DBS Home Loan Review: Complete Rates and Fees Explained
DBS offers competitive home loans with fixed rates starting at 1.50% p.a. for the first two years and SORA-pegged floating rates from 3M SORA +1.00%, plus standard fees like 1.5% for partial repayments and redemptions.[1][2]
At Homejourney, we prioritize your safety and trust by verifying real-time rates from DBS and other banks like OCBC, UOB, and HSBC. This cluster dives deep into DBS mortgage specifics, linking back to our pillar on DBS Home Loan Review 2026: Complete Guide for full coverage.
DBS Bank Overview: Singapore's Leading Home Lender
DBS, Singapore's largest bank, holds about 80% market share alongside OCBC and UOB for residential mortgages.[1] They provide HDB and private property loans, including fixed-rate and SORA-based options, with features like 100% penalty waivers on property sales.[1]
Unique perks include cash rebates for refinancing: $2,000 for loans over $500k, up to $2,800 for $1.5m+.[1] Minimum loan amounts start at $500,000-$700,000, ideal for mid-to-high value properties in areas like Orchard or Tanjong Pagar.
DBS suits first-time buyers and refinancers seeking stability, especially HDB upgraders. Compare DBS rates instantly on Homejourney's bank rates page against UOB or Standard Chartered.
DBS Home Loan Products and Current Rates (2026)
DBS offers fixed and floating loans pegged to 3M SORA (current compounded rate around 2.9-3.0%, making effective rates ~3.9-4.0% post-spread).[1][2][4]
Key Fixed Rate Packages (Private Properties):[1][2]
- 2-Year Fixed: Year 1-2 at 1.50%-1.78% (min $700k), then 3M SORA +1.00%.
- 3-Year Fixed: Year 1-3 at 1.65%-1.70%, then 2.49% or SORA + spread (min $500k).
- Lock-in: 2-3 years, with flexi options for early switch to floating at 3M SORA +0.32% (first 3 years).
HDB loans mirror these but start at lower thresholds, e.g., POSB HDB 3-year fixed at 1.55% with no early repayment penalty.[4]
Floating SORA loans: 3M SORA +1.00% after initial fixed, lower than HDB's 2.6% but volatile.[3][7] Rates are at 3-year lows, with recent repricings to 1.6% fixed saving ~$500/month on $1m loans.[4]
The chart below shows recent interest rate trends in Singapore:
As seen in the chart, SORA has stabilized post-2025 peaks, favoring fixed-to-floating switches.[4]
DBS Home Loan Fees: Full Breakdown
DBS charges transparent fees across products:[2]
| Fee Type | HDB Tracker | Private Tracker/Board (Lock-in) |
|---|---|---|
| Partial Repayment | N/A | 1.5% |
| Full Redemption Penalty | N/A | 1.5% |
| Cancellation Fee | 1.5% | 1.5% |
Additional costs: Legal fees (~$2,000-$3,000 for refinancing), valuation (~$500), and admin charges. No fees for sales during lock-in on select packages.[1] Always factor these into affordability using Homejourney's mortgage eligibility calculator.
Pros and Cons of DBS Home Loans
Pros:
- Competitive intro rates (1.50% fixed lowest).[1]
- Flexible features: Penalty-free sales, free conversion post-lock-in.[1]
- Strong digital tools via DBS digiBank for repayments.
- Cashback on refi boosts value for investors.
Cons:
- 1.5% penalties higher than some peers without waivers.[2]
- FHR6 less transparent than pure SORA.[2]
- Min loan $500k excludes smaller HDB flats.
Best for: Private property buyers in prime districts or those valuing DBS's app ecosystem. For HDB, compare via Homejourney bank rates with OCBC's options in our OCBC Home Loan Review: Rates & Fees Explained by Homejourney ">OCBC review.
DBS Mortgage Application Process
Steps for DBS home loan approval:
- Check Eligibility: TDSR <60%, LTV up to 75% (25% downpayment, min 5% cash).[3] Use Homejourney's calculator.
- Gather Docs: NRIC, income slips (last 3-6 months), property Option to Purchase, CPF statements.
- Apply: Online via DBS site or Homejourney's multi-bank form at bank-rates – use Singpass for auto-fill, get offers from DBS, UOB, HSBC simultaneously.
- Timeline: In-principle approval (IPA) in 1-3 days; full approval 2-4 weeks post-valuation.
Approval criteria: Credit score >600, stable income, DSR <55%. Insider tip: Apply post-SORA dip for better rates, as in recent 1.6% repricings.[4]
User Experience and Refinancing with DBS
DBS excels in digital servicing: Track repayments, interest for tax (2025 filings via app).[6] Customer service is responsive, with 13x uptake on low-rate HDB loans recently.[4]
Refinancing is seamless via Easy Switch: 2-3 year fixed at ~2.45%, then SORA.[3] Homejourney simplifies by letting banks compete – one app, multiple offers, real-time SORA tracking.
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FAQ: DBS Home Loan Common Questions
What is the lowest DBS fixed rate in 2026?
1.50% p.a. for first 2 years on select 2-year fixed packages (min $700k).[1]
Are DBS SORA loans better than fixed?
Depends on trends; fixed suits stability, SORA for potential drops. Track via our chart above.[1][4]
What fees apply if I refinance DBS early?
1.5% redemption penalty during lock-in, waived on sale.[1][2]
Can I apply to DBS via Homejourney?
Yes, submit once at Homejourney bank-rates for DBS + 9 other banks, Singpass-enabled.
Is DBS good for HDB loans?
Yes, especially POSB 1.55% 3-year fixed, beating HDB's 2.6%.[4][7]
Disclaimer: Rates/fees change; not financial advice. Verify latest at source. Homejourney verifies data for your confident decisions.
Ready for the best DBS home loan deal? Compare rates and apply securely on Homejourney today. Explore our pillar DBS Home Loan Review 2026 Complete Guide for more.
