CIMB vs RHB Home Loan Singapore Comparison: Frequently Asked Questions

CIMB and RHB, as Malaysian banks operating in Singapore, offer competitive home loans often with attractive floating rates pegged to SORA, making them popular for savvy borrowers seeking lower costs than HDB's fixed 2.6% rate[1]. This FAQ cluster addresses the most common questions in CIMB vs RHB home loan Singapore comparison, helping first-time buyers and refinancers decide based on rates, fees, and eligibility.

As part of Homejourney's comprehensive pillar on Malaysian bank mortgage Singapore options, this guide links back to our ultimate comparison for deeper analysis. Homejourney prioritizes your safety by verifying rates from official sources like MAS and providing transparent tools for confident decisions[1].

Why Compare CIMB and RHB Home Loans in Singapore?

Both CIMB and RHB provide SORA-pegged floating rates that can start lower than local banks like DBS or OCBC, especially for loans above S$500,000[2][6]. For example, recent promotions show CIMB offering 1M SORA + 0% for select packages, while RHB competes with similar spreads but may have stricter minimum loan sizes[2].

These Malaysian bank mortgage Singapore options suit risk-tolerant borrowers who monitor repricing opportunities every 2-3 years, unlike HDB's stable but higher 2.6% rate with 80% LTV[1]. Homejourney's bank rates page lets you compare live rates from CIMB, RHB, DBS, OCBC, UOB, HSBC, and more in one safe platform.

Understanding Key Differences: CIMB vs RHB

CIMB often edges out with cash rebates up to S$2,800 for refinances over S$1.5M and legal subsidies, appealing to private property owners in areas like Orchard or Sentosa[2][4]. RHB, meanwhile, provides flexible tenures up to 30 years and may approve higher LTV for HDB resale flats if you meet MSR/TDSR limits[1].

Both follow MAS rules: max 75% LTV for bank loans (vs HDB's 80%), 5% cash downpayment, and TDSR capping repayments at 55% of income[1]. For a S$1M loan at 30 years, expect monthly payments around S$4,500 at current 1.3-1.5% effective rates, but always use Homejourney's mortgage calculator for personalized math.

SORA Rates and Trends for CIMB & RHB Loans

SORA (Singapore Overnight Rate Average) replaced SIBOR in 2024, reflecting actual interbank transactions for more stability[1][5]. CIMB and RHB peg most floating loans to 1M or 3M SORA + 0.25-1.00%, lower than fixed board rates from local banks[2].

The chart below shows recent interest rate trends in Singapore:

As seen in the chart, SORA has hovered around 3% in early 2026, keeping CIMB/RHB packages competitive at effective rates from 1.09-1.36% for large loans[2]. Track live rates on Homejourney for timing your application.

Eligibility and Application: Step-by-Step

Check Eligibility: Use Homejourney's calculator with Singpass for instant TDSR/MSR assessment – income, CPF, debts verified safely[1].
Compare Packages: View CIMB vs RHB on https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates; CIMB min S$500K, RHB similar for private properties[2].
Submit via Homejourney: One-click multi-bank application auto-fills with MyInfo; get offers from CIMB, RHB, Maybank, and locals[2].
Get HLE if HDB: Required for BTO/resale; banks assess post-HLE[1].
Reprice/Refinance: Possible after lock-in (2-3 years); CIMB offers free conversions[4].

Pro tip: For HDB upgraders in mature estates like Toa Payoh, RHB's HDB focus may yield faster approvals. See our pillar CIMB vs RHB Home Loan Singapore: Ultimate 2026 Comparison | Homejourney ">CIMB vs RHB Home Loan Singapore: Ultimate 2026 Comparison for full packages.

Pros, Cons, and Who Should Choose Which

CIMB Pros: Lower spreads, high rebates (S$2K+), good for condos >S$1M[2][4]. Cons: Stricter credit checks.
RHB Pros: Flexible for HDB, stable fixed options. Cons: Fewer promos[6].

Choose CIMB if refinancing luxury properties; RHB for HDB stability. Compare with locals via Who Should Choose Local vs Foreign Bank Mortgage in Singapore | Homejourney ">Who Should Choose Local vs Foreign Bank Mortgage. Homejourney verifies all data for your trust.

CIMB vs RHB Home Loan Singapore Comparison FAQs

Q1: Which has lower rates, CIMB or RHB in 2026?
RHB and CIMB both offer ~1.3% fixed/1M SORA+0% floating for qualified loans >S$500K, but CIMB leads in rebates. Check live rates on Homejourney's bank-rates [2][6].

Q2: Can foreigners get CIMB/RHB loans?
Yes, with 60% LTV max, higher income proof needed. Homejourney's brokers guide expats safely[1].

Q3: Lock-in periods and penalties?
Typically 2-3 years; early breakage fees 1.5% of outstanding. CIMB allows one free conversion post-12 months[4].

Q4: HDB vs Private: Better with CIMB/RHB?
Great for both, but better rates on private BUC/ECs. Use our property search to match budgets[1].

Q5: How to switch from DBS/OCBC to CIMB/RHB?
Refinance via Homejourney: calculate savings, apply multi-bank, get rebates covering costs. Link to UOB vs DBS Mortgage: Who Should Choose Which in 2026 | Homejourney ">UOB vs DBS for more[2].

Disclaimer: Rates fluctuate; this is not financial advice. Consult Homejourney Mortgage Brokers for personalized guidance. For full CIMB vs RHB home loan details, visit our pillar guide and start at https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates today.