LTV Ratio Singapore: Limits, Down Payments & Bank Rates Guide | Homejourney
The Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio is the percentage of a property's purchase price or value that banks or HDB will lend you, directly determining your down payment requirements. In Singapore, the maximum LTV ratio is 75% for both HDB and bank loans as of August 2024, meaning you need at least 25% downpayment (5% cash minimum).[1][2]
This cluster article breaks down LTV limits MAS rules, why the property loan percentage impacts your financing, and compares current bank rates from DBS, OCBC, UOB and more. For comprehensive mortgage education, see our pillar guide: Homejourney's Complete Guide to Home Loan Tenure in Singapore. At Homejourney, we prioritize your safety with verified rates and Singpass-enabled applications for trusted, transparent decisions.
What is Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio?
The LTV ratio calculates as: (Loan Amount / Property Value or Purchase Price, whichever lower) x 100. For a $1 million condo valued at $950,000, LTV applies to $950,000. At 75% LTV, you borrow up to $712,500, paying $237,500 downpayment (5% or $47,500 cash).[1][2]
MAS sets LTV limits to curb over-leveraging, ensuring affordability amid rising rates. HDB loans cap at 75% LTV (post-August 2024 cooling measures), aligning with banks. Previously 80-85%, this protects buyers like first-time HDB upgraders in areas like Punggol or Tengah.[2][3]
Key Formula: Downpayment = (1 - LTV) x Property Value. Use Homejourney's mortgage eligibility calculator to test scenarios instantly.
Current LTV Limits in Singapore (2026)
MAS enforces these LTV limits for individuals:
- First home loan (no existing loans): 75% LTV, 5% minimum cash downpayment, rest CPF/cash.[1][4]
- Second property: 45% LTV, 10%+ cash minimum.[2]
- Third or more: 35% LTV.[1]
- Loan tenure >30 years (private) or >25 years (HDB), or age + tenure >65: 55% LTV, 10% cash minimum.[4]
- Lease <40 years: Further reduced to 60% LTV; limited CPF use.[2]
For HDB resale, staggered payments: 5% upfront, 15-20% at key collection. Private properties deduct discounts/rebates from valuation.[1] Always verify with Homejourney bank rates for real-time compliance.
Why LTV Ratio Matters for Singapore Buyers
Your LTV ratio dictates borrowing power: Higher LTV means less upfront cash, vital for first-timers eyeing $500,000-800,000 BTOs. But lower LTV for repeat buyers forces larger downpayments, impacting investors in hot spots like Orchard or Jurong East.
It interacts with TDSR (≤55% of income) and MSR (≤30% for HDB). Example: $10,000 monthly income, TDSR limits debt to $5,500. Low LTV raises cash needs, tying up CPF for 55+ year-olds. Insider tip: Time purchases post-CPF top-up for better down payment requirements.[3]
Homejourney verifies LTV limits MAS data, helping you avoid surprises. Compare eligibility across banks on our platform—safe, no hidden fees.
Bank Rate Comparison: LTV-Aligned Home Loans
Banks tie rates to LTV compliance. Current SORA-based rates (as of Feb 2026) hover at 3M SORA ~3.0-3.5% + 0.5-1.0% spread. Fixed rates 3.2-4.0% for 2-3 years. Here's a snapshot (verify live on Homejourney):
| Bank | Key Product | Effective Rate (75% LTV) | Lock-in | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DBS | SORA PEAKR | 3.8% (3M SORA +0.75%) | 2 yrs | First-timers |
| OCBC | 360 Account Loan | 3.6% | 3 yrs | Refinancers |
| UOB | HomeSmart | 3.7% | 2 yrs | Investors |
| HSBC | SORA Loan | 3.9% | Nil | Flexible |
| Standard Chartered | Fixed 3yr | 3.5% | 3 yrs | Rate locks |
Rates from DBS/OCBC/UOB lead for 75% LTV; Maybank/CIMB competitive for 55% LTV at 3.4-3.8%. Compare all 11 partners (incl. RHB, Citibank) on Homejourney. Submit one Singpass app—banks compete for you.
Interest Rate Trends Impacting LTV Decisions
SORA rates drive most loans. The chart below shows recent interest rate trends in Singapore:
Rates stabilized post-2024 hikes, but rising SORA could squeeze TDSR at high LTV. Time refinancing when 3M SORA dips below 3.2%—track live on Homejourney.
Actionable Steps: Maximize Your LTV on Homejourney
- Check eligibility: Use our calculator with income, age, existing loans.
- Compare rates: View DBS vs UOB at 75% LTV on bank-rates.
- Apply multi-bank: One form, Singpass auto-fill—get offers from all majors.
- Find properties: Search budget-matched HDB/condos via property search.
- Consult brokers: Connect via Homejourney for personalized LTV advice.
Disclaimer: Rates fluctuate; not financial advice. Consult professionals. Related: LTV Ratio Singapore: Limits, Down Payments & Approval Tips | Homejourney ">LTV Ratio Singapore: Limits, Down Payments & Approval Tips.
FAQ: LTV Ratio Singapore
What is the current LTV limit for first-time HDB buyers?
75% for HDB/bank loans, 5% cash downpayment minimum.[2]
How does age affect my LTV ratio?
If age + tenure >65 or tenure >30yrs (private)/25yrs (HDB), drops to 55%.[1][4]
Can I use CPF for downpayment at 75% LTV?
Yes, up to 20%; 5% cash mandatory.[1]
Which bank has best rates for high LTV loans?
OCBC/DBS often lead; compare real-time on Homejourney.
How to calculate my max loan with LTV?
Property value x LTV = Max loan. Try our free calculator.
Master your LTV ratio Singapore with Homejourney's trusted tools. Start comparing bank rates today at https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates—safe, verified, and user-first.
