Navigate HDB, EC, and private property with confidence. Understand policies, mortgages, and CPF rules — all in plain English.
Compare ownership rules, grants, and costs side-by-side
HDB loan, bank loan, SORA-pegged — instantly compare
EHG, PHG, Family Grant — find out what you qualify for
Latest ABSD, LTV, and stamp duty changes explained
From eligibility to key collection — everything a first-time buyer needs to know in one place. Updated for the latest cooling measures and BTO changes.
Read the Full Guide →Practical, no-fluff guides for every stage of your property journey
Estimate your monthly repayment for HDB or private property
⚠️ This is an estimate only. Actual rates and eligibility depend on your financial profile. Consult a mortgage broker for precise figures.
Cooling measures, ABSD changes, and HDB rules — decoded for buyers
From "thinking about it" to holding your keys — the full journey mapped out
Confirm you qualify as a first-timer (citizenship, age 21+, no prior property ownership). Calculate affordability using MSR (≤30% gross income for HDB) and TDSR (≤55% for all loans). Factor in CPF OA savings available.
If taking an HDB loan, apply for an HLE letter — it's valid for 6 months. For bank loans, get an In-Principle Approval from your preferred bank. This tells you your max loan amount before you commit.
BTO = wait 3–5 years, lower price. Resale = move in faster, eligible for more grants. EC = subsidy+condo lifestyle, must be SC+SPR couple. Private = no restrictions, higher quantum. Your timeline and income determine the best fit.
Grants can reduce your purchase price significantly. The EHG (up to $120K), Family Grant (up to $80K for resale), and Proximity Housing Grant ($30K) are stacked — check which combination you qualify for.
For resale HDB: the seller grants you an OTP valid for 21 days. You pay 1% as option fee. For private: 1–5% upfront. During the OTP period, complete your valuation request and finalise your loan package.
Engage a conveyancing lawyer (HDB resale: ~$2,500). Pay Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD): 1–4% on first $1.5M. First-time SC buyers pay 0% ABSD. Have your valuation done for bank loans and grant eligibility.
For resale HDB: completion is typically 8–10 weeks after OTP. Sign the Sale & Purchase Agreement, transfer CPF funds, disburse loan, and pay remaining cash. Then collect keys at HDB Hub or seller handover.
Understanding your options before committing to a mortgage
| Feature | HDB Concessionary Loan | Bank Loan (Fixed) | Bank Loan (SORA Floated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interest Rate | 2.6% p.a. (pegged to CPF OA +0.1%) | ~2.5–3.5% p.a. (fixed 2–5 yrs) | SORA + spread (~2.8–3.8% today) |
| Max LTV | 75% of purchase price / valuation | 75% (1st property) | 75% (1st property) |
| Min Cash Down | None (full CPF allowed) | 5% cash + 20% CPF/cash | 5% cash + 20% CPF/cash |
| Eligibility | HDB flats only (income ceiling applies) | HDB & Private Property | HDB & Private Property |
| Prepayment Penalty | None | Yes (during lock-in period) | Yes (usually 1–1.5%) |
| Rate Stability | Very Stable | Stable (during lock-in) | Fluctuates with SORA |
| Best For | Lower-income, risk-averse buyers | Buyers wanting predictability | Buyers expecting rates to fall |
⚠️ Rates are indicative as of 2025 and subject to change. Always compare across banks before committing. Consult a mortgage broker →
There's no universal right answer — it depends on your life stage, savings, and goals
Every acronym and term you'll encounter as a Singapore property buyer
Tax levied on top of BSD when buying a 2nd or subsequent property, or when a foreigner purchases. Rates vary from 5–60%.
Mandatory tax on all property purchases. Rates range from 1% (first $180K) to 6% (above $3M). Payable within 14 days of signing.
CPF savings in your Ordinary Account earn 2.5% p.a. and can be used for home purchase, down payment, and monthly repayments.
Main housing grant for first-timers buying BTO or resale HDB. Up to $120,000 depending on household income. Replaced AHG in 2019.
Required to apply for an HDB concessionary loan. Valid for 6 months. Must be obtained before exercising the OTP for resale flats.
Maximum loan as a % of property value. First HDB/bank loan: 75%. Second bank loan: 45%. Higher cash component required for second loans.
HDB flats must be occupied for 5 years (Standard), 10 years (Plus/Prime) before selling on the open market or buying another property.
Cap of 30% of gross monthly income for HDB loan repayments. Protects buyers from over-committing. Calculated based on combined household income.
A legal document giving the buyer the right to purchase a property within a set period (21 days for HDB resale). Typically 1% of purchase price is paid upfront.
The benchmark rate that replaced SIBOR/SOR for Singapore floating-rate home loans. 3M SORA is commonly used; changes with monetary policy.
All monthly debt obligations (including property loan) must not exceed 55% of gross monthly income. Applies to all property types including private.
Rebranded as "Prime" under the new 2024 BTO classification. Flats in central locations with 10-year MOP and stricter subsidy recovery rules.
I'm a Singapore-based real estate agent who believes property decisions should be driven by knowledge, not fear. After years of helping first-time buyers navigate the complexity of HDB, private property, and the ever-changing policy landscape, I started Angsana Homes to make that knowledge freely accessible. Like the Angsana tree lining Singapore's streets, I'm here to provide shade and guidance at every step of your property journey.