TDSR & MSR Calculator: Check Borrowing Limits with Homejourney
The definitive guide to understanding and calculating your TDSR and MSR limits for Singapore property purchases. Use Homejourney's trusted calculator to assess your borrowing capacity securely.
Executive Summary
This comprehensive pillar guide explains TDSR (Total Debt Servicing Ratio) and MSR (Mortgage Servicing Ratio) – the key regulations determining how much you can borrow for a home in Singapore. Capped at 55% and 30% of your gross monthly income respectively, these limits ensure financial prudence amid rising interest rates.
Homejourney's TDSR calculator and MSR calculator let you check your eligibility limits and borrowing capacity TDSR instantly, integrating Singpass for accurate, verified results. We prioritize user safety with transparent calculations backed by MAS guidelines, helping first-time buyers, upgraders, and investors make confident decisions.
Whether buying an HDB flat in Punggol or a private condo in Orchard, understanding these ratios unlocks your true affordability. Dive in to master calculations, real examples, and strategies to boost your limits – all while discovering Homejourney's seamless tools like our bank rates comparison for DBS, OCBC, UOB, and more.[7]
Table of Contents
- What Are TDSR and MSR?
- TDSR Explained: The 55% Rule
- MSR Explained: The 30% Rule for HDB/EC
- Key Differences: TDSR vs MSR
- How to Calculate TDSR and MSR
- Using Homejourney's TDSR/MSR Calculator
- Real-World Calculation Examples
- Interest Rate Stress Testing
- How to Improve Your Eligibility Limits
- Common Mistakes and Pitfalls
- FAQ
What Are TDSR and MSR?
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) introduced TDSR in 2013 and MSR earlier to safeguard borrowers from over-leveraging. TDSR caps total debt repayments – including mortgages, car loans, credit cards – at 55% of gross monthly income. MSR limits housing loan repayments to 30% but only for HDB flats and new Executive Condominiums (ECs).[1][2][7]
These frameworks use a stress test assuming a 4% interest rate floor (updated September 2022), ensuring you can afford payments even if rates rise. For 2026, with SORA hovering around 3-4%, this is crucial for sustainable homeownership.[2]
Homejourney verifies these calculations using official MAS parameters, providing a safe space to assess your debt ratio calculator results without sharing sensitive data unnecessarily.
TDSR Explained: The 55% Rule
Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) assesses your overall debt burden. Formula: (Total monthly debt obligations / Gross monthly income) x 100% ≤ 55%.[7]
Includes all liabilities: mortgage, car loans, personal loans, credit card minimums (5% of limit), student loans. Gross income covers salary, bonuses (if stable), commissions (70% for variable), but excludes employer CPF.[2]
Who Does TDSR Apply To?
All residential property loans – HDB, private condos, landed homes – for owner-occupied or investment. Joint applicants combine incomes and debts.[3]
Exemptions are rare: refinancing owner-occupied HDB/EC post-MOP (Minimum Occupation Period) may bypass if not increasing exposure.[2][3]
MSR Explained: The 30% Rule for HDB/EC
Mortgage Servicing Ratio (MSR) focuses solely on property loans. Capped at 30% of gross monthly income (including employee's CPF, excluding employer's).[1][3]
Applies to HDB flats (all loans) and new ECs from developers (pre-MOP). Bank or HDB loans both count. For variable income, only 70% is assessed.[1]
Real Singapore Example
A couple earning S$8,000 combined targets a Punggol BTO flat at S$500,000. MSR limits housing repayments to S$2,400/month, influencing loan quantum at current rates.
Key Differences: TDSR vs MSR
Use this table for quick comparison – perfect for featured snippets on TDSR calculator searches.
| Aspect | MSR | TDSR |
|---|---|---|
| Cap | 30% | 55% |
| Applies To | HDB flats, new ECs | All properties |
| Debts Included | Property loans only | All debts |
| Stress Rate | 4% floor | 4% floor |
Source: MAS guidelines and HDB regulations.[1][2][3]
How to Calculate TDSR and MSR
Both use projected repayments under stress-tested rates (min 4% p.a., 30-year tenure for under-55s). Banks compute this during applications.[7]
- Gather Data: Gross income, existing debts, property price.
- Estimate Repayment: Use loan formula with stress rate.
- Apply Ratio: Divide by income x 100%.
Skip manual math – Homejourney's debt ratio calculator automates it. See our mortgage calculator.How to Use Homejourney Mortgage Calculator: 2026 Guide
Using Homejourney's TDSR/MSR Calculator
Experience seamless eligibility checks on Homejourney. Our tool integrates Singpass for auto-filled income data, ensuring accuracy and security – aligning with our commitment to user safety.
- Visit Homejourney bank rates.
- Select TDSR/MSR calculator.
