Q1 2026 Best Time to Buy Property Singapore Financing: Bank Rate Comparison Guide
Q1 2026 is the best time to buy property in Singapore due to home loan rates hitting 3-year lows at 1.4-1.8% for fixed packages, making first quarter 2026 ideal for buyers and refinancers.[2]
Homejourney helps you navigate this opportunity safely with real-time bank rate comparisons from DBS, OCBC, UOB and more. Our platform prioritizes user trust by verifying rates and enabling multi-bank applications via Singpass for faster, secure approvals. This cluster focuses on bank rate comparisons, linking back to our pillar guide on Q1 2026 Best Time to Buy Property Singapore: Homejourney Financing Guide for comprehensive coverage.
Why Q1 2026 Property Buying is Optimal for Financing
Singapore's home loan rates have halved from 3.1% in early 2025 to 1.4-1.8% in Q1 2026, driven by US Fed cuts and falling SORA at 1.2%.[2] Banks compete aggressively in Q1 for market share with promos like legal subsidies and cash rebates.
Fixed-rate loans dominate, preferred by 80% of buyers for repayment stability.[2] HDB owners are switching from 2.6% HDB loans to bank options, saving up to S$4,100 yearly on S$500k loans.[2] Use Homejourney's bank rates page to compare instantly and calculate eligibility.
Current SORA and Rate Trends in Q1 2026
SORA (Singapore Overnight Rate Average), the key benchmark for floating loans, dropped from 3% to 1.2%, its lowest since 2022.[2] Expect modest further declines, but rates may floor soon as Fed easing slows.[2]
The chart below shows recent interest rate trends in Singapore:
As seen in the chart, 3M SORA trends confirm stability around 1.2-1.5%, favoring fixed packages for Q1 2026 property buying.[1][2] Track live rates on Homejourney.
Top Bank Rate Comparison for Q1 2026
Compare best rates across Homejourney partner banks for resale HDB, condos, and refinancing. Rates effective Jan 2026; always verify on Homejourney mortgage calculator.[1]
| Bank | Best Fixed (Yr1-2) | Best Floating (SORA +) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Promo (Various) | 1.48-1.55% | 1M SORA +0.25% | New Purchases |
| Maybank | 1.65% | 3M SORA +0.27-0.40% | Refinancing |
| DBS | 1.75% (2yr), 1.55% (3yr HDB) | 3M SORA +0.28% | HDB Switchers |
| OCBC | 1.65% | Competitive SORA | Fixed Stability |
| UOB | 1.70% | SORA Packages | Investors |
| HSBC / SCB | 1.68-1.70% | SORA +0.25-0.30% | Condos |
Maybank leads floating for refinancing; DBS for HDB switches with no early repayment penalty.[1][2] Compare all 11 banks (including CIMB, RHB) on Homejourney bank-rates.
Actionable Steps: Secure Best Q1 2026 Rates via Homejourney
- Compare Rates: Visit Homejourney bank rates for real-time DBS vs OCBC vs UOB comparisons.
- Calculate Eligibility: Use our mortgage calculator factoring TDSR (60% debt cap).
- Apply Multi-Bank: Submit one Singpass-enabled form; get offers from all major banks competing for you.
- Time Your Lock-In: Lock 2-3yr fixed now before Q2 hikes; avoid penalties by checking lock-in ends.
- Search Properties: Find Q1 deals on Homejourney property search within your budget.
Insider tip: Q1 promos often include S$3k+ vouchers; HDB upgraders from Toa Payoh to condos save most now.[1] See boost approval odds.
Bank Pros, Cons & Best Fits
- DBS: Pros: HDB specialist, 1.55% 3yr fixed; Cons: Higher fixed at 1.75%. Best for HDB refinancers.[2]
- OCBC: Pros: Popular fixed (80% uptake), strong switching growth; Cons: Standard rates. Best for stability seekers.[2]
- Maybank: Pros: Lowest SORA spreads (+0.27%); Cons: Board 5.10% fallback. Best for floating fans.[1][3]
- HSBC/SCB: Pros: Condo promos 1.68%; Cons: Processing 2-4 weeks. Best for private properties.[1]
Homejourney connects you to these via one platform, ensuring transparency. Disclaimer: Rates fluctuate; consult Homejourney brokers for personalized advice. Not financial advice.
FAQ: Q1 2026 Property Financing
Is Q1 2026 the best time to buy property in Singapore?
Yes, with rates at 3-year lows (1.4-1.8%) and Q1 bank competition.[2]
How do I compare DBS, OCBC, UOB rates?
Use Homejourney's bank rates tool for instant side-by-side views.[1]
Should I switch from HDB loan in Q1 2026?
Yes if bank rates <2.6%; save S$4k/year on S$500k loan, but no HDB revert.[2]
What documents for Homejourney loan apps?
Singpass auto-fills; else NRIC, income slips, property docs. Processing: 1-3 days.[2]
Fixed or floating for first quarter 2026 buys?
Fixed for certainty (80% choose it); floating if expecting drops.[1][2]
Ready for Q1 2026 property buying? Start with Homejourney bank rates comparison for the best deals. Explore properties on property search and read our Q1 financing FAQs. Homejourney: Safe, trusted property journeys.
