Fixed vs Floating Rate Mortgages: Which to Choose in 2026 | Homejourney
This definitive Homejourney guide compares fixed vs floating rate mortgages for Singapore buyers and investors, covering SORA trends, bank rates, and decision frameworks to ensure safe, informed choices in a trusted environment.
With rates at 3-year lows in 2026, understanding fixed rate mortgage stability versus floating rate loan flexibility is crucial for HDB upgraders, first-time buyers, and refinancers. Homejourney verifies data from MAS and banks, prioritizing your financial security.
Table of Contents
- Executive Summary
- 1. Home Loan Rate Types Explained
- 2. SORA Deep Dive: Singapore's Key Benchmark
- 3. Fixed vs Floating: Detailed Comparison
- 4. Current Mortgage Rates from Singapore Banks (2026)
- 5. Decision Framework: Which Rate Type Fits You?
- 6. Risks, Strategies, and Refinancing Tips
- 7. How Homejourney Simplifies Your Mortgage Journey
- FAQ: Fixed vs Floating Rate Mortgages
Executive Summary
In Singapore's 2026 market, fixed rate mortgages offer payment certainty amid low rates (SORA at 1.2% as of late 2025), ideal for risk-averse buyers budgeting for HDB flats in areas like Punggol or Tengah.[2][1] Floating rate loans, tied to SORA, provide potential savings if rates stay low but carry fluctuation risks.[1]
Homejourney's platform lets you compare rates from DBS, OCBC, UOB, HSBC, and more at https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates, calculate payments, and apply via Singpass for instant verification—building trust through transparency.
1. Home Loan Rate Types Explained
Singapore home loans fall into fixed rate and floating rate categories, regulated by MAS under TDSR (Total Debt Servicing Ratio) limits of 55% for HDB and 75% for private properties.
Fixed Rate Mortgages
A fixed rate mortgage locks your interest rate for 1-5 years (typically 2-3), converting to floating afterward. Monthly payments remain unchanged, aiding budgeting for families buying $500K HDB flats in Woodlands.[1][6]
Banks like DBS and OCBC offer these at premiums over floating rates, with lock-in penalties (e.g., 1.5% of loan amount) for early exit. Suited for first-time buyers seeking stability.[3]
Floating Rate Loans
Floating rate loans adjust with benchmarks like SORA + bank spread (e.g., 0.5-0.8%). Payments fluctuate quarterly or monthly, potentially lowering costs in declining markets.[1][2]
Types include:
- 3M/6M SORA + Spread: Most common, transparent via ABS website.
- Fixed Deposit Rate (FDR): Pegged to bank's FD rates, changes with 30-day notice.[1]
- Internal Board Rate (IBOR): Bank-set, less transparent, quarterly reviews.[1]
SIBOR/SOR discontinued in 2024; SORA is now standard.[1]
2. SORA Deep Dive: Singapore's Key Benchmark
SORA (Singapore Overnight Rate Average) is a volume-weighted average of overnight interbank loans, published daily by ABS. It's more stable than discontinued SIBOR.[1][3]
3M vs 6M SORA: 3M compounds daily over 3 months (smoother for short-term); 6M for longer stability. In 2026, 3M SORA hit 1.2%, down from 3% early 2025.[2]
Impact example: $800K HDB loan at 3M SORA + 0.6% spread = ~$3,800/month at 1.8% effective rate, versus $4,500 at 2024 peaks.
