheme is removed in favour of the Progressive Payment Scheme, and 90% of new EC units are reserved for first-timer households for 24 months. These changes extend the effective holding period from launch to first eligible sale to around 13 to 14 years, require buyers to qualify for the full mortgage at the point of purchase, and significantly reduce second-timer access to new EC launches. Buyers should evaluate ECs against resale private condominiums and BTO flats based on their income, CPF position, and financing capacity under the TDSR framework.

Sarah Chen·8 May 2026
Affordability & Financial Planning

HFE assessment gaps: how employment changes can cut your HDB loan and grants to zero

The HDB HFE letter assesses both your loan quantum and grant eligibility using the same 12-month income window, meaning a single employment disruption can reduce both to zero simultaneously. Part-time students with CPF-contributing work and applicants between jobs are especially vulnerable because HDB's averaging rules do not distinguish between brief and prolonged income gaps. Timing your HFE application to a period of income stability, requesting reassessment if income was misclassified, and exploring bank loans as an alternative are the main ways to manage this risk.

Sarah Chen·8 May 2026
Regulations & Policy

ABSD evasion through nominee ownership: what this $3M case means for borrowers

Using a nominee buyer to avoid Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty is illegal under the Stamp Duties Act and does not withstand scrutiny from banks or IRAS. A recent case involving a S$3 million property showed how a 1% ownership transfer to secure a mortgage exposed the entire arrangement, triggering ABSD recovery, penalties, and potential prosecution. Legitimate options for managing ABSD exposure include spousal ownership structuring or selling the first property before purchasing the next.

Sarah Chen·8 May 2026
Rate Updates

HDB resale paradox: new all-time high amid first price drop since 2019

HDB resale prices fell 0.6% in April 2026 and recorded their first quarterly decline since 2019, even as a 5-room flat at City Vue @ Henderson set a new record at S$1.728 million. These two trends are not contradictory: record prices are driven by a small cluster of premium developments in central locations, while the broader resale market is softening due to affordability constraints, a larger BTO pipeline, and higher interest rates. Buyers, sellers, and refinancers should base decisions on broader market data rather than headline record transactions.

Sarah Chen·8 May 2026
Home Buying 101

Pearl's Hill to Lakeview: Your Guide to 2026's Biggest BTO Launches

Singapore's first 60-storey HDB at Pearl's Hill and 6,900 June BTO flats across seven sites give first-time buyers more options—and more financing decisions—than ever. Here's what to know before you ballot.

Sarah Chen·23 Mar 2026
Home Buying 101

BTO vs Resale HDB 2026: Which Is the Smarter Buy?

With 19,600 new BTO flats and ~13,500 MOP units flooding the market in 2026, first-time buyers face a genuine choice—and the right pick could save S$78,000+ over the life of a loan.

Sarah Chen·22 Mar 2026
Home Buying 101

New Condo Launches in 2026: What Buyers Need to Know Before Signing

Singapore's 2026 condo launch season kicks off in March with 20+ projects. Fixed rates from ~1.4% — here's what every buyer needs to know.

Sarah Chen·1 Mar 2026
Home Buying 101

Singapore's HDB Model Faces New Challenges: What It Means for Homebuyers and Refinancers in 2026

Liu Thai Ker's passing reignites debate over Singapore's HDB model. With resale prices at record highs, 99-year leases ticking down, and SORA bottoming at 1.0–1.2%, homeowners face a critical refinancing window in Q2 2026.

Sarah Chen·7 Feb 2026
Home Buying 101

Year of the Fire Horse 2026: Auspicious Dates, Lucky Sectors, and Why This Is Your Best Mortgage Window

Fire Horse 2026 (once in 60 years!) brings bold property energy. Southeast = wealth sector, auspicious dates Feb 15 to April 18, SORA bottoms Q2 at 1.35%–1.70%. Lock in savings before the horse gallops past.

Sarah Chen·29 Jan 2026
Home Buying 101

5 Critical Things you Should Consider Before Buying a House

Buying a house in Singapore is one of life's biggest financial decisions. From affordability checks to property types, here are five critical considerations that separate a wise purchase from a costly mistake.

Sarah Chen·22 Jan 2026
Rate Updates

Rate Bottom Expected Q2 2026: Is Now the Best Time to Refinance Your Home Loan?

UOB forecasts Singapore interest rates will bottom around Q2 2026 before gradually rising, creating a narrow window for homeowners to lock in near-historic mortgage savings.

Sarah Chen·16 Jan 2026
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Cashew

We make the mortgage process simple, transparent, and tailored to your needs.

Quick Links

  • Home Valuation
  • Rent or Buy
  • Equity Term Loan
  • Home Loan Rates
  • HDB Loan Rates
  • Condo Loan Rates
  • Commercial Loan Rates
  • SORA Rates
  • Access by Cashew
  • Mortgage Eligibility Report
  • Mortgage Guide
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    • Cashew Academy
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    • Refer a Friend
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    Cashew Mortgages

    • +65 8021 7460
    • 400 Orchard Road #18-08
      Singapore 238875

    • Meet the Advisors
    • About Us
    • Careers
    • >_MCP
    • Contact Us

    © 2026 Cashew. All rights reserved.

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