Yahoo Finance HDB Loan vs Bank Loan – Which Is Better? 5 Things to Know Before You Commit
Choosing financing for your home is like a game of “Rathers“. You know, where everyone tackles hard questions like “Would you rather be whipped naked down Orchard Road, or rely on the MRT for transport?”
But unlike a game of Rathers, home loan discussions are seldom accompanied by laughter and beer (unless you’re awesome).
No, picking a home loan in Singapore is a serious issue. To save you the brain drain, this article contrasts the good old HDB loan with a bank loan:
What’s this HDB loan thing?
HDB concessionary loans are a provision for Singaporeans. Currently, the interest rate for an HDB loan is 2.6%. HDB loans have certain restrictions:
It applies to HDB flats
At least one buyer must be a Singapore citizen
Buyers’ monthly income must not exceed $14,000 (or $21,000 for extended families)
Buyers must not own any private residence (in Singapore or overseas)
Buyers must not have taken more than two previous HDB loans
Buyers have not disposed of private residential property within 30 months before the loan application
Buyer’s monthly income must not exceed $7,000 for singles buying a 5-room or smaller resale flat, or 2-room new flat in a non-mature estate under the Single Singapore Citizen (SSC) Scheme
These are just the most pertinent restrictions. There are other restrictions for people who own and operate commercial properties.
Who can apply for an HDB loan? Citizenship At least one buyer is a Singapore citizen Household Income Singles Families Extended Families $ 7,000 max $ 14,000 max $ 21,000 max Private property Ownership Must not own or have disposed of private property in the last 30 months Commercial property ownership Maximum 1 market/ hawker stall or commercial/ industrial property
HDB loan vs bank loan
A bank loan typically has less restrictions than an HDB loan – the bank mostly wants to run a credit check and that’s about all.
Bank loan interest rates fluctuate, so depending on the current SIBOR/SOR rates, a bank loan can be better or worse than HDB loan‘s 2.6%. It’s usually better.
There are also a few other major differences between them, summed up in this handy table:
HDB loan | Bank loan | |
Interest rate | 2.6% | 1.2% to 2.2%, expected to increase within the next 2 to 3 years |
Repayment amounts | Relatively consistent due to stable interest rates | Varies as fixed rates are only valid for 2 to 3 years at best |
Loan to Value limit (LTV) | 80% | 75% |
Downpayment | 20% can be fully paid using CPF | 5% must be paid in cash, 20% can be paid in cash or CPF |
Early repayment | No penalty | 1.5% penalty |
Late repayment | More lenient with a 7.5% late payment fee per year | Less lenient with a $50 late payment fee per repayment |
In a nutshell…
HDB loans have a higher interest rate, but it’s fixed
Bank loans have lower interest rates, but they are only valid for up to 2 to 3 years at best
You can borrow more from HDB (80%) compared to a bank (75%)
HDB loans allow you to pay your downpayment fully using CPF if you have enough savings. For bank loans, you need to pay at least 5% in cash
There is no early repayment penalty for HDB loans, but for banks it is 1.5%
HDB Loan vs Bank Loan Quick guides 2.6 % Fixed 1.2 % to 1.5 % Will increase after 2 to 3 years Interest Rate Consistent Stable interest rates Repayment Amounts Varies Fixed rates are only valid for 2 to 3 years Loan to Value (LTV) limit 80 % You can borrow more! 75 % As of 6 July 2018 Down Payment Flat Value Flat Value 20 % in CPF 20 % in CPF or cash 5 % in cash Early Repayment 1.5 % Penalty No Penalty More Lenient 7.5% late payment fee per year Late Repayment Less Lenient $50 late payment fee per repayment
Let’s take a closer look at 5 key differences between HDB loans and bank loans.
1. HDB loans let you pay your downpayment in CPF
With an HDB loan, there’s a minimum downpayment of 20%. You’re allowed pay your downpayment fully using CPF, provided you have enough savings in your Ordinary Account.
