Joint Home Loan Application: Complete Singapore Guide | Homejourney
The definitive resource for Singapore couples, families, and co-buyers navigating joint home loans, co-borrower mortgages, and joint mortgage Singapore applications with safety and transparency.
Homejourney prioritizes your trust by verifying all data and simplifying applications through Singpass. Discover how joint applications boost borrowing power while protecting your financial future.
Executive Summary
A joint home loan application allows two or more people—typically couples, siblings, or parents—to combine incomes for higher loan amounts under Singapore's strict TDSR and MSR rules. This guide covers eligibility, risks, HDB vs bank loans, ownership structures, and step-by-step processes, drawing from HDB, MAS regulations, and real Singapore examples.
Whether you're a first-time BTO buyer in Punggol or upgrading to a resale condo in Orchard, Homejourney equips you with tools like our bank rates comparison for DBS, OCBC, UOB, and more. Calculate eligibility instantly and apply to multiple banks with one click via Singpass for verified, secure approvals.
Key insights: Joint apps can increase loans by 30-50% via combined incomes but impose joint and several liability—each borrower owes the full amount. Always consult Homejourney's mortgage brokers for personalized advice.
Table of Contents
- What is a Joint Home Loan Application?
- Eligibility Requirements for Joint Applications
- HDB Loans vs Bank Loans for Joint Buyers
- How TDSR and MSR Affect Joint Borrowing Power
- Property Ownership Structures: Joint Tenancy vs Tenancy-in-Common
- Step-by-Step Guide to Joint Home Loan Application
- Risks and Responsibilities of Co-Borrowers
- Tips to Boost Joint Application Success
- Current Joint Mortgage Rates and Bank Comparison
- Refinancing Joint Home Loans
- FAQ: Joint Home Loans in Singapore
- Next Steps with Homejourney
What is a Joint Home Loan Application?
A joint home loan, also called a co-borrower mortgage or joint mortgage Singapore, involves two or more applicants sharing liability for the loan. Common for couples home loans, it pools incomes to qualify for larger sums, ideal for HDB BTOs or private properties.
In Singapore, all co-borrowers are jointly and severally liable, meaning the bank can demand full repayment from any one if others default. This boosts affordability under MAS's Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) but ties your credit together.[1]
Example: A couple earning S$6,000 and S$5,000 monthly combines for S$11,000 income, potentially borrowing S$1.1M+ for a Punggol BTO, versus S$600K alone. Homejourney's mortgage calculator simulates this instantly.
Who Typically Applies Jointly?
- Married couples or fiancés (must marry before key collection for grants)
- Parents with children (Multi-Generation or family nucleus)
- Siblings or singles under Joint Singles Scheme (JSS, age 35+)
- Family helping first-timers, e.g., parents as co-borrowers for ECs
HDB requires all flat applicants to be co-borrowers; banks allow guarantors without ownership.[1][2]
Eligibility Requirements for Joint Applications
Joint eligibility mirrors solo but uses combined profiles. Key rules from HDB and MAS:
| Criteria | Joint Requirement |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | At least one Singapore Citizen (SC); others SC/PR or eligible non-residents |
| Age | 21+; tenure based on youngest or Income-Weighted Average Age (IWAA) |
| Income | Combined gross monthly; min S$1,400 per applicant for some grants |
| Existing Loans | Most restrictive LTV applies (e.g., 2nd property limits) |
For HDB BTO, apply HFE Letter via Singpass first—includes joint loan eligibility.[2][4] Banks like DBS/OCBC assess IWAA: (Age1 x Income1 + Age2 x Income2) / Total Income. Younger co-borrower extends tenure.[3][1]
HDB Family Nucleus Rules
SC with spouse/kids, parents, or siblings qualify. Fiancés ok if marrying soon. Singles (35+) via JSS for 2-room flats.[2][5]
HDB Loans vs Bank Loans for Joint Buyers
HDB Loans: Fixed 2.6% (as of 2026), easier approval, but lower quantum (80-90% LTV). All applicants must be on title.[7]
Bank Loans: Competitive SORA-based rates (3M SORA ~3.0% +0.5% margin), higher LTV possible, flexible tenures up to 35 years. Co-borrowers need not own property.[1][6][8]
| Feature | HDB Loan | Bank Loan |
|---|---|---|
| Rate | 2.6% fixed | SORA + margin (3.2-3.8%) |
| LTV (1st timer) | 90% | 75-80% |
| Tenure | 25 years max | 30-35 years |
| Joint Flexibility | All on title | Guarantors ok |
Choose banks for better rates on resale condos; HDB for safety. Compare live rates on Homejourney bank rates.