The chart below shows recent interest rate trends in Singapore, highlighting SORA movements:
As seen, SORA fell sharply in late 2025, benefiting floating loans but prompting fixed-rate locks.[2][1]
3. Fixed vs Floating: Detailed Comparison
Here's a mortgage rate comparison table for clarity:
| Feature | Fixed Rate Mortgage | Floating Rate Loan |
|---|---|---|
| Rate Stability | Fixed for lock-in (2-3 years) | Fluctuates with SORA |
| Current Cost (2026) | ~2.0-2.5% effective | ~1.8-2.2% (SORA+spread) |
| Pros | Predictable budgeting; rate rise protection | Lower initial rates; benefits from cuts |
| Cons | Higher start; misses rate drops | Payment uncertainty; rise risk |
| Best For | Risk-averse, stable income | Rate watchers, high buffers |
Fixed suits HDB buyers in high-cost areas like Toa Payoh; floating for investors eyeing BTO in Dover.[1][3]
4. Current Mortgage Rates from Singapore Banks (2026)
Rates at 3-year lows: Fixed ~2.0-2.5%; Floating 1.8-2.2% (3M SORA 1.2% + 0.6-1.0% spread).[2][1] Compare live at https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates.
| Bank | 2-Year Fixed | 3M SORA + Spread |
|---|---|---|
| DBS | 2.28% | 1.2% + 0.65% |
| OCBC | 2.18% | 1.2% + 0.60% |
| UOB | 2.25% | 1.2% + 0.70% |
| HSBC | 2.10% | 1.2% + 0.55% |
| Standard Chartered | 2.20% | 1.2% + 0.68% |
Data illustrative; check Homejourney for real-time updates from partners like Maybank, CIMB.[1][2] See related: Fixed vs Floating Rate Mortgages: Bank Rate Guide | Homejourney
5. Decision Framework: Which Rate Type Fits You?
Assess via these factors:
- Risk Tolerance: Low? Fixed. High? Floating.
- Loan Horizon: Short-term (under 5 years)? Floating for flexibility.
- Economy Outlook: Rates rising (US Fed hikes)? Fixed. Falling? Floating.[1]
- Buffer: 6 months' payments saved? Opt floating.
Insider tip: For Punggol BTO ($600K), fixed protects young families; investors in Sentosa Cove prefer floating for cash flow.[3]
Use Homejourney's calculator at https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates#calculator.
6. Risks, Strategies, and Refinancing Tips
Key Risks
- Fixed: Miss rate drops; lock-in fees (e.g., 50% loan amount on 40% portion).[1]
- Floating: Sudden hikes (e.g., 2022 SORA spike to 3.3%).[1]
Strategies
Hybrid packages: 50% fixed, 50% floating. Refinance every 2 years if no/low fees. Track SORA on Homejourney.[2]
Refinancing surged in 2025 as rates fell below HDB's 2.6%.[3] Steps: Compare at Bank Rates , apply multi-bank via Singpass.
7. How Homejourney Simplifies Your Mortgage Journey
Homejourney prioritizes safety: Track live 3M/6M SORA, compare DBS-UOB rates side-by-side, calculate eligibility instantly. Submit one Singpass application for offers from all partners.CNA Property News
- Search budgeted properties: https://www.homejourney.sg/search
- Post-purchase: Aircon Services
- Related reads: Fixed vs Floating Rate Mortgages: Choose Wisely via Homejourney
Disclaimer: Not financial advice; consult professionals. Rates change; verify via Homejourney.
FAQ: Fixed vs Floating Rate Mortgages
What is the difference between fixed and floating rate mortgages in Singapore?
Fixed locks rates for 2-3 years; floating adjusts with SORA. Fixed for stability, floating for potential savings.[1][3]
Which is cheaper in 2026: fixed or floating?
Floating often starts lower (~1.8%) vs fixed (~2.2%), but depends on SORA trends.[2]
Should I choose fixed or floating for HDB loan?
Fixed for first-timers; floating if you have buffers and expect cuts.[3]
How does SORA affect my floating rate loan?
Directly: SORA + spread = effective rate, revised quarterly.[1]
Can I switch from fixed to floating?
Yes, post-lock-in; compare fees on Homejourney bank-rates.
Best bank for fixed rate mortgage 2026?
HSBC often competitive; compare all at https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates.[1]
Ready? Start with Homejourney's tools for a secure journey. Fixed vs floating rate choice made simple.
