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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Refinancing & Cost Savings

HDB's 2026 MOP wave: what the supply surge means for your refinancing and upgrade plans

A large wave of HDB flats reaching their Minimum Occupation Period in 2026, combined with the government exceeding its BTO supply targets, is creating a buyer-friendly resale market with softening prices. For buyers, this means more negotiating room and lower loan requirements. For upgraders and refinancers, it requires careful timing and a fresh look at current valuations before assuming previous numbers still apply.

Sarah Chen8 May 2026

Refinancing & Cost Savings

Refinancing Your Home Loan: When Does It Make Sense?

Interest rates and personal finances change over time – so the home loan you started with might not remain the best deal. In this article, we’ll explore when and why refinancing your home loan makes sense in Singapore. Learn the key scenarios where you should consider refinancing, such as when interest rates drop or when your lock-in ends, and how to evaluate the potential savings. Armed with this knowledge, you can save money and pay off your home loan sooner.

Sarah Chen29 May 2025

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 Chen29 Jan 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

Tech & Tools

Cashew’s Mortgage Affordability Calculator: Plan Your Home-Buying Budget Like a Pro

Not sure how much you can afford to spend on a home? Cashew’s Mortgage Affordability Calculator takes the guesswork out. In this article, we showcase our easy-to-use affordability tool that crunches the numbers for you – factoring in your income, debts, interest rates, and Singapore’s lending rules – to give you a clear budget range for your property hunt. Learn how this calculator works, why it’s tailored for Singapore homebuyers, and how to use it to plan your purchase like a pro.

Sarah Chen29 May 2025

Home Buying 101

Condo rents hit record highs, HDB resale volumes rebound: what a bifurcated market means for buyers

As of mid-2026, Singapore's property market is moving in two directions: condo rents have hit record highs while HDB resale prices have eased slightly even as transaction volumes recover. This bifurcation creates a more favourable window for prospective HDB buyers compared to 2022 and 2023, while also prompting existing owners to review whether their current loan package remains competitive. Buyers and refinancers should focus on segment-specific data and run affordability calculations against current rates rather than relying on headline market sentiment.

Sarah Chen12 May 2026

Tech & Tools

Streamlining Your Home Loan: How Cashew’s Tech Saves You Time and Money

Getting a mortgage doesn’t have to be tedious. Cashew leverages technology to simplify and enhance every step of the home loan process. In this article, we explore how Cashew’s digital platform – from quick loan comparisons and paperless applications to smart tracking and partner integrations – saves you time and money on your mortgage journey. Discover the high-tech, hassle-free way Cashew connects you to the best home loans, making traditional bank-hopping a thing of the past.

Sarah Chen29 May 2025

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

HDB's 2026 MOP wave: what the supply surge means for your refinancing and upgrade plans

Refinancing Your Home Loan: When Does It Make Sense?

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

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

Cashew’s Mortgage Affordability Calculator: Plan Your Home-Buying Budget Like a Pro

Condo rents hit record highs, HDB resale volumes rebound: what a bifurcated market means for buyers

Streamlining Your Home Loan: How Cashew’s Tech Saves You Time and Money

Cashew Mortgages