Results for “Refinancing”

28 results

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

Refinancing & Cost Savings

Refinancing vs Repricing: What Should You Do With Your Home Loan?

When your lock-in period ends, refinancing to a new bank often secures a lower rate than repricing with your current bank, since banks reserve their best offers for new customers. Always get a refinance quote first to use as a benchmark, then choose whichever option genuinely saves you more. If you plan to sell soon, prioritise packages with a sale waiver and a short or no lock-in period, not just the lowest rate.

Sarah Chen9 Jun 2026

Refinancing & Cost Savings

Step-by-Step Guide to Refinancing Your Home Loan

Refinancing your mortgage might sound complicated, but it’s simpler than you think – especially with the right guidance. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the entire refinancing process in Singapore. From reviewing your current loan and comparing offers, to applying and completing the legal work, you’ll see that refinancing is a straightforward way to save money. Follow these steps to confidently navigate your home loan refinance and snag a better deal.

Sarah Chen29 May 2025

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

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

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

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

Still on a 3.5% loan? The 2026 refinancing math, and how to sequence it

If you locked in a mortgage during the 2022 to 2024 rate spike, you are likely still paying 3.5% or more, while current fixed rates sit around 1.4% to 1.6%, making refinancing the highest-impact financial move available to most Singapore homeowners. To capture the saving without penalties, start the process four months before your lock-in ends, confirm you pass the TDSR stress test at 4.0%, and compare packages across multiple banks before committing.

Sarah Chen3 Aug 2026

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

Affordability & Financial Planning

Real wages up 4%, inflation at 1.4%: what it means for your mortgage and refinancing timing

Real wages grew 4% in 2025 while core inflation eased to 1.4%, temporarily expanding borrowing headroom under TDSR and MSR rules for Singapore homebuyers and refinancers. However, the improvement is driven by falling inflation rather than stronger pay, and an expected Q3 inflation spike from July energy tariffs could reverse this advantage. Acting on mortgage or refinancing decisions sooner rather than later may be prudent while the affordability conditions still hold.

Sarah Chen29 May 2026

Home Buying 101

Your mortgage journey with Cashew: from first inquiry to loan disbursement

This article walks through the complete mortgage journey with Cashew, from your first inquiry through loan disbursement. Whether you are buying a new property or refinancing, a Cashew advisor handles each stage on your behalf, including eligibility checks, IPA applications, loan shortlisting, document submission, and coordination with law firms and banks. The process is designed to remove the guesswork and give you a clear picture of what to expect at every step.

Sarah Chen29 May 2026

Affordability & Financial Planning

Can you afford it, and can you refinance it? Two ends of the Singapore mortgage journey

Whether you can afford a mortgage and whether you can manage it later in life are two sides of the same question. For upgraders, TDSR and age-related LTV rules shape what you can borrow, but the real risk lies in exit assumptions like sale timing and the HDB wait-out period. For retirees, refinancing with a new lender is difficult without income, but repricing with your existing bank typically does not require fresh income documentation, keeping your options open.

Sarah Chen7 Jul 2026

Rate Updates

MAS tightened in April: what that means for your mortgage decision now

MAS tightened monetary policy in April 2026 for the first time in roughly three years, steepening the S$NEER appreciation slope and raising its 2026 inflation forecast to 1.5-2.5%. While this does not directly move SORA, it signals that rate risks are weighted to the upside, making fixed-rate mortgage packages more attractive relative to floating options than they were six months ago. Borrowers with expiring lock-in periods should treat this as an active decision point rather than waiting for further data.

Sarah Chen28 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 Chen8 May 2026

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

Refinancing & Cost Savings

From lock-in tracking to rate negotiation: what active borrowers do differently

Active mortgage borrowers in Singapore protect themselves by tracking their lock-in expiry date, running a break-even calculation before refinancing, and collecting term sheets from multiple banks before accepting any offer. Borrowers who skip these steps often roll onto higher reversion rates unnoticed or accept packages without knowing whether a better rate was available. The difference between paying more and paying less is not financial expertise but a small number of deliberate actions taken at the right time.

Sarah Chen21 May 2026

Mortgage Basics & FAQs

How to Choose the Best Home Loan in Singapore (Step-by-Step)

With so many banks and loan packages available, how do you choose the best home loan for your needs? This step-by-step guide walks you through the process of selecting a home loan in Singapore. We’ll cover comparing interest rates, understanding loan features (like lock-in and refinancing options), considering customer service, and leveraging tools that make mortgage shopping easier. By following these steps, you’ll feel confident that you’ve found the home loan that truly suits you best.

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

Rate Updates

Slower growth, stickier inflation: what the June MAS survey signals for your mortgage

The MAS June 2026 survey trimmed GDP growth forecasts and raised inflation expectations, with most forecasters expecting no policy change at the July review. This combination suggests SGD interest rates, including SORA, are more likely to plateau than fall further. Borrowers weighing fixed versus floating packages or considering refinancing should factor in a reduced probability of meaningful rate cuts by year-end.

