Best Home Loan Rates Singapore January 2026 Comparison: How to Improve Approval Chances
The best home loan rates Singapore January 2026 comparison features promotional fixed rates starting at 1.35% for private properties and 1M SORA + 0.25% (~1.36%) for floating rates on loans above S$500,000.[1][2] Homejourney verifies these rates daily from partner banks like DBS, OCBC, UOB, HSBC, Standard Chartered, Maybank, CIMB, RHB, Public Bank, Hong Leong Bank, and Citibank, prioritizing your safety and transparency in a trusted platform.[1][2]
This cluster focuses on actionable steps to boost your loan approval chances amid competitive bank rate comparison January 2026, linking back to our pillar guide on Best Home Loan Rates Singapore Jan 2026: Homejourney Comparison. Whether you're a first-time HDB buyer in Punggol or refinancing a condo in Sengkang, these insider tips from Homejourney's experts help you stand out.[1]
Current Snapshot: Lowest Mortgage Rates Singapore January 2026
In January 2026, the lowest mortgage rate Singapore hits 1.35%-1.48% for 2-year fixed packages on resale condos and landed homes, with floating options at 1M SORA + 0.25%.[1][2] HDB refinancing rates start at 1.55% fixed or 1M SORA + 0.30%, beating HDB's standard 2.6% fixed rate but with 75% LTV cap vs HDB's 80%.[1][2][3]
Larger loans (S$1M+) unlock better deals like S$2,800 cashback. MAS TDSR (60% debt ratio) and MSR (30% for HDB) remain key hurdles—use Homejourney's eligibility calculator at https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates#calculator to check your borrowing power instantly.[1][3]
| Bank/Promo | Type | Year 1 Rate | Min Loan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Promo Leaders | 2Y Fixed (Private) | 1.35%-1.48% | S$500k |
| Maybank/DBS | 1M SORA (Refi) | +0.25% (~1.36%) | S$500k |
| HDB Refi | 1+1 Fixed | 1.55% | S$200k |
Rates as of early 2026; always verify on https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates.[1][2]
SORA Trends Driving January 2026 Rates
SORA (Singapore Overnight Rate Average), published by MAS, is the benchmark for most floating loans at 1.1382% (1M compounded).[8] Banks offer 1M/3M SORA + 0.25%-0.40%, down from 2025 peaks due to global easing.[1][7]
The chart below shows recent interest rate trends in Singapore:
As seen in the chart, SORA stabilization favors short-term fixed rates for certainty. Track live SORA on Homejourney to time your application.[1][8]
Step-by-Step: How to Improve Your Home Loan Approval Chances
Boosting approval odds in January 2026 means acing TDSR/MSR checks and presenting a strong profile. Homejourney's multi-bank system sends one Singpass-linked application to all major banks, auto-filling income/CPF data for faster processing.[1]
- Calculate Eligibility First: Use Homejourney's tool at https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates#calculator. Aim for under 55% TDSR—e.g., S$10k monthly income supports ~S$800k loan at 1.5%.[1][3]
- Optimize Your Debt Profile: Pay down cards/loans 3 months pre-application. Close unused credit lines; keep utilization <30%.[1]
- Build 3-6 Months Savings: Banks like DBS/OCBC require liquidity buffers. For HDB upgraders, maximize CPF OA top-ups.[2]
- Choose Right Timing: Apply mid-month when promo quotas refresh. Refinancers: Wait 6 months post-current lock-in.[1]
- Leverage Homejourney Multi-Bank Apply: One form reaches DBS, OCBC, UOB, etc. Compare offers side-by-side safely.[1]
Pro tip: First-timers in BTO Punggol—pair with Projects Directory for budget-matched flats under S$600k.[1]
Documentation Checklist for Fast Approvals
Prepare these for Singpass/MyInfo auto-fill on Homejourney—skips manual uploads, cutting approval from 7-14 days to 3-5.[1]
- NRIC (front/back)
- Last 3 payslips + Form IR8A
- CPF statements (last 12 months)
- Bank statements (3-6 months)
- Property Option to Purchase (OTP)
- Latest tax assessment (YA2024/25)
For self-employed: Add ACRA docs + 2 years audited accounts. HDB buyers: Include HDB Letter of Offer. Insider: Scan docs via Singpass app for crisp PDFs—banks reject blurry ones.[1][3]
Common Pitfalls & Pro Tips from Homejourney Experts
Avoid over-borrowing: A S$1M loan at 1.35% costs ~S$4,200/month over 25 years—factor hikes to 2.5% (+S$500).[3] Multiple inquiries hurt scores; stick to Homejourney's one-shot multi-bank.[1]
Refinancers: Check 2026 Cooling Measures Impact on Financing: Homejourney's Guide for 2026 rules impacting LTV. Upgraders save by switching pre-BTO completion.[1][2]
- Boost Odds 20%: Get employer letter confirming stable job/salary.
- Negotiate Better: Pit banks against each other via Homejourney offers.
- Post-Approval: Lock rates within 7 days; explore Aircon Services for new home setup.
Disclaimer: Rates fluctuate; this is not financial advice. Consult Homejourney mortgage brokers for personalized guidance.[1]
What to Expect: Timelines & Next Steps
Approval: 3-7 days via Homejourney (full docs). In-Principle Approval (IPA): Instant calculator preview. Track status in-app.[1] Post-offer: Sign Letter of Offer, disburse at completion.
Search matching properties at https://www.homejourney.sg/search—e.g., Sengkang condos under S$1.2M fit top rates.[1]
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the best mortgage rate January 2026 for S$800k HDB refi?
A: 1.55% fixed or 1M SORA +0.30%; apply via Homejourney for rebates.[1][2]
Q: How does TDSR affect my home loan rates comparison 2026?
A: Caps total debt at 55-60% income. Clean profile unlocks lowest rates—test on our calculator.[1][3]
Q: Can I improve approval if self-employed?
A: Yes—2 years profits + low debt. Homejourney connects you to brokers specializing in this.[1]
Q: Fixed or floating for January 2026?
A: Fixed (1.35%) for stability; floating if SORA dips further. Compare both on Homejourney.[1][8]
Q: How to refinance safely?
A: Use our multi-bank tool—save S$300+/month. See Best Home Loan Rates Singapore Jan 2026: Homejourney Benefits .[1]
Secure your best home loan rates Singapore January 2026 comparison today with Homejourney's trusted, safe platform. Start at https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates, calculate eligibility, and apply once to all banks. For full pillar coverage, visit Best Home Loan Rates Singapore Jan 2026: Homejourney Comparison.
