Results for “HDB loan”

28 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

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

Refinancing & Cost Savings

Chris Chong (HoneyMoneySG) Saved S$6,000 Refinancing His HDB Loan: Here's How

Financial blogger Chris Chong (HoneyMoneySG) successfully reduced his mortgage interest rate from 2.6% (HDB loan) to a 1.8% fixed bank loan, leading to a net savings of approximately S$6,000 over three years. If you are an HDB homeowner, you could be overpaying: check the best available rates on Cashew or contact a Cashew advisor today to see how much you could potentially save.

Sarah Chen10 Nov 2025

Refinancing & Cost Savings

The HDB loan isn't always the safe choice, especially if you're selling soon

The HDB concessionary loan offers stability and flexibility, but if you plan to sell within a few years, a fixed bank loan at a lower rate can result in significant interest savings. The key is securing a package with a sale waiver clause that removes early redemption penalties when you sell, otherwise the penalty can wipe out those savings. Choose the HDB loan if your timeline is uncertain, and consider a bank loan only if you have a firm exit plan and the right package conditions.

Sarah Chen14 Jun 2026

Refinancing & Cost Savings

When Does Refinancing an HDB Loan Make Sense? A Data-Driven Guide with Kevin Learns Investing

Mortgage rates in Singapore are at historic lows, making refinancing from an HDB loan to a bank loan tempting. But the switch is permanent and involves trade-offs. Understand when refinancing makes sense and when to stay put.

Sarah Chen6 Jan 2026

Mortgage Basics & FAQs

Why Paying 2.6% on Your HDB Loan No Longer Makes Sense

With HDB concessionary loans fixed at 2.6% and banks now offering rates as low as 1.60%, many homeowners are paying more than they need to on their mortgages. By refinancing, a typical homeowner with a $500,000 loan could save around $6,000 in just two years — with most banks even subsidising legal and valuation fees for loans above $250,000. The process takes about 6–8 weeks and, while you can’t revert back to an HDB loan once you switch, refinancing is an attractive option for those looking to sell in the near future or pay down their mortgage faster. Cashew makes the process simple by comparing over 500 live packages across all major banks and guiding you to secure the best rate with confidence.

Sarah Chen23 Sept 2025

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 Chen8 May 2026

Affordability & Financial Planning

Debt-free BTO or keep investing: how to think through the trade-off

When collecting BTO keys, the choice between paying off your mortgage entirely and keeping capital invested depends on your liquidity buffer, the return differential between your mortgage rate and expected investment returns, and how much financial flexibility you need for upcoming commitments. Carrying a low-rate mortgage while investing in equities has a strong expected-value case, but sequence risk, CPF OA guaranteed returns, and personal risk tolerance all affect the right balance. There is no universal answer, but stress-testing both scenarios with your actual numbers before committing is essential.

Sarah Chen11 May 2026

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

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

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

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

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 Chen8 May 2026

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

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

Home Buying 101

Nearly 15,000 BTO flats and no SBF after October: how to weigh new versus resale

HDB is launching nearly 15,000 BTO flats across June and October 2026, with no Sale of Balance Flats exercise to follow. Buyers must choose between applying for a new flat or entering the resale market, with key financing differences including progressive loan drawdown for BTO versus immediate full financing for resale, plus clawback rates and longer MOPs for Prime and Plus flats. The right choice depends on how long you can wait and how much future flexibility you are willing to trade for a lower purchase price today.

Sarah Chen19 Jun 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

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

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 Chen16 Jan 2026

Refinancing & Cost Savings

Refinancing vs. Repricing: How to Save on Your Mortgage

When your home loan’s interest rate is no longer competitive, you have two main options – refinance with a different bank, or reprice with your existing bank. What’s the difference, and which will save you more? In this article, we break down refinancing vs. repricing, comparing the pros, cons, and cost savings of each. By understanding these two routes, you can choose the best strategy to reduce your mortgage interest and keep more money in your pocket.

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

Tech & Tools

Meet Cashew’s AI Mortgage Assistant: Instant 24/7 Answers for Homebuyers

Got a burning question about home loans or buying a house at 10pm? Cashew’s AI Mortgage Assistant has you covered. In this article, we introduce you to Cashew’s AI-powered mortgage chatbot – your round-the-clock guide for home financing queries. Discover how this friendly assistant can help you understand complex jargon, compare loan options, and get personalized insights anytime, anywhere. It’s like having a mortgage expert on call 24/7, courtesy of Cashew’s tech innovations.

Sarah Chen29 May 2025

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

Affordability & Financial Planning

A $900k Queenstown flat shows exactly why resale buyers need so much cash

When buying a high-priced resale HDB flat like the $900,000 Queenstown unit, buyers face significant cash requirements beyond what can be financed. The loan is capped at 75% of HDB's assessed valuation, not the agreed price, meaning any gap between the two must be paid entirely in cash as Cash Over Valuation (COV). Budgeting for a realistic COV before making an offer is critical, as the valuation is only revealed after committing to a price.

Sarah Chen30 May 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 Chen7 Feb 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 Chen22 Jan 2026

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

Home Buying 101

The $14k BTO ceiling hasn't moved since 2019. Here's who gets pushed to resale

The BTO income ceiling of S$14,000 has been frozen since 2019, but rising salaries mean more households now exceed it without feeling financially comfortable in the resale market they are redirected to. Households earning above S$14,000 lose access to BTO subsidies, and those above S$16,000 are excluded from ECs too, leaving resale HDB or private property as their only options. Resale purchases require more upfront cash, larger loans, and tighter TDSR buffers, so understanding which side of the income lines you fall on is essential before committing to a flat.

Sarah Chen14 Jun 2026

Results for “HDB loan”

Singapore Home Loans FAQ: 10 Common Questions Answered

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

Chris Chong (HoneyMoneySG) Saved S$6,000 Refinancing His HDB Loan: Here's How

The HDB loan isn't always the safe choice, especially if you're selling soon

When Does Refinancing an HDB Loan Make Sense? A Data-Driven Guide with Kevin Learns Investing

Why Paying 2.6% on Your HDB Loan No Longer Makes Sense

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

Debt-free BTO or keep investing: how to think through the trade-off

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nearly 15,000 BTO flats and no SBF after October: how to weigh new versus resale

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

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

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

Refinancing vs. Repricing: How to Save on Your Mortgage

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

Meet Cashew’s AI Mortgage Assistant: Instant 24/7 Answers for Homebuyers

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

A $900k Queenstown flat shows exactly why resale buyers need so much cash

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

5 Critical Things you Should Consider Before Buying a House

Property affordability calculator Singapore

The $14k BTO ceiling hasn't moved since 2019. Here's who gets pushed to resale

Tools & Resources

Cashew Mortgages