Singapore is well known for its strict housing policies. And one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a homeowner is choosing the right loan to finance your HDB flat. If you’re feeling weighed down by the interest rate on your HDB loan or simply want to explore your options, refinancing your HDB loan might be the way to go.
So, what exactly is refinancing, and why should you consider it for your HDB loan? Let’s find out how to refinance HDB loan.
Switching From HDB Loan To Bank Loan
Refinancing is the process of taking out a new loan to pay off an existing one. By doing so, you may be able to secure a lower interest rate, lower monthly repayments, or even access additional funds to renovate your home.
Switching from an HDB loan to a bank loan in Singapore is possible. It is a good option for people who want to save money on their monthly repayments or who have a stable source of income. To get a better understanding of the process, let’s look at the pros and cons when you switch from HDB Loan to bank loan:
Pros Of Switching From An HDB Loan To A Bank Loan:
- Lower interest rates: Bank loans generally have lower interest rates compared to HDB loans. This means lower monthly repayments and lower overall interest costs.
- Flexible loan tenure: Bank loans often offer a wider range of loan tenures compared to HDB loans. This allows you to choose a loan term that best suits your financial situation.
- More loan options: With a bank loan, you have access to a wider range of loan products and services. This includes fixed-rate and floating-rate loans, which can give you greater flexibility in managing your mortgage.
- Better repayment options: Bank loans often offer more flexible repayment options, such as the ability to make extra repayments or to make repayments on an ad-hoc basis, which can help you save on interest costs.
Cons Of Switching From An HDB Loan To A Bank Loan
- Eligibility criteria: To be eligible for a bank loan, your property must meet the eligibility criteria set by the bank, which may not be the case for all HDB flats.
- Higher processing fees: Switching from hdb loan to a bank loan can be more expensive, as there may be additional processing fees and administrative fees involved.
- Stricter loan terms: Bank loans may have stricter loan terms and conditions, such as higher minimum income requirements which could make it more difficult to qualify for a Aloan.
- Impact on CPF savings: If you have used your CPF savings to pay for your HDB flat, switching to a bank loan may affect the amount of CPF savings you can use for other purposes.
Eligibility Requirements
To refinance HDB loan in Singapore, you’ll need to meet three key eligibility requirements: the Maximum Servicing Ratio (MSR), Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR), and Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio. You’ll need to ensure that the MSR, TDSR, and LTV ratios are within the prescribed limits.
Let’s see what they are and the prescribed limit:
Mortgage Servicing Ratio (MSR)
The MSR is a guideline set by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) that restricts the proportion of your monthly income that can be used to repay all your loans, including your mortgage. For HDB loans, the MSR is currently set at 30%.
Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR)
The TDSR is another guideline set by the MAS that restricts the proportion of your monthly income that can be used to repay all your debts, including your mortgage, credit card loans, and personal loans. For HDB loans, the TDSR is currently set at 55%.
Loan-To-Value (LTV) Ratio
The LTV ratio is the proportion of the loan amount to the value of the property. For HDB loans, the LTV ratio is currently set at 80%.
Here are the documents required when applying for a HDB refinancing loan in Singapore:
- Identity documents: You will need to provide a copy of your NRIC (National Registration Identity Card) or passport, as well as any other relevant identification documents.
- Income documents: You will need to provide proof of your income, such as your latest payslip or an income tax notice of assessment.
- Property documents: You will need to provide documents related to your property, such as the sale and purchase agreement and the latest property tax bill.
- Loan documents: You will need to provide details of your existing HDB loan, including the loan amount and repayment schedule.
- CPF statements: If you have used your CPF savings to pay for your HDB flat, you will need to provide a copy of your CPF statements.
- Employment letter: You may need to provide a letter from your employer confirming your employment status and salary.
- Bank statements: You may need to provide recent bank statements to show your financial history and stability.
It is important to note that the specific requirements for refinancing HDB loan may vary between financial institutions. Also, you should check with the financial institution you are working with for the exact list of required documents.
Why You Should Refinance Your HDB Loan
Now that you know the eligibility requirements, let’s look at what you should consider before applying for HDB loan refinance.
- Lower interest rate: One of the biggest reasons to refinance HDB loan to bank loan is to secure a lower interest rate. With a lower interest rate, your monthly repayments will be lower, which means you’ll save money in the long run.
- More flexible loan terms: When you refinance your home loan, you may be able to choose a loan with more flexible terms, such as a longer repayment period or the option to make partial prepayments.
- Access to additional funds: Refinancing home loan in Singapore may also give you access to additional funds, which you can use to renovate your home or pay off other debts.
- Better loan features: Some banks offer loan features that may not be available with an HDB loan. Tgsibtebwa a redraw facility or the ability to make interest-only repayments.
How To Refinance Your HDB Loan To A Bank Loan
In this section, you’ll find out how to refinance HDB loan to a bank loan. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. Determine Your Eligibility
To refinance your HDB loan, you must meet the eligibility criteria set by both HDB and the bank you are considering. Some of the common criteria include minimum age, minimum income, and minimum occupation period of the flat.
2. Compare The Interest Rates
Compare the interest rates offered by various banks and ensure that the interest rate you are getting is lower than your current HDB loan rate. You can use online calculators to compare the monthly repayments based on the different loan amounts and interest rates.
3. Get Your Property Valued
To obtain a bank loan, you will need to have your property valued. This can be done by a professional valuer, who will assess the current market value of your property.
4. Gather The Required Documents
You will need to provide various documents such as your CPF statement, income tax returns, and proof of address to the bank.
5. Submit Your Application
Once you have gathered the required documents, submit your application to the bank of your choice. The bank will assess your application and determine whether you are eligible for the loan.
6. Sign The Loan Agreement
If your application is approved, the bank will provide you with a loan agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of the loan. Read the agreement carefully and make sure you understand the terms before signing it.
7. Repay Your HDB Loan
Once you have signed the loan agreement, you will need to repay your HDB loan and switch to the new bank loan.
What To Take Note Of When Refinancing HDB Loan In Singapore
When refinancing an HDB loan in Singapore, there are several things to take note of:
- Eligibility: To be eligible for refinancing, you must have fully paid off your existing HDB loan or have reached the minimum occupation period (MOP) of your flat.
- Comparison of interest rates: Compare the interest rates offered by different financial institutions to ensure that you get the best deal.
- Processing fees: Be aware of any processing fees or administrative fees that may be charged by the financial institution.
- Loan tenure: Consider the loan tenure and repayment terms offered by different financial institutions, as well as the impact they will have on your monthly repayments.
- Loan amount: Consider the loan amount you will be eligible for and ensure that it covers your refinancing needs.
- Impact on CPF savings: Refinancing your home loan may affect the amount of CPF savings you can use for other purposes. So it is important to consider this before making a decision.
- Legal and appraisal fees: Be aware of any legal and appraisal fees that may be required for refinancing, and factor these into your cost comparison.
- Early repayment penalties: Consider any early repayment penalties that may apply if you choose to pay off your loan ahead of schedule.
Refinance A HDB Loan Using A Bank
Banks in Singapore can help you with HDB home loan refinance by offering you a new loan to pay off your existing HDB loan. This can potentially result in lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options. To summarise how to refinance HDB loan with a bank, you will need to meet their eligibility criteria, and provide the required documents. You also need to go through their loan application process.
With stringent eligibility criteria and high loan fees, getting a personal loan from a bank in Singapore can be a hassle. This is why U Credit offers affordable loans with easy-to-meet criteria for a faster loan process. You can head over to our website to apply for a loan and have it approved quickly.