- Input income, debts, property details – Singpass speeds it up.
- Get instant borrowing capacity TDSR results, plus LTV limits.
- Compare rates from DBS, OCBC, UOB, HSBC, Standard Chartered, Maybank, CIMB, RHB, Public Bank, Hong Leong, Citibank.
Submit one multi-bank application for offers from all partners. Read our bank-rates guide.如何使用Homejourney比较银行利率：2026新加坡房贷指南
Real-World Calculation Examples
Borrowing power varies by profile. Here's a featured-snippet-ready table for incomes S$5,000–S$20,000 (single applicant, no debts, 4% stress rate, 25-year tenure).
| Gross Income | TDSR Limit (55%) | Max Property Repay (MSR 30%) | Est. Loan Quantum |
|---|---|---|---|
| S$5,000 | S$2,750 | S$1,500 | S$300,000 |
| S$10,000 | S$5,500 | S$3,000 | S$600,000 |
| S$15,000 | S$8,250 | S$4,500 | S$900,000 |
| S$20,000 | S$11,000 | S$6,000 | S$1.2M |
Example 1: First-Time Buyer. S$6,000 income, S$500 car loan. TDSR limit S$3,300; after car, S$2,800 for mortgage → ~S$550k loan. Use Homejourney to simulate.
Example 2: HDB Upgrader. Couple S$12,000 combined, existing S$1,200 repayment. MSR S$3,600 total; S$2,400 new → suits S$700k flat. Check via our calculator.
Insider Tip: For Tengah BTOs (avg S$450k), singles under S$4,500 struggle post-debts – pay down credit cards first.[1][2]
Interest Rate Stress Testing
MAS mandates stress-testing at 4% p.a. or prevailing +3%, whichever higher. SORA (Singapore Overnight Rate Average) is key for floating loans.
SORA replaced SOR in 2024; most banks peg to 3M/6M SORA + margin (1-1.5%). Fixed rates offer 2-3 year stability but higher initial costs.
The chart below shows recent interest rate trends in Singapore:
As seen, SORA peaked at 3.5% in late 2025 but stabilized. This impacts your borrowing capacity TDSR – higher projected rates mean lower loans. Track live on Homejourney's bank-rates page.
How to Improve Your Eligibility Limits
Boost your score with these actionable steps:
- Reduce Debts: Pay off car loans, clear credit card balances (banks assess 5% minimum).
- Increase Income Proof: Self-employed? Average 2 years; variable? Stabilize commissions.
- Joint Application: Combine with spouse/parent for higher limits.
- Shorter Debts: Loans ending soon may be excluded if <12 months left.
- Larger Downpayment: Reduces loan size, easing ratios.
Timing Tip: Refinance existing loans pre-purchase. Homejourney's multi-bank system gets offers from DBS to Citibank fast via Singpass.Singpass贷款申请完整步骤指南：Homejourney安全指南
Post-calculation, search properties in budget via Homejourney property search.
Common Mistakes and Pitfalls
- Ignoring Stress Rates: Assuming current 3% SORA – banks use 4%+.
- Variable Income Trap: Only 70% counts; freelancers, prepare docs.[1]
- Credit Cards Sneak In: Even unused limits hit TDSR.
- Forgetting CPF: Employee CPF in MSR, but not employer.
Disclaimer: This is educational; consult Homejourney mortgage brokers or financial advisors. Regulations per MAS 2026.[2][7]
FAQ: TDSR and MSR Singapore
What is TDSR calculator used for?
Homejourney's TDSR calculator computes your max debt at 55% income, factoring all obligations for precise borrowing capacity.[7]
MSR calculator Singapore: How accurate?
Uses official 30% HDB/EC formula with stress tests. Input verified via Singpass for trust.[1]
Can TDSR exceed 55%?
Generally no, except MAS-approved refinancing cases.[2]
Does MSR apply to resale HDB?
No, only new ECs pre-MOP and all HDB purchases.[3]
How does car loan affect TDSR?
Fully included in total debts, reducing mortgage room.[7]
Best bank for low TDSR impact?
Compare on Homejourney bank-rates – UOB/OCBC often competitive.一站式比较新加坡银行房贷利率：Homejourney权威指南
Self-employed TDSR calculation?
2-year average income; 70% if variable.[1]
Free debt ratio calculator Singapore?
Yes, Homejourney's tool – safe, no data selling.Homejourney房贷计算器使用指南：新加坡买家步步详解
Next Steps with Homejourney
1. Calculate limits via our TDSR calculator at bank-rates#calculator.
2. Compare rates from 11 banks.
3. Apply multi-bank with Singpass.
4. Search matching properties on property search.
5. Connect with our brokers for personalized advice.
Homejourney builds trust through verified tools, transparency, and user feedback-driven improvements. Start your safe property journey today.
