How Much Can You Borrow?

MAXIMUM HOME LOAN SINGAPORE

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How Much Home Loan Can You Borrow in Singapore?

Your maximum home loan in Singapore depends on two main limits: your income-based loan eligibility and the property’s loan-to-value limit. These are usually assessed through TDSR, MSR where applicable, and LTV.

To estimate how much you can borrow, you need to look at two key components:

  1. Loan eligibility based on TDSR or MSR - this limits how much of your income can go toward monthly loan repayments.
  2. Loan cap based on the LTV (Loan-to-Value) ratio - this determines how much you can borrow relative to the property price or value.

Your actual maximum loan is usually the lower of the two. This means a buyer may pass the income test but still be limited by LTV, or have enough property value but be limited by income, age, tenure or existing debt obligations.

However, maximum borrowing power is not the same as comfortable borrowing. Before committing to a property, it is important to check whether the monthly repayment fits your cash flow, future plans and interest rate risk.

Since banks may apply different income treatments, stress test assumptions and package terms, a personalised assessment can help you avoid over-borrowing or choosing a loan structure that does not fit your plans.

For a clearer estimate tailored to your profile, consider applying for an In-Principle Approval (IPA) through LoanSaver. We can help you compare offers from multiple banks and understand your real borrowing power before you commit. You can also speak to a mortgage advisor if you want help reviewing your loan options.

Key Factors That Affect Your Maximum Home Loan in Singapore

Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio

The Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio, determines how much banks can lend you based on your property's value or purchase price—whichever is lower. A higher LTV allows you to borrow more, whereas a lower LTV means you'll need to finance a larger portion of your property with cash or CPF funds.

The current LTV limits for bank loans were last revised on 6 July 2018 as part of property cooling measures for a sustainable property market.

HDB has since also reduced the LTV limits for HDB housing loans on 30 August 2024. It is set at 75% of the flat's purchase price or valuation (whichever is lower), revised from 80% previously.

Several factors also directly a borrower's LTV limits, thus it is important to know which tier you qualify for before embarking on your property purchase.

See our detailed LTV guide to understand exactly how LTV impacts your borrowing eligibility.

Borrower’s income and financial obligations in accordance with regulatory frameworks (TDSR / MSR)

Your income and existing financial obligations play a major role in determining how much you can borrow for a home loan in Singapore. Banks are required to assess borrowers using two key regulatory frameworks:

  • Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR): Applies to all property loans and caps your total monthly debt repayments—including home loans, car loans, and credit card debt—at 55% of your gross monthly income.
  • Mortgage Servicing Ratio (MSR): Applies only to loans for HDB flats and Executive Condominiums (ECs) within their Minimum Occupation Period (MOP). MSR limits monthly mortgage repayments to 30% of your gross monthly income.

Both frameworks consider only 70% of your income if it is variable by nature (e.g. commissions, bonuses), and loan repayments are calculated using a medium-term interest rate floor, not the actual bank rate.

Learn more and try our TDSR / MSR calculator here.

Property type: HDB vs Private Property

When it comes to buying a home in Singapore, the type of property - HDB or Private residential property (condominiums, apartments and landed homes) - has a direct impact on your loan eligibility.

HDB flats are subject to the Mortgage Servicing Ratio (MSR); Private properties, on the other hand, are governed by the Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR).

Misunderstanding the rules could lead to a shortfall in funds or missed opportunities. That’s why it’s important to calculate your loan eligibility based on the right framework early in your property journey.

Before committing to a private residential property purchase, refer to our full guide on  buying a private property in Singapore to understand costs, process, and financing considerations.

Guide to Buying a Private Property in Singapore

Age of Borrower and Loan Tenure

Your age and the length of your desired loan tenure directly affect how much you can borrow, especially under the Loan-to-Value (LTV) framework.

In Singapore, banks typically structure loan repayments such that the loan must be fully repaid by age 65. Thus, younger borrowers naturally enjoy a longer loan tenure, which means lower monthly repayments and a potentially higher loan amount. If you choose a tenure that stretches beyond age 65 - or exceeds 30 years (or 25 years for HDB flats) - you’ll face a lower allowable LTV ratio, which typically results in a smaller loan amount and a higher required downpayment.

