LTV Ratio Singapore: What It Is, Limits & How to Improve Approval Chances
The Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio in Singapore is the percentage of a property's purchase price or valuation (whichever is lower) that banks or HDB can lend you, set by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to prevent over-leveraging.[1][6]
For first-time buyers with no outstanding loans, the maximum LTV ratio Singapore is 75% for both bank and HDB loans, requiring a 25% downpayment (minimum 5% in cash).[3][4] This article breaks down what is Loan-to-Value LTV Ratio and why it matters: how to improve approval chances, with actionable steps tailored for Singapore property buyers using Homejourney's trusted tools.
Why LTV Ratio Matters for Singapore Home Buyers
The LTV limit directly impacts your down payment requirements and borrowing power. A higher LTV means less upfront cash needed, making homeownership more accessible, but MAS caps it to cool the market and ensure affordability.[1][2]
For example, on a S$1,000,000 condo, a 75% LTV allows a S$750,000 loan, with S$250,000 downpayment (S$50,000 minimum cash, rest via CPF).[3] Lower LTVs apply if you have existing loans or opt for longer tenures, affecting investors and upgraders.
Homejourney prioritizes your safety by verifying LTV eligibility instantly via our eligibility calculator at https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates#calculator, helping you avoid rejections.LTV Ratio Singapore: Limits, Calculations & Homejourney Guide
Current LTV Limits in Singapore (2026 MAS Rules)
MAS updated LTV limits in August 2024: HDB concessionary loans dropped to 75% from 80%, aligning with bank loans.[3][4] Here's the breakdown for individuals:
| Number of Outstanding Housing Loans | LTV Limit | Min. Cash Downpayment |
|---|---|---|
| 0 (First property) | 75% or 55%* | 5% (75%) or 10% (55%) |
| 1 | 45% or 25%* | 25% |
| 2 or more | 35% or 15%* | 25% |
*55%/25%/15% applies if loan tenure >30 years (or >25 for HDB), or extends past age 65.[1][2][6] For HDB resale, add Minimum Occupation Period rules.
LTV limits MAS also factor property type: shorter leases (e.g., 30-40 years left) may cap at 60% as collateral value drops.[4] Use Homejourney's bank-rates to compare DBS, OCBC, UOB offers under these limits.
How to Calculate Your Loan-to-Value Ratio
Loan to value formula: LTV = (Loan Amount / Property Value or Price, lower) × 100%.[3]
Example: Buying a S$800,000 BTO flat valued at S$820,000. Max LTV 75% = S$600,000 loan (based on price). Downpayment: S$200,000 (S$40,000 cash min, rest CPF).
- Determine property value/price (lower one).[4]
- Check your LTV cap via MAS table.[6]
- Calculate max loan: Value × LTV cap.
- Subtract for downpayment; ensure 5-25% cash portion.[1]
Test scenarios on Homejourney's calculator to match properties in your budget via https://www.homejourney.sg/search.
Factors That Lower Your LTV Limit
- Existing loans: Drops to 45%/35% for second property.[2]
- Loan tenure: Over 30/25 years triggers lower tier.[6]
- Age: Loans past 65th birthday reduce LTV.[1]
- Property lease: Short leases (e.g., Tanjong Pagar 99-year condo with 60 years left) may hit 60%.[4]
- Buyer type: Shell companies limited to 15%.[5]
Banks like HSBC or Standard Chartered assess credit too—beyond MAS LTV limits, they may offer less.[3] Homejourney's multi-bank submission sends one Singpass-enabled application to DBS, OCBC, UOB, and more for the best property loan percentage.
7 Actionable Steps to Improve LTV Approval Chances
Boost your odds with these Singapore-specific tactics:
- Pay down existing loans: Clear one to jump from 45% to 75% LTV.[2]
- Shorten tenure: Opt for 25-30 years to qualify for higher LTV.[6]
- Boost downpayment: Use CPF windfalls or bonuses for larger cash portion.[1]
- Improve credit score: Pay debts on time; check via Singpass.[3]
- Choose longer-lease properties: Avoid 30-year leases in areas like Geylang.[4]
- Get pre-approval: Use Homejourney's eligibility tool first.
- Leverage multi-bank apps: Apply once via https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates—track offers from Maybank, CIMB, RHB side-by-side.
Insider tip: Time applications post-CPF top-up (Jan/April/July/Oct) for max OA funds, a local hack for HDB upgraders.
Homejourney: Your Safe Path to Better LTV Outcomes
Skip bank queues—Homejourney's Singpass integration auto-fills income/CPF data, submitting to 10+ partners (Public Bank, Hong Leong, Citibank included). Compare rates, track status, and connect with our mortgage brokers for personalized LTV optimization in a trusted environment.
This cluster builds on our pillar 新加坡房贷如何运作完整指南:Homejourney权威解析 ">[Singapore Mortgage Guide]. Post-approval, maintain your property with Aircon Services ">aircon services.
FAQ: LTV Ratio Singapore Common Questions
What is the current max LTV ratio Singapore for first-time buyers?
75% for bank or HDB loans, with 5% minimum cash downpayment.[3][6]
Does LTV apply to resale HDB flats?
Yes, same limits plus 15-month wait post-private sale.[1]
Can I get over 75% LTV?
No, MAS caps at 75%; banks may lend less based on profile.[4]
How does LTV differ from TDSR?
LTV caps loan size; TDSR limits debt servicing to 55% of income.[7][8]
Where to check my LTV eligibility?
Use Homejourney's free calculator at https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates#calculator.
Disclaimer: This is general info; consult professionals for advice. Rates/rules per MAS as of 2026.[6] Start safely with Homejourney today—compare rates and apply now.
References
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 1 (2026)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 6 (2026)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 3 (2026)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 4 (2026)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 2 (2026)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 5 (2026)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 7 (2026)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 8 (2026)









