Results for “First-time buyer”

23 results

Singapore Home Loans FAQ: 10 Common Questions Answered

Confused about how home loans work in Singapore? You’re not alone. In this FAQ, we answer ten of the most frequently asked questions that new homebuyers have about mortgages. From HDB vs bank loans to using CPF and understanding terms like LTV and TDSR, we’ve got you covered. Dive in to boost your mortgage knowledge and borrow with confidence.

Sarah Chen29 May 2025

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 Chen22 Jan 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 Chen22 Mar 2026

Home Buying 101

5 Common Mistakes First-Time Homebuyers Make in Singapore (And How to Avoid Them)

First-time buyers often stumble into the same pitfalls – from underestimating costs to rushing into the wrong loan. This article highlights five of the most common mistakes new homebuyers make in Singapore, and offers practical tips on how you can avoid them. Learn from others’ experiences so your own home-buying journey can be smoother and stress-free.

Sarah Chen29 May 2025

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 Chen23 Mar 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 Chen8 May 2026

Tech & Tools

Stamp duty calculator Singapore (BSD and ABSD)

This stamp duty calculator computes the total stamp duty payable when buying residential property in Singapore, combining Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD), which applies to all buyers on a progressive scale, with Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD), which varies by residency status and number of properties owned. It provides a full breakdown by marginal rate bracket so buyers can accurately budget their upfront tax costs.

Sarah Chen22 Jun 2026

Home Buying 101

Applying for a June 2026 BTO? Get the application and the financing right before you submit

The June 2026 BTO launch covers projects in Ang Mo Kio, Bishan, Berlayar, and Sembawang North, with applications closing within days of launch. Before submitting, buyers should calculate the actual monthly cash gap beyond CPF contributions, understand MSR, TDSR, and LTV limits, and choose a project whose financing is genuinely manageable. If you spot an error after submitting, email HDB directly before cancelling, as corrections can be made without forfeiting your deposit or reapplying.

Sarah Chen23 Jun 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 Chen8 May 2026

Home Buying 101

HDB vs. Condo: How to Choose Your First Home Wisely

Should you buy an HDB flat or stretch for a private condo? Choosing your first home type is a big decision that impacts your lifestyle and finances. In this article, we compare HDB and private condominiums across key factors – eligibility, cost, grants, and more – to help you decide which option is the best fit for your needs and budget.

Sarah Chen29 May 2025

Affordability & Financial Planning

How Much Home Can You Afford in Singapore? Calculating Your Home-Buying Budget

One of the first questions every hopeful homeowner should ask is: “How much home can I afford?” This article will guide you through calculating a realistic home-buying budget in Singapore. We’ll cover income and debt considerations, key lending rules like TDSR/MSR, and how to factor in your savings and CPF – so you can shop for a home with confidence that it fits your finances.

Sarah Chen29 May 2025

Affordability & Financial Planning

Saving for Your Downpayment: Using CPF and Cash to Buy a Home

The downpayment is often the biggest hurdle for homebuyers in Singapore. This article explains how much you need for a downpayment and smart ways to save for it. We’ll cover the roles of cash vs. CPF savings, strategies to build your downpayment fund faster, and tips on tapping CPF housing grants – all to help you clear the downpayment hurdle and get the keys to your new home.

Sarah Chen29 May 2025

Tech & Tools

Property affordability calculator Singapore

The property affordability calculator estimates the maximum property price you can buy in Singapore based on your income, existing debts, and savings, while applying MAS lending rules including TDSR, MSR, and LTV limits. It gives you a clear budget ceiling before you start viewing homes, so you can search with confidence and plan for upfront costs like stamp duty.

Sarah Chen22 Jun 2026

Mortgage Basics & FAQs

Fixed vs. Floating Rates: Which Mortgage is Right for You?

Should you choose a fixed or floating interest rate for your home loan? This is one of the biggest decisions for mortgage borrowers. In this article, we’ll explain how fixed and floating rate home loans work in Singapore, the pros and cons of each, and how to decide which fits your financial situation best. By the end, you’ll be equipped to make a savvy choice and potentially save thousands on interest.

Sarah Chen29 May 2025

Home Buying 101

Buying Your First Home in Singapore: A Step-by-Step Guide for a Smooth Purchase

Buying your first home can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. In this step-by-step guide, we break down the entire home-buying process in Singapore – from figuring out your budget to getting your keys – so you can navigate your first purchase with confidence and minimal stress.

Sarah Chen29 May 2025

Affordability & Financial Planning

Job worries vs. buying a BTO: the financing reality young Singaporeans should run first

Young Singaporeans worried about job security can still consider buying a BTO flat due to its below-market entry price and long construction timeline, but the decision depends on whether your income comfortably clears the Mortgage Servicing Ratio (30% of gross income) and Total Debt Servicing Ratio (55% of gross income) at loan approval. The HDB concessionary loan offers added stability through a fixed rate and no mandatory cash outlay, making it worth considering for those with income concerns. The honest case for buying is not fearlessness but having sufficient buffer, ideally six to twelve months of repayments in reserve, before committing.

