Home Loan Tenure: Bank Rate Comparison Guide | Homejourney
The optimal home loan tenure in Singapore balances lower monthly payments with minimized total interest costs, often favoring a 25-year mortgage for HDB flats due to age caps, while 30-year terms suit private properties for better cash flow.[1]
Homejourney prioritizes your safety and trust by verifying real-time rates from major banks like DBS, OCBC, and UOB. Use our bank rates page to compare packages instantly and apply via Singpass for faster approvals.
Why Home Loan Tenure Matters in Singapore
Home loan tenure, also called mortgage term or loan period in Singapore, is the repayment duration, typically 20-30 years. Shorter tenures like 25 years reduce total interest but raise monthly payments; longer 30-year options ease cash flow for families.[1]
For HDB flats, maximum tenure is 25 years under HDB loans or up to 30 years with banks for younger buyers. Private properties allow up to 30-35 years based on borrower's age (capped at 65-70 at loan maturity per MAS rules).
This cluster dives into bank rate comparisons by tenure, linking back to our pillar guide on Singapore home financing. Calculate your best fit using Homejourney's mortgage eligibility calculator.
25-Year vs 30-Year Mortgage: Key Comparison
Compare a S$500,000 HDB flat loan at 3% p.a.: A 25-year tenure means ~S$2,375 monthly (total interest ~S$212,000); 30-year drops to ~S$2,108 monthly but totals ~S$258,000 interest.[3]
Optimal loan tenure depends on your age, income stability, and goals. First-time buyers under 35 often qualify for 30 years on resale HDB/ECs; upgraders prefer 25 years to retire debt faster.[1]
| Tenure | Monthly (S$500k @3%) | Total Interest | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Years | S$2,375 | S$212,000 | Debt reduction |
| 30 Years | S$2,108 | S$258,000 | Cash flow |
Read our detailed 25-Year vs 30-Year Guide for more examples.
Current Bank Rates by Loan Tenure (Jan 2026)
Rates have fallen to 1.4-1.8% for fixed packages amid low SORA (3M SORA ~1.17%).[7] Banks offer fixed 1-3 years, then SORA + spread. Longer tenures may see slightly higher spreads due to risk.[3]
The chart below shows recent interest rate trends in Singapore:
As seen, rates are at 3-year lows—ideal for locking 25-30 year loans. Compare live rates on Homejourney bank-rates.
Top Banks: Rates for 25/30-Year Tenures
- DBS: 2Y Fixed 1.65%, then 3M SORA +0.70% (min S$200k, 2Y lock-in).[3][4]
- OCBC: 2Y Fixed 1.55%, floating SORA +0.60%; flexible prepay.[9]
- UOB: HDB Loan: Year1 SORA+0.50%, Year2 +0.70%, 2Y lock-in (min S$250k).[5]
- HSBC/StanChart: Promo 1.45-1.60% fixed; suits investors.[3]
- Maybank/CIMB: 1.60-1.65% fixed; good for shorter lock-ins.[3]
Public Bank, RHB, Hong Leong, Citibank offer competitive SORA +0.50-1.00% post-fixed. Homejourney lets banks compete—submit one app for best offers.
How to Choose Optimal Loan Tenure & Bank
- Assess Eligibility: Age + tenure ≤75 (banks); use Homejourney calculator at bank-rates#calculator.
- Compare Total Cost: Shorter tenure saves ~S$46k interest on S$500k loan vs 30Y.[3]
- Check Lock-in: 1-3 years typical; penalties 1.5% if refinance early.[1]
- Monitor SORA: Track via Homejourney for timing.
- Apply Multi-Bank: One Singpass app on Homejourney gets offers from DBS, UOB, etc.
Insider tip: For HDB upgraders in mature estates like Toa Payoh, opt 25Y to align CPF usage. Always verify TDSR (≤60% income).[1]
Link to our pillar on Improving Approval Chances.
Actionable Steps for Bank Rate Comparison
1. Visit Homejourney bank-rates: See real-time 25/30Y rates across 11 banks.
2. Input details: Get personalized monthly payments, total costs.
3. Apply via Singpass: Auto-fill docs, receive competing offers.
4. Refinance if rates drop: No hassle with Homejourney brokers.
Disclaimer: Rates fluctuate; consult professionals. Homejourney verifies data for trust.
FAQ: Home Loan Tenure Singapore
What is the maximum loan period in Singapore?
HDB loans cap at 25 years; banks up to 30-35 years for private/HDB based on age.[1]
25 year vs 30 year mortgage: Which saves more?
25-year saves interest long-term but higher monthly; use Homejourney calculator for your scenario.[3]
Are current rates good for long tenures?
Yes, at 1.4-1.8% fixed—lock now via Homejourney.[7]
Can I change tenure after approval?
Possible via restructuring; check penalties. See our FAQs guide.
How does Homejourney make this safe?
Real-time verified rates, Singpass security, multi-bank competition ensure best deals transparently.
Ready to find your optimal home loan tenure? Start comparing on Homejourney today—pair with property search for properties in budget. For full coverage, read our pillar on Singapore home loans.