How TDSR and MSR Affect Joint Borrowing Power
TDSR caps total debt at 55% of gross income; MSR at 30% for HDB. Joint apps combine incomes/debts.[1]
Example: Couple S$10,000 income, S$1,500 debts. TDSR service = S$5,500 (55%). After debts, S$4,000 for housing. At 3.5% rate, ~S$1.2M loan over 30 years.
Insider tip: Minimize co-borrower debts pre-application. Use Homejourney's calculator for precise joint simulations.
SORA Rates Explained
SORA (Singapore Overnight Rate Average) replaced SOR/SIBOR. Most banks peg to 3M SORA (~3.0% in Feb 2026).
The chart below shows recent interest rate trends in Singapore:
Rates stable post-2025 hikes; fixed packages offer 2-3 year locks at 3.2-3.5% from DBS/OCBC.[1]
Property Ownership Structures: Joint Tenancy vs Tenancy-in-Common
Joint Tenancy: Equal shares, right of survivorship—property auto-passes to survivor. Ideal for couples.
Tenancy-in-Common: Unequal shares (e.g., 60/40), shares form estate upon death. Better for siblings/investors.[1][5]
- Choose at HDB resale/title deed
- Mismatches risk disputes—discuss early
- Homejourney verifies docs for safe transactions
Step-by-Step Guide to Joint Home Loan Application
- Check Eligibility: Apply HFE Letter on HDB portal with Singpass (joint details).[2][4]
- Ballot/Select Flat: For BTO, all co-applicants attend selection.[2]
- Get AIP: Banks like UOB/OCBC via Homejourney—upload joint docs.[6][8]
- Submit Joint App: Use Singpass on Homejourney for multi-bank submission (DBS, HSBC, Maybank, etc.).
- Sign & Pay: Option fee, downpayment from CPF/cash.
- Legal Completion: ~3-4 months for resale; 3-5 years BTO.
Pro tip: Apply via Homejourney for one-click to 10+ banks, auto-filled via MyInfo.
Risks and Responsibilities of Co-Borrowers
Full liability: If one defaults, all pay. Impacts future solo loans via TDSR. Divorce? Court orders needed to remove.[3]
Mitigate: Get legal advice, contribution agreements. Homejourney ensures transparent processes.
- Combined credit checks
- Shared CPF usage rules
- Stamp Duty: ABSD for non-first-timers
Disclaimer: Not financial advice; consult professionals.
Tips to Boost Joint Application Success
- Younger co-borrower for longer tenure/IWAA
- Clear debts; stable employment >6 months
- Match incomes for balanced TDSR
- Pre-approve via Homejourney
Read our guide on 联名房贷申请：如何提高申请成功率 | Homejourney指南 for more.
Current Joint Mortgage Rates and Bank Comparison
As of Feb 2026, SORA ~3.0%. Homejourney compares:
- DBS: 3M SORA +0.6% (~3.6%)
- OCBC: Fixed 3.2% (2yrs)
- UOB: SORA +0.5%
- HSBC/Standard Chartered: Competitive for high earners
- Maybank/CIMB/RHB: Promo rates for HDB
View live rates and apply at https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates. See 联名房贷申请：银行利率比较 | Homejourney新加坡指南 .
Refinancing Joint Home Loans
Refinance if rates drop >0.5%. All co-borrowers consent. Costs: ~S$2K-5K fees. Use Homejourney for multi-bank quotes.
Example: Refi S$800K @4% to 3.2% saves S$20K over 20 years.
FAQ: Joint Home Loans in Singapore
Q: Can parents be joint borrowers without owning? Yes for banks; no for HDB.[1]
Q: What if we divorce? Court petition to remove; both liable until.[3]
Q: Singles joint application? Yes, JSS for 35+ SCs.[5]
Q: CPF for joint downpayment? Proportional to shares; OA first.[7]
Q: Impact of one low credit score? Affects whole app; fix first.
Q: Best banks for couples home loans? Compare on Homejourney: DBS/OCBC lead.
More in 联名房贷申请：常见问题解答 | Homejourney新加坡房产指南 .
Next Steps with Homejourney
1. Calculate joint eligibility at Homejourney calculator.
2. Compare rates from DBS to Public Bank.
3. Apply securely via Singpass.
4. Search properties at .
5. Connect with our brokers for free guidance.
Homejourney builds trust through verified data, user feedback, and safe transactions—your partner for joint home loan success.
References
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 1 (2026)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 2 (2026)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 4 (2026)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 3 (2026)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 5 (2026)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 7 (2026)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 6 (2026)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 8 (2026)
