Q1 2026 Best Time to Buy Property Singapore Financing: Bank Rate Comparison Guide
Q1 2026 presents the best time to buy property Singapore due to fixed home loan rates dropping to 1.4%-1.8% p.a., well below the HDB concessionary rate of 2.6% p.a., amid stabilizing SORA trends and intense bank competition.[1][2]
This Homejourney cluster article dives into bank rate comparisons for first quarter 2026 property buying, helping you time your purchase confidently. As part of our pillar on Q1 2026 property market timing, it equips you with actionable steps to compare rates from DBS, OCBC, UOB, HSBC and others via Homejourney's bank rates page. Prioritizing your safety, we verify data from MAS and official sources for trusted decisions.
Why Q1 2026 is Prime for Property Financing in Singapore
Banks are slashing rates to capture market share in early 2026, with fixed packages at 1.4%-1.8% for loans over S$500k, down from 3.1% in early 2025.[2] SORA-linked floating rates start from 1M SORA + 0% (around 1.09% effective).[3] This gap versus HDB's 2.6% drives refinancing and new buys, especially for HDB upgraders eyeing private properties.
Homejourney's real-time tracking shows Q1 competition peaking, with promotions like cash rebates up to S$2,800 and legal subsidies.[3] Insider tip: Act before Chinese New Year (late Jan/early Feb 2026) when banks push aggressive offers to HDB buyers in mature estates like Toa Payoh or Bishan.
Current SORA and Rate Trends Shaping Q1 2026
SORA, Singapore's benchmark replacing SOR, reflects overnight interbank costs and has stabilized post-2025 declines.[1] Most floating loans peg to 1M or 3M SORA plus a tight spread (0%-0.25%). Fixed rates offer 1-3 year lock-ins for payment certainty.
The chart below shows recent interest rate trends in Singapore:
As visible, SORA hit 3-year lows by Q4 2025, with banks passing savings via tighter spreads.[2] Expect marginal easing in Q1 2026, but rates may floor without US Fed shocks.[2] Use Homejourney's mortgage eligibility calculator to model scenarios under TDSR (Total Debt Servicing Ratio ≤60% of income).
Bank-by-Bank Rate Comparison for Q1 2026
Compare top Homejourney partner banks for loans ≥S$500k. Rates effective Feb 2026; conditions apply (e.g., good credit, stable income).[3] HDB loans cap at 2.6%; banks beat this for most profiles.
| Bank | Best Fixed Rate (Y1) | Floating (SORA + Spread) | Lock-in | Rebates (Refi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DBS | 1.55% (POSB HDB) | 1M SORA + 0.25% (~1.36%) | 2-3 years | S$2,000-2,800 |
| OCBC | 1.50% | 1M SORA + 0.25% | 2 years | S$2,000-2,800 |
| UOB | 1.60% | 1M SORA + 0.25% | 2 years | S$2,300 |
| HSBC | 1.35%* | Competitive | 2 years | Varies |
| Standard Chartered | 1.50%* | SORA-based | 2 years | S$2,300 |
*For loans ≥S$1M; check Homejourney bank rates for updates. Maybank, CIMB, RHB, Public Bank, Hong Leong, Citibank offer similar from 1.30%-1.78%.[3]
Pros & Cons Snapshot
- DBS: Best for HDB (no early repayment penalty on sale); dominant SGD funding.[3] Con: Higher min loan S$500k.
- OCBC: Flexible prepayments; great for families. Con: Slightly higher Y1 fixed.
- UOB/HSBC: Top rebates for large loans; expat-friendly. Con: Stricter credit checks.
Actionable Steps: Secure Best Q1 2026 Rates via Homejourney
- Compare Instantly: Visit Homejourney bank rates for live DBS vs OCBC vs UOB comparisons.
- Calculate Eligibility: Use our calculator – input income/debts for TDSR-compliant borrowing power.
- Apply Multi-Bank: Submit once via Singpass; get offers from all partners. Brokers match you best.
- Time Refi/Reprice: Avoid lock-ins ending Q1; save S$500/month like DBS repricers.[2]
- Search Properties: Filter budgets on Homejourney property search; pair with Projects Directory .
Disclaimer: Rates fluctuate; consult Homejourney brokers. Not financial advice; verify with MAS guidelines.
FAQ: Q1 2026 Property Buying Financing
Is Q1 2026 the best time to buy property in Singapore?
Yes, with rates at 1.4%-1.8% vs HDB 2.6%, and Q1 promotions.[2] See our pillar: Q1 2026 Best Time to Buy Property Singapore: Homejourney Financing Guide .
DBS vs OCBC: Which has better Q1 2026 rates?
DBS leads HDB at 1.55%; OCBC for flexibility. Compare on Homejourney.[3]
Should I switch from HDB loan in Q1 2026?
If bank rates <2.6% and no future HDB needs, yes – but note no reverse option.[2]
How to boost loan approval odds?
Check Q1 2026 Best Time to Buy Property Singapore Financing: Boost Approval Odds | Hom... for tips.
Where to track live rates?
Homejourney's bank-rates page for real-time SORA + bank offers.
Ready for Q1 2026 property buying? Start with Homejourney bank rates comparison for safe, verified financing. Explore properties on property search and connect with our brokers today.