Sarah Chen19 Jun 2026

Rate Updates

Singapore's $10b Q1 property surge: what it means for borrowers as inflation rises

Singapore recorded S$10.03 billion in property investment in Q1 2026, a 179% year-on-year surge in commercial real estate that signals broad market confidence. However, rising core inflation is putting upward pressure on borrowing costs, meaning a strong property market does not automatically translate into affordable mortgage conditions. Borrowers should closely monitor inflation data, MAS policy statements, and SORA movements when making refinancing or new purchase decisions.

Sarah Chen13 May 2026

Refinancing & Cost Savings

Reprice, refinance, or wait? A breakeven test for 2026 borrowers

The right choice between repricing, refinancing, or waiting depends on the gap between your contracted rate and current market rates, whether a lock-in or clawback penalty is still active, and how large your outstanding loan balance is. Repricing with your existing bank is cheap and fast but usually offers a smaller rate cut, refinancing to a new bank unlocks the biggest savings but involves upfront costs and notice periods, and waiting makes sense only when penalties outweigh the potential savings. Borrowers who locked in near the end-2023 rate peak and are past their lock-in period stand to benefit the most from switching now.

Sarah Chen18 Aug 2026

Mortgage Basics & FAQs

Property valuation reports: what they actually decide

A property valuation report is a certified, date-specific estimate of market value prepared by a licensed valuer, and it is this figure, not the agreed price, that banks, HDB and CPF use to set loan-to-value limits, CPF usage caps and cash requirements. Because loans are based on the lower of price or valuation, any amount paid above the valuation must be covered entirely in cash, making the report the decisive number in financing, refinancing, and asset division cases.

Sarah Chen21 Sept 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

Mortgage Basics & FAQs

Why More Homeowners Are Choosing Cashew

What if getting a home loan in Singapore didn’t mean phone calls, paperwork, and rate confusion? With Cashew, you can compare over 500 loans, apply online with Best Rate Guarantee. It’s everything the mortgage experience should be — fast, transparent, and fully digital.

Sarah Chen2 Sept 2025

Mortgage Basics & FAQs

Are You Overpaying on Your Singapore Home Loan? Here’s How to Find Out

Many Singaporeans are still paying over 3% on their home loans, even though today’s best mortgage rates are around 1.7%–2.0%. That difference could cost you tens of thousands over just a few years. Learn how refinancing works in Singapore, what lock-in periods really mean, and how platforms like Cashew help you compare 500+ bank packages instantly — without the paperwork or hassle.

Sarah Chen20 Aug 2025

Advisor Hub

How to Read a Mortgage Factsheet in ACCESS by Cashew

Every mortgage package on ACCESS comes with a one-page factsheet. Once you know how to read it, you can compare any two packages from any bank in seconds. Here's your complete guide.

Sarah Chen1 Jan 1970

Affordability & Financial Planning

Why the mean-versus-median wealth gap is really a mortgage story

Singapore's large mean-versus-median wealth gap reflects that most households hold concentrated balance sheets built around an HDB flat, CPF savings, and a mortgage. Because the mortgage is the one major liability a household can actively manage, reviewing and optimising it at every lock-in expiry is one of the most direct ways a typical family can improve its net worth. Getting the mortgage rate down first is low-risk and actionable before considering other uses for surplus cash.

Sarah Chen8 Jul 2026

Results for “Refinancing”

Refinancing Your Home Loan: When Does It Make Sense?

Refinancing vs Repricing: What Should You Do With Your Home Loan?

Step-by-Step Guide to Refinancing Your Home Loan

Refinancing vs. Repricing: How to Save on Your Mortgage

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

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

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

Still on a 3.5% loan? The 2026 refinancing math, and how to sequence it

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

Real wages up 4%, inflation at 1.4%: what it means for your mortgage and refinancing timing

Your mortgage journey with Cashew: from first inquiry to loan disbursement

Can you afford it, and can you refinance it? Two ends of the Singapore mortgage journey

MAS tightened in April: what that means for your mortgage decision now

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

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

From lock-in tracking to rate negotiation: what active borrowers do differently

How to Choose the Best Home Loan in Singapore (Step-by-Step)

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

Slower growth, stickier inflation: what the June MAS survey signals for your mortgage

Singapore's $10b Q1 property surge: what it means for borrowers as inflation rises

Reprice, refinance, or wait? A breakeven test for 2026 borrowers

Property valuation reports: what they actually decide

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

Why More Homeowners Are Choosing Cashew

Are You Overpaying on Your Singapore Home Loan? Here’s How to Find Out

How to Read a Mortgage Factsheet in ACCESS by Cashew

Why the mean-versus-median wealth gap is really a mortgage story

Tools & Resources

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