However, if you get a bank loan, you’ll have to cough up quite a bit more initially. For a start, the initial downpayment is 25% for a bank loan, of which 5% has to be in CASH. You’d best prepare for an amount like $15,000, for even a moderately sized property.
Before giving your patronage to the neighbourhood loan shark, you might want to consider an HDB loan instead, if you qualify. Being able to access your CPF could give you a wider range of property options.
Flat Value 20 % Cash CPF/Housing Grants/Cash HDB Loan Downpayment For HDB concessionary loans, the downpayment is 20% of the valuation . All 20% of the downpayment can come from CPF or housing grants. Flat Value 20 % CPF/Housing Grants/Cash Amount Financed of flat 80 % Bank Loan Downpayment For banks, the downpayment is 25% of the valuation . 20% of this downpayment can come from CPF or housing grants. The last 5% must be paid in cash. Amount Financed of flat 75 % 25 % 5 %
2. HDB loans have higher interest rates than bank loans
≤ 2 % 2.60 % Bank Loans HDB Loans
As mentioned, the HDB loan interest rate is 2.6%, and seldom changes. Bank rates are more variable; they’re based on current SORA rates, which are usually cheaper. Bank interest rates typically range between 1% to 2.05%.
The downside is that the bank’s rates are variable. You’re guaranteed the same interest rate for 2 to 3 years (with a fixed loan package). Beyond that, you’re at the mercy of the market. Also, banks have a huge range of different loan packages; If you don’t understand how to pick the best one, an HDB loan is a simpler choice.
3. HDB loans are less intrusive to your cash flow
HDB Loans Repayment over time Bank Loans Repayment over time HDB loans and rates are consistent. Bank loans are only fixed for 2-3 years.
If you need consistency in repayments, HDB loans win hands down. The HDB loan is based on the CPF rate, which changes as often as Justin Bieber makes the news for good behaviour.
The best a bank can do is to give you a fixed rate package, which lasts just 2 to 3 years now.
So if you have a tight budget, pick the HDB loan. You’ll know exactly how much to set aside each month. As an added plus, HDB loans come with fewer clauses. You don’t need to worry about pre-payment penalties (see point 5), and deferred (late) payments are easier to negotiate.
Let’s not forget that currently, your employer is also contributing 17% of your gross pay into your CPF. So what you are actually paying with your CPF is less as well.
4. HDB loans have no early repayment penalties
HDB will not penalize you for paying off your loan early, unlike banks. HDB Loans Bank Loans
If you attempt to pay off a bank loan early, there’s a hefty penalty if you are still within the lock-in period. The bank was counting on making money off you via the interest rate, and the bank never gives up what they’re owed.
HDB is more relaxed. If you get a sudden windfall, you can rush your repayment. Remember, the faster you clear your debt, the less interest you end up paying. You might even plan for this; if you’re expecting a large cash infusion in 10 years, for example, you can get an HDB loan and plan to settle it quick.
With banks, attempting to pay early lands you a 1.5% prepayment penalty. Yes, the banks will “punish” you for what you might think as good behaviour.
5. HDB loans are more forgiving than bank loans
HDB Loans Bank Loans HDB will do its best to defer your repayments, unlike banks.
This is the biggest appeal of an HDB loan. Bankers have as much compassion as your average rock; fail on your loan repayment, and the frequency of your showers will start to depend on the weather.
HDB, on the other hand, will do its best to defer your repayments. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should plan on failing on your payments as this can have other repercussions as well.
HDB loan vs bank loan – the verdict
As with all matters of personal finance, the best home loan in Singapore really depends on your lifestyle.
An HDB loan is better if you’re risk averse, or if there’s a chance you can pay off the loan early. It’s also useful if your career is just getting started. The downpayment on your house is lower, and you have more chances with missed repayments. Though there’s a higher interest rate, it’s less taxing on your cash flow.
But if you understand the housing market well, and you know how to refinance your bank loan, a bank loan could ultimately be cheaper. That said, you must be aware of the terms & conditions, because banks are a lot less forgiving than HDB.
Did you use an HDB loan or a bank loan? Comment and tell us your reasons!
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