Best Home Loans for HDB Flats 2024

With the hike in interest rates for property loans in Singapore, some homeowners might want to consider refinancing their mortgage loans to fight against the increase. You can check out PropertyGuru's SmartRefi tool today to find out how much you can save from refinancing your mortgage loan:

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Best Bank Housing Loans for HDB Properties

Public housing in Singapore has kept homeownership attainable for a higher proportion of residents compared to other major cities around the world. Especially for first-time buyers, HDB flats are a reliable, affordable and quick way to have your own house. However, most HDB flats typically cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, making home financing a necessity for most households. In this guide, we outline the best housing loan options for those interested in purchasing an HDB property.

Best Fixed Rate Home Mortgage Loans for HDB Flats

Our analysis found that the following banks currently offer the best fixed rate home loans for the purchase of resale HDB flats. These lenders typically charge interest rates that are 15-20% cheaper than the average fixed rate housing loan. Obtaining a loan with a competitive rate can translate to savings of up to approximately S$30,000 over the course of a loan tenure, compared to the average rate. Please note that the calculations in our table below assume a S$500,000, 25-year fixed rate loan.

These mortgages tend to charge fixed interest rates for 1 to 5 years. Afterwards, the interest rates become "floating", meaning that they can change frequently based on market interest rates. Therefore, fixed rate housing loans are ideal for those that prefer to know exactly what their loan will cost over the next few years. This is especially attractive when interest rates are expected to rise in the next few years. When comparing housing loans, it is also important to consider the total interest cost, monthly payment burden and the length of the lock-in period. The total interest cost represents the total cost of borrowing, while the monthly payment amount is important as it is the on-going cost that homeowners are required to pay. Finally, the lock-in period is the amount of time borrowers are typically restricted from refinancing their housing loan.

Best Floating Rate Home Loans for HDB Flats

On the other hand, floating rate mortgages are never fixed and change continuously based on reference rates. The following lenders charge the most competitive floating rates. These rates usually about 20-30% cheaper than the market average and can save homeowners up to S$30,000 over the course of their mortgage. Again, please be aware that our calculations below assume a 25-year, S$500,000 loan, this time with a floating interest rate. To get the best floating rate housing loan connect with our mortgage broker partner using the table below.

Floating interest rates, which typically follow the Singapore Overnight Rate Average (SORA), are typically lower than fixed interest rates and can offer prospective homeowners a chance to save money. However, because housing loan rates can change frequently, fixed rate loans can be attractive for those that prefer to have a set rate and monthly payment for several years.

Best Home Loans for Build-to-Order (BTO) Flats

Purchasing a Build-to-Order flat (BTO) gives individuals the chance to live in a brand new flat. There are several home loans on the market specifically designed to help you obtain your BTO flat.

The table below lists the rates of the best housing loans for properties currently under construction. These lenders typically charge interest rates that are 10-20% cheaper than the market average, which can save borrowers up to S$40,000 - S$50,000 over the course of their loan. Find the best home loan for your new flat by connecting with our home mortgage broker partner by clicking on "check rates".

Additionally, some mortgages for property under construction do not have lock-in periods, making it easier to refinance at a lower interest rate as soon as the property is complete. This is worth keeping in mind, as loans for BTO units sometimes charge higher interest rates following the first few years of the loan.

Best Home Loan Refinancing for HDB Flats

Home loan refinancing is a great option for many homeowners in Singapore, as it can help you save on your monthly mortgage payments. This is because lenders offer competitive refinancing rates in order to attract new customers. Since rates change frequently, it is common for borrowers to refinance every few years. Many will find that refinancing offers are cheaper than their existing housing loan rates, which can result in significant savings.

In the table above, we list the best housing loan refinancing options currently available according to interest rate and monthly installment. We estimate that a borrower with a S$250,000 refinancing loan for a 15-year tenor could save approximately S$35,000 compared to one of the more expensive home loans. Click on "Check Rates"to connect to our mortgage broker partner and receive a free consultation.

Mortgage Loan Calculator

The best way to ensure that you find an affordable loan is to compare the best rates currently available and project out your total cost of borrowing. To allow prospective borrowers an easy way to calculate the cost of a housing loan, we've created a completely free home loan tool. This calculator uses the most up-to-date home loan interest rates and allows users to compare features of each mortgage loan available in Singapore.

How to Find the Best HDB Bank Loan

Obtaining an affordable home loan can be a complex process. First, rates are constantly changing, making it crucial to monitor the best loan rates available. Additionally, loans vary by rate structure and lock-in period duration. Finally, the application process requires you to submit up to 20 documents. Thus, we suggest working with a home loan broker to ensure a more seamless process. To aid with the research, our site provides up-to-date rates and detailed guides to help you choose the best option for you.

Comparing Home Loan Costs

An affordable home loan has a competitive interest rate, as interest rates have the most significance on the total cost of borrowing. We recommend that prospective borrowers compare interest rates for the first few years of a housing loan rather than just the current offer. This is since most lenders offer promotional introductory rates before raising them after a few years. Furthermore, it is essential to understand the monthly payment required by each loan. If you are looking for lower monthly installments, consider a long-term loan as the maximum tenor ranges from 30-35 years. Be wary, however, as this means you will end up paying more over the course of the loan than for a short-term loan.

Mortgage Lock-In Periods & Refinancing Costs

When comparing loans, it is important to consider the lock-in period. This is the period in which homeowners are unable to refinance their loans. A shorter lock-in period can be advantageous to those that might want to refinance soon their loan begins.

While refinancing is a great option, it is also important to understand its costs. For example, legal fees, valuation fees and fire insurance premiums, can diminish the potential savings from refinancing. Take for example, S$500,000 housing loan. Borrowers can save about S$1,400 annually by switching from an interest rate of 3% to 2.5%. However, legal and valuation fees can reduce these savings by about S$2,500 and S$1,000 respectively. The list below outlines typical fees.

Mortgage Interest Rate Structure: Fixed vs. Floating

Choosing between a fixed and floating interest rate can be a very difficult decision. Depending on interest rate trends, each option has advantages and disadvantages. A simplified way of approaching this problem is to consider how interest rates will change in the next 2-5 years (a longer perspective is less relevant as you can always refinance).

If Rates are Declining or Flat: Consider a Floating Rate Loan

The interest rates on floating rate loans can vary depending on how the market is performing. Generally, it's advisable to apply for a floating rate housing loan when market interest rates are declining or stable. This is because floating rates are typically lower than fixed rates since lenders are able to charge lower rates initially to have the chance to charge higher rates in the future. Moreover, since fixed rates guarantee a given rate for up to 5 years, so banks tend to charge a premium when market interest rates are already low.

If Interest Rates are Rising: Consider a Fixed Rate Loan

When interest rates are rising, it is usually worth considering a fixed rate housing loan. While fixed rate loans tend to be more expensive than those with floating rates, they allow borrowers to save on future interest costs by maintaining a set rates if market rates rising significantly.

For example, imagine that a borrower has the option of a 2.5% fixed rate loan for the next 4 years or a floating rate that starts at 2.25%. If market interest rates rise dramatically in the next few years the floating rate could rise significantly (e.g. to 3%) and could cost significantly more than the fixed rate loan. While this difference may sound insignificant, it can amount to thousands of dollars in annual interest costs given a sizable loan principal.

Why Home Loan Applications are Denied & How to Fix These Issues

Home loan applications are rejected for a number of reasons. To successfully obtain a loan, it is important to understand the loan was rejected in the first place. After assessing the reason for rejection, it is easier to decide how to proceed.

High TDSR (Total Debt Servicing Ratio)

In Singapore, individuals' borrowing limits are determined based on their monthly income and other debt obligations. This is measured by the Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR). The TDSR limit is 55%, which means that a borrower's monthly payments cannot exceed 55% of their gross monthly income. This includes all personal debt, such as home loans, car loans, student loans and credit card debt.

To calculate your maximum monthly home loan payment, multiply your monthly income by 55% (.55) and subtract any other monthly obligations. For example, if an individual earns S$8,000 per month and pays S$400 monthly for a car loan and S$200 per month for an education loan, the maximum monthly home loan payment under the 55% TDSR limit is S$3,800 (S$8,000 * 55% = S$4,400, S$4,400 - S$400 - S$200 = S$3,800). Loan applicants who are initially denied due to their home loan exceeding the TDSR limit can try applying for a smaller loan or one with a longer tenure (meaning smaller monthly payments). While it may be disappointing, you may wish to consider a cheaper flat or wait to purchase a home.

Bad or Limited Credit History

Prospective home buyers that have filed for bankruptcy, or even have a history of making late payments, may have more difficulty in obtaining a home loan. Unfortunately, it usually takes several years to repair one's credit history. Loan applicants with limited credit histories may also be rejected for housing loans. Both groups can build credit by consistently making on-time payments for their existing utility, credit cards and loan bills.

Methodology

We are able to identify the best mortgages by analysing information available online and data from our home loan broker partner. We focus on factors that are most important to prospective borrowers, including interest rates, lock-in periods, fees and subsidies. Our review consists of housing loan products offered by the lenders below.

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