LTV Ratio Singapore Explained: Limits & Why It Matters | Homejourney

The Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio in Singapore is the maximum percentage of a property's value or purchase price that banks or HDB can lend you, set by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to prevent over-leveraging.

Understanding LTV ratio Singapore directly impacts your down payment requirements and borrowing power. At Homejourney, we prioritize your safety by verifying the latest LTV limits MAS rules so you make informed decisions in a trusted environment.

What is Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio?

The LTV ratio calculates as: LTV = (Loan Amount / Property Value or Purchase Price, whichever is lower) × 100%. For example, on a $1,000,000 condo valued at $1,000,000, a 75% LTV allows borrowing up to $750,000, requiring a 25% downpayment.

This safeguards against property bubbles by limiting property loan percentage. MAS enforces these via cooling measures, with bank loans capped at 75% LTV for first-time buyers and HDB at 75% as of August 2024[1][2][4][6].

Homejourney's bank rates page lets you compare real-time offers from DBS, OCBC, UOB, HSBC, and more to see exact loan to value approvals: https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates.

Current LTV Limits in Singapore (2026)

MAS sets tiered LTV limits based on existing loans, age, and tenure. For individuals with no outstanding housing loans, it's 75% (5% minimum cash downpayment) or 55% (10% cash) if tenure exceeds 30 years for private properties or 25 years for HDB, or beyond age 65[1][2][3][6].

Housing Loans	LTV Limit (Bank)	Min Cash Downpayment
1st (No existing)	75% or 55%*	5% or 10%
2nd	45% or 25%*	25%
3rd & onwards	35% or 15%*	25%

*Lower LTV if loan tenure >30/25 years or age+tenure >65. HDB loans now at 75% LTV (25% downpayment, min 5% cash)[2][4][7].

Why LTV Ratio Matters for Singapore Buyers

A high LTV means lower upfront cash but higher monthly repayments under TDSR (60% max debt-to-income) and MSR (30% for HDB). It interacts with ABSD, SSD, and CPF rules—e.g., for a $1.2M resale HDB, if valued at $1M, loan maxes at 75% of $1M ($750K), so you cover $450K cash/CPF[2].

Why it matters: Protects you from overborrowing in volatile markets. First-time buyers save via lower LTV but plan for cash portion using Homejourney's eligibility calculator: https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates#calculator.

Real Singapore Examples: LTV Calculations

Example 1: First-time HDB buyer. $500,000 BTO flat. HDB LTV 75%: Loan $375,000 (25% downpayment $125,000; min 5% cash $25,000, rest CPF). Use Singpass on Homejourney for instant verification.

Example 2: Condo upgrader with 1 existing loan. $1.5M Punggol condo. Bank LTV 45%: Loan $675,000 (55% down $825,000; 25% cash min $375,000). Check properties in budget via https://www.homejourney.sg/search.

Insider tip: For resale HDB in mature estates like Toa Payoh, valuations often lag purchase price—budget extra 10-15% cash. Homejourney verifies data for safe decisions.

HDB vs Bank Loans: LTV Differences

HDB loans offer 75% LTV but fixed 2.6% rates (as of 2026) with stricter MSR. Banks cap at 75% but compete on SORA-based rates (currently ~3%). Of downpayment, banks require 5-25% cash; rest CPF/cash[1][3].

Compare partners like DBS, OCBC, UOB, HSBC, Standard Chartered via Homejourney's multi-bank submission—one app, multiple offers with Singpass auto-fill.

Actionable Steps to Maximize Your LTV

Check eligibility: Use Homejourney calculator for LTV, TDSR/MSR simulation.
Compare rates: View DBS to Maybank on https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates.
Apply safely: Submit via Homejourney—Singpass verifies income/CPF instantly.
Refinance if needed: For existing loans, reassess LTV post-MOP. Link to pillar: LTV Ratio Singapore: Limits, Calculations & Homejourney Guide .
Budget maintenance: Post-purchase, service aircons via Aircon Services .

Disclaimer: This is general info; consult Homejourney brokers or advisors for personalized advice. Rules per MAS 2026[5][6].

LTV Ratio Singapore: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current LTV limit for first-time buyers?

75% for bank loans (5% min cash), 75% for HDB (from Aug 2024). Lower if tenure/age rules apply[2][6].

How does LTV affect my downpayment?

75% LTV = 25% downpayment (5-25% cash, rest CPF). E.g., $800K property: $200K down, $40K cash min[1][3].

Can I get higher than 75% LTV?

No, MAS caps it. Existing loans or age reduce it further. Use Homejourney to check[4].

Does LTV apply to refinancing?

Yes, based on current property value and outstanding loans. Homejourney simplifies multi-bank refinancing.

How to calculate my max loan on Homejourney?

Visit https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates#calculator, input price/income—get LTV, MSR/TDSR instantly.

Mastering LTV ratio Singapore empowers safe property decisions. Start with Homejourney's tools for verified rates and applications—your trusted partner for transparent home buying. Explore our pillar guide: 新加坡房贷如何运作完整指南：Homejourney权威解析 .