Considering the increase in interest rate and the government’s new cooling measures on acquiring properties in Singapore, data from population.sg (2016) surmises that there appears to be around a million Singaporeans that can afford and are eligible to secure a property loan.
Particularly, they are ageing baby boomers and singles that are either first time applicants or looking to upgrade their property. If you fit the demographic or not, as long as you are planning on getting a property loan tenure, this may possibly be a noteworthy read.
There are two basic types of properties you can loan in Singapore: HDB Flats and Private Housing.
HDB is sponsored public lodging where you get to benefit from appropriations, subsidies, and rebates, consequently, you need to follow all the HDB and government rules and regulations.
HDB blocks are regularly more available to public transportation, wet markets, and educational institutions.
Private Housing on the other hand is recognized by its provision of common amenities, for example, private pools, recreational centers, gyms, and security services.
Condominiums/Executive Condos (EC) are the most common types of private properties in Singapore. Aside from EC, there are other types like bungalow, semi-detached house, terrace house, and shophouse.
A Detailed Summary of All You Need to Know about Property Loan Tenures
Rules on Maximum Limits for New Housing Loans
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Loan Tenure
For private properties, the maximum term of residency is 30 years, or until you’re 65. On the off chance that you are 40 years of age hoping to still obtain 75% LTV, the longest period of residency you will have the option to procure is 25 years.
Nonetheless, in the event that you will not loan much, there’s a chance you can extend your tenure up to when you’re 75, however it will be limited to 35 years.
There are guidelines that limit the maximum period of time for loan tenures for HDB housing and private properties at 30 and 35 years individually. For advance residency longer than 25 years for HDB housing (or 30 years for private properties), the maximum loan could also be marked down to 55% of its initial property asking price.
For HDB properties, maximum tenure is to 25 years or up to age 65. This is to mainly guarantee you have reimbursed your credit sum in full before the age of 65, which at that point reduces your financial commitments towards retirement.
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Loan to Value
Loan-to-Value (LTV) Is the amount you can acquire to fund your loan. For first time borrowers, the limit is usually at 75%. Banks usually have a maximum LTV of 75% as well.
The span of years you need to repay your loan tenure influences the Loan-to-Value (LTV) percentage rate a bank can grant you. If the home loan goes beyond the age of 65, the LTV rate you can obtain can be diminished.
Moreover, properties with 36 to 40 years left can attain a maximum LTV capped at 60%.
LTV also varies if you are borrowing for your 2nd property. In those cases, you can only acquire up to 45% LTV. LTV additionally relies upon the area of the property. For instance, if the property is located abroad, you are most likely to get a lower credit sum.
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Mortgage Servicing Ratio
Commonly known as MSR, influences the quantity you can loan with regards to HDB purchases or new Executive Condominiums. MSR limits the amount you can loan to purchase a residential property. Not over 30% of your monthly salary can be allocated to reimburse your credit.
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Total Debt Servicing Ratio
Total Debt Servicing Ratio or TDSR calculates the rate of your monthly salary that goes towards adjusting the entirety of your loan commitments. Regulators limit TDSR at 60%.
It guarantees the borrower doesn’t outstretch the month to month financial obligation by loaning excessively. Which implies, in the wake of considering property loan repayments, and taking into account all your current installment commitments, it should not transcend 60% of your salary.
TDSR vs MSR
Depending upon the property you’re purchasing, TDSR may wind up being more prohibitive. However, MSR is more restrictive if the home loan happens to be your first.
What Affects Loan Tenure?
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Age
Age is an essential factor in your eligibility for a housing loan. Your LTV, MSR, or TSDR will vary upon your age and gross pay.
Particularly in the event that you are wanting to secure a house loan with your partner.
Young couples who plan to acquire housing loans have a higher possibility of getting the best and shortest length of debt term since they are younger.
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Income and Financial Commitment
Aside from your monthly income, outstanding loans also affect your eligibility. Credit rating will affect the amount you will be able to borrow.
During loan application, financial institutions will evaluate and determine your credit repayment history. They are bound to look out for any indication of non-payments or pre-existing loans under your name. Indication of such will pose you as credit risk and can compromise your chances of acquiring your desired loan amount.
Before venturing into loan tenures, you must carefully consider if you are prepared for any setbacks and ask yourselves some questions, should any unfortunate and unavoidable circumstances arise. Especially if you have existing home loans.
For example, in the event that property costs drop 35% or more, you should be ready to pay the difference between your current housing loan and your residence’s estimated worth to the bank in cash. Except if you have paid your personal residence without acquiring a home loan, it is a devalued risk.
What to Consider if You’re Interested in Loaning a Private Property in Singapore
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Keep Tenure as Short as Possible
The most ideal housing loan should be the one where you get the shortest tenure as possible so you can acquire more loans in the foreseeable future.
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Ensure Timely and Regular Payment
Paying your financial housing obligations on schedule, reliably will reduce your credit risks and increase your chances of acquiring another loan, should you decide on getting a new property.
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Shop for Better Rates
Loan tenures is not a one-size-fits-all. You need to study it carefully and consider the variables to discover which ones suit you best.
At Loan Advisor, we have the experts to walk you through all your interesting inquiries before you decide which properties to invest in. Our professional real estate personnels can introduce and assist you with the best rates in the market.
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Understand the Fine Print
Before diving in, carefully and thoroughly be conscious of the fine print. Be sure to be on the lookout for unfavorable clauses that may pose as an issue for you in the future.
For instance, if you choose to own a private property first and you’re planning to buy a Build To Order flat after, you should know that you need to stand by 30 months after the consummation of the purchase before you are qualified to seek a new flat.
In the event that you are sufficiently fortunate to get a unit on the first attempt, you may only have the option to receive the key to your new HDB flat following 3 or 4 years, in the middle of that period, you would have to look for temporary residence.
For a resale HDB flat, where you can proceed to selling the private property you own, you won’t get the chance to experience the beginner CPF housing grant or acquire the HDB loan inside that 30 months duration either.
It is also important to note that you should auction the private property within half a year of claiming the resale flat. For Singaporeans hoping to possess a flat in your property portfolio, you need to begin from a flat first and only after fulfilling the MOP time frame can you proceed to claim numerous other private properties. Conditions like these are only a few examples of the inconveniences you may encounter.
Closing
Loan Advisor suggests that the biggest aspect you should consider in loan tenure for properties is what you’re going to use it for.
Is the unit that you are planning on buying for your own stay or for investment ventures?
In the event that it is for investment, what is your ideal perception for the market cost increase of the unit that you are looking at within the holding time frame?
How much funds and CPF Savings would you say you’re willing to pay for the capital and rental potential gain while you hold it?
Will you hold past the normal holding time frame if the cost has not gone up to your desires?
Bottom line, loan tenures are essential and just as complicated.