Sarah Chen3 Jun 2026

Refinancing & Cost Savings

20 Years of Data Prove It: Bank Loans Beat HDB Loans

Over the last two decades, HDB’s 2.6% home loan rate has stayed rock solid, while SORA-based bank loans have floated up and down with the market. But when you crunch 20 years of data, a clear pattern emerges: despite a few short spikes, bank loans have been cheaper almost 80% of the time. A borrower with a $500,000 loan over 20 years would have saved roughly $70,000 by going with a typical SORA + 0.5% bank package instead of sticking with HDB’s fixed rate. The takeaway? Start safe with an HDB loan when buying your BTO, but once you’ve collected your keys, refinance to a bank loan and let the data work in your favour.

Sarah Chen15 Oct 2025

Affordability & Financial Planning

From a $710k DBSS flat to a $1.7M condo: the upgrade math, and the CPF trap at closing

When upgrading from an HDB flat to private property, the key financing mechanics to understand are the 25% downpayment requirement (with at least 5% in cash paid at OTP exercise), and how CPF OA funds are disbursed. CPF OA is released directly to the seller at completion through your conveyancing lawyer, so you do not need to front that portion in cash and claim it back later. Upgraders should confirm TDSR headroom, map out their cash position at both OTP and completion, and instruct their lawyer on the CPF withdrawal early to avoid delays.

Sarah Chen24 Jun 2026

Tech & Tools

Sell one, buy two calculator Singapore

The sell-one-buy-two calculator models the Singapore strategy where a couple sells their jointly owned home and each spouse buys a separate property in their sole name, allowing both purchases to qualify as first homes and avoid second-property ABSD. It calculates net sale proceeds, available cash and CPF, individual loan eligibility under TDSR, stamp duty on each new purchase, and total upfront cash required to confirm whether the strategy is feasible.

Sarah Chen22 Jun 2026

Home Buying 101

44% ROI in Serangoon: what Chiltern Park teaches buyers about picking a profitable two-bedder

Chiltern Park's two-bedders achieved a 43.92% average ROI over a decade due to four identifiable factors: a low entry price relative to fair value, location scarcity limiting new supply, a unit size with broad buyer appeal, and a modest quantum that supports liquidity. Buyers can apply this same framework to any project by assessing entry price against district comparables, surrounding land availability, unit size demand depth, and loan affordability across a full rate cycle.

Sarah Chen3 Jul 2026

Home Buying 101

Understanding your sales proceeds

Sales proceeds are what remains after deducting your outstanding home loan, CPF refunds (principal plus accrued interest back to your own account), and selling costs such as agent commission and legal fees from your selling price. The CPF refund is the most commonly overlooked deduction, as accrued interest grows over time and the amount returned goes to your CPF account rather than as cash in hand. Understanding these deductions in advance helps you accurately plan for your next property purchase or financial move.

Sarah Chen3 Jul 2026

Regulations & Policy

Decoupling Private Property in Singapore: What Still Works, and What Is Now Illegal (2026)

Decoupling, or a part sale of one co-owner's share to the other, remains legal in Singapore in 2026 and can help couples manage Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty when purchasing a second property. However, IRAS and the courts now draw a clear line between genuine transfers at market value and contrived arrangements like the 99-to-1 scheme, with enforcement including surcharges and criminal prosecution. Whether decoupling makes financial sense depends on your property equity, CPF accrued interest, the remaining owner's ability to qualify for the full mortgage under TDSR, and whether there is a genuine reason for the transfer beyond tax savings.

Sarah Chen29 May 2026

Affordability & Financial Planning

Beyond the Downpayment: Planning for the Hidden Costs of Home Buying

It’s easy to spend all your energy saving for a downpayment, but the costs of buying a home don’t end there. In this article, we shine a light on the “hidden” costs of purchasing a property in Singapore – from stamp duties and legal fees to renovations and maintenance. By planning for these expenses upfront, you’ll ensure your home purchase remains financially comfortable and free of unwelcome surprises.

Sarah Chen29 May 2025

Results for “First-time buyer”

Singapore Home Loans FAQ: 10 Common Questions Answered

5 Critical Things you Should Consider Before Buying a House

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

5 Common Mistakes First-Time Homebuyers Make in Singapore (And How to Avoid Them)

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

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

Stamp duty calculator Singapore (BSD and ABSD)

Applying for a June 2026 BTO? Get the application and the financing right before you submit

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

HDB vs. Condo: How to Choose Your First Home Wisely

How Much Home Can You Afford in Singapore? Calculating Your Home-Buying Budget

Saving for Your Downpayment: Using CPF and Cash to Buy a Home

Property affordability calculator Singapore

Fixed vs. Floating Rates: Which Mortgage is Right for You?

Buying Your First Home in Singapore: A Step-by-Step Guide for a Smooth Purchase

Job worries vs. buying a BTO: the financing reality young Singaporeans should run first

20 Years of Data Prove It: Bank Loans Beat HDB Loans

From a $710k DBSS flat to a $1.7M condo: the upgrade math, and the CPF trap at closing

Sell one, buy two calculator Singapore

44% ROI in Serangoon: what Chiltern Park teaches buyers about picking a profitable two-bedder

Understanding your sales proceeds

Decoupling Private Property in Singapore: What Still Works, and What Is Now Illegal (2026)

Beyond the Downpayment: Planning for the Hidden Costs of Home Buying

Tools & Resources

Cashew Mortgages