If there are multiple borrowers, the Income Weighted Average Age (IWAA) is used to calculate the applicable tenure, factoring in both age and income contributions.

Check out our IWAA calculator and learn more about how IWAA affects loan eligibility

Number of Existing Home Loans

The number of home loans you currently have will directly affect your Loan-to-Value (LTV) limit — and therefore how much you can borrow for your next property purchase.

In general:

  • If you do not have any existing home loans, you may be eligible for the highest LTV limit of up to 75% (with at least 5% in cash).
  • If you already have one outstanding home loan, your maximum LTV drops to 45%.
  • With two or more existing home loans, the LTV is capped at 35%.

Each tier also comes with a higher minimum cash downpayment requirement, which increases your upfront cost.

This rule is part of MAS’s property cooling measures to discourage over-leveraging, especially for property investors. If you're planning to buy another property while still servicing a current loan, be prepared for stricter limits on how much you can borrow.

See full breakdown of LTV limits based on loan profile

Credit History

Your credit history is a key factor banks use to assess your reliability as a borrower. Lenders will review your credit report, which reflects your payment behavior across all existing loans, credit cards, and credit lines. This report is issued by the Credit Bureau Singapore (CBS).

Here’s what matters:

  • Timely repayments on your loans and credit cards strengthen your credit score.
  • Late or missed payments, defaults, or over-leveraged accounts can negatively impact your eligibility and lead to lower approved loan amounts or even rejection.
  • Multiple recent credit applications may also be viewed as a red flag by banks.

Before applying for a home loan, it may be a good idea to check your credit report and address any issues that might reduce your creditworthiness.

💬 Need Help Figuring Out Your Loan Eligibility?

Understanding TDSR, MSR, LTV, and loan eligibility rules can get complex but you don’t have to work it out alone. Get expert help from LoanSaver and discover the best loan options based on your profile.

Contact us at +65-80785083. Or drop us a line on WhatsApp for a free consultation.

Buying Private Property?

Your maximum loan amount is only one part of planning your purchase. It also helps to understand the buying process, downpayment, CPF usage, and timeline differences between new launch and resale properties.

Read our guides on buying private property in Singapore, private new launch purchases, and private resale purchases.

How to Increase Your Maximum Home Loan Eligibility

Wondering how to boost your home loan amount? Here are some strategies you can implement to enhance your borrowing capacity:

1. Reduce Existing Debts

  • Lower your monthly debt obligations by paying down existing loans, such as credit cards, personal loans, or car loans.
  • This directly improves your TDSR, increasing your eligible loan amount.

2. Apply Jointly with a Co-borrower

  • Combining incomes with a spouse or immediate family member improves overall affordability.
  • Banks consider the combined income, raising your maximum allowable home loan.

3. Extend Your Loan Tenure (within allowable limits)

  • Choosing a longer loan repayment period reduces your monthly repayment, improves your TDSR/MSR ratios and potentially increases loan eligibility.
  • However be aware of age limits: loan tenures extending past age 65 or longer than 30 years (25 years for HDB) will result in a lower allowable LTV ratio.

4. Maintain a Healthy Credit Score

  • Ensure prompt payments of existing debts and avoid defaults.
  • A strong credit history signals lower risk to banks, enhancing your chances of approval and potentially better loan terms.

🏡 Maximise Your Loan. Minimise the Hassle.

Already applied the tips to boost your eligibility? Let LoanSaver help you compare across banks to secure the most favourable loan package based on your profile. No obligations, just expert advice! Reach out to us now!

Related Guides and Calculators:

Deep dive and explore our comprehensive guides on how your loan eligibility is calculated:

🏡 How LTV Affects Your Home Loan Amount →
Understand how property value and loan profile tiers limit your maximum loan.
💰 TDSR and MSR Singapore →

See how your income, debts, and loan commitments shape your borrowing power.
👥 Income Weighted Average Age (IWAA) →
Find out how your and your co-borrower’s age affects loan tenure and approval.
💬 FAQ →
Answers to commonly asked mortgage-related questions can be found here.

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