TDSR & MSR Calculator: Check Singapore Loan Limits | Homejourney
Executive Summary: This definitive guide explains TDSR and MSR limits, with Homejourney's free TDSR calculator and MSR calculator to instantly check your borrowing capacity. Discover eligibility rules, real examples, and tips to maximize loans safely.
Table of Contents
- What Are TDSR and MSR?
- TDSR Explained: 55% Debt Limit
- MSR Explained: 30% HDB/EC Limit
- Key Differences Between TDSR and MSR
- Use Homejourney's TDSR/MSR Calculator
- Full Eligibility Criteria
- Real-World Calculation Examples
- How to Improve Your Eligibility
- Interest Rates and Stress Testing
- HDB vs Private Property Rules
- 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Are TDSR and MSR?
The Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) caps total monthly debt repayments at 55% of gross monthly income for all property loans in Singapore[8][2]. The Mortgage Servicing Ratio (MSR) limits housing loan repayments to 30% of gross income for HDB flats and new Executive Condominiums (ECs)[1][2].
These rules, enforced by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), promote responsible borrowing amid high property prices[5][8]. Homejourney's debt ratio calculator computes both instantly, helping you assess eligibility limits and borrowing capacity TDSR before viewing properties on our property search.
TDSR Explained: The 55% Debt Limit
TDSR = (Total monthly debt obligations / Gross monthly income) x 100%, capped at 55%[3][8]. Debts include mortgages, car loans, credit cards, and student loans. Banks stress-test at a higher rate floor of 4% p.a. or prevailing market rates[2].
Gross income covers salary plus employees' CPF but excludes employers' CPF[1][2]. For variable income, only 70% counts[1]. This applies to all residential properties, including condos and resale HDB[3].
Homejourney prioritizes your safety by integrating TDSR checks into our TDSR calculator, ensuring transparent borrowing capacity TDSR assessments.
MSR Explained: The 30% HDB/EC Limit
MSR applies only to HDB flats (including BTO and resale) and new ECs, capping housing loan repayments at 30% of gross monthly income[1][9]. Calculation mirrors TDSR but excludes non-housing debts[1].
It covers both HDB loans and bank loans for these properties[1]. Resale ECs follow TDSR only, no MSR[1]. Use Homejourney's MSR calculator for precise HDB affordability.
Key Differences Between TDSR and MSR
| Aspect | TDSR | MSR |
|---|---|---|
| Limit | 55% | 30% |
| Debts Included | All debts | Housing loans only |
| Properties | All residential | HDB & new EC |
| Authority | MAS | HDB/MAS |
This table highlights why HDB buyers must satisfy both[1][3]. Homejourney's tool computes them together for accuracy.
Use Homejourney's TDSR/MSR Calculator
Calculate your exact eligibility limits instantly at Homejourney's mortgage calculator. Input income, debts, and property details—results show max loan quantum via Singpass auto-fill for speed and security.
Compare rates from DBS, OCBC, UOB, HSBC, Standard Chartered, Maybank, CIMB, RHB, Public Bank, Hong Leong, and Citibank in one placeHow to Use Homejourney Mortgage Calculator: 2026 Guide . Submit one multi-bank application for offers without visits.
Our platform verifies data transparently, aligning with Homejourney's trust-first approach.
Full Eligibility Criteria for Singapore Home Loans
Income Requirements
Employed: Last 3-6 months payslips. Self-employed: 2 years audited accounts, 70% of average income[1]. Joint applicants combine incomes.
Age and Tenure Limits
Max tenure: Age 65 at maturity (banks may cap at 30-35 years). First-time buyers get higher LTV up to 75-90%[4].
Credit and Employment
Minimum 650-700 credit score. Stable job (3+ months). Existing loans reduce capacity[2].
Homejourney's debt ratio calculator factors these for realistic borrowing capacity TDSR.
Real-World Calculation Examples
Example 1: Single Buyer, HDB BTO
Income: $5,000. Existing car loan: $500/month. MSR limit: 30% x $5,000 = $1,500. TDSR limit: 55% x $5,000 = $2,750 (after car loan: $2,250 available for mortgage).
| Income | MSR Limit (30%) | TDSR Limit (55%) |
|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | $1,500 | $2,750 |
| $8,000 | $2,400 | $4,400 |
| $12,000 (joint) | $3,600 | $6,600 |
At 3% interest, 25-year tenure, $1,500/month buys ~$300,000 loan. Test on Homejourney's tool.
Insider Tip: For Tengah BTO ($400K median), aim for $10K+ joint income to clear both limits comfortably.
How to Improve Your TDSR/MSR Eligibility
- Pay Down Debts: Clear credit cards/car loans 3-6 months pre-application to lower obligations.
- Increase Downpayment: Use CPF + cash to reduce loan size (LTV caps: 75% first-timer HDB).
- Extend Tenure: Up to age 65, but balance total interest costs.
- Boost Income Proof: Self-employed: Stabilize via fixed contracts.
- Refinance Existing: See bank rates for better termsBest Bank Refinancing Rates Comparison 2026 | Homejourney .
Time applications post-bonus. Homejourney's multi-bank system maximizes offersBenefits of Multi-Bank Application in One Click | Homejourney .
Interest Rates and Stress Testing
Banks use 4% floor for TDSR/MSR stress tests[2]. SORA (Singapore Overnight Rate Average) benchmarks most loans. Fixed vs floating: Fixed offers 1-3 year stability.
The chart below shows recent interest rate trends in Singapore:
Rates hover ~3-4% in 2026; track live SORA on Homejourney. Higher floors mean conservative borrowing[2].
HDB vs Private Property: Rule Differences
- HDB/BTO: MSR + TDSR + ABSD rules. Max LTV 75% first-timer.
- New EC: MSR (first 5 years) + TDSR.
- Resale EC/Condo: TDSR only, LTV up to 80%.
- Private Non-landed: TDSR + LTV 55-75%.
Explore HDB projects via projects directory. Homejourney verifies data for confident decisions.
5 Common Mistakes Singapore Buyers Make
- Forgetting credit card minimums in TDSR (they count fully).
- Ignoring 70% variable income haircut[1].
- Not stress-testing at 4% (real rates fluctuate).
- Overlooking joint income potential.
- Applying without calculator—use Homejourney's free tool first.
Disclaimer: This is educational; consult professionals. Rules per MAS/HDB as of 2026[8].
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a TDSR calculator?
A tool computing if debts exceed 55% income, showing max mortgage[3]. Homejourney's version includes MSR.
Does MSR apply to resale HDB?
Yes, for all HDB including resale[1].
What is a good TDSR ratio?
30-40% for prudence, though limit is 55%[3].
Can I exceed TDSR limits?
Rarely, with MAS approval for exceptions[2].
How does Singpass help with loans?
Auto-fills income data for fast, secure applicationsStep by Step Singpass Loan Application Guide | Homejourney .
Is there TDSR exemption for refinancing?
Owner-occupied yes, under conditions[2]. Check Homejourney bank rates.
Ready to check limits? Visit Homejourney's TDSR/MSR calculator now. Search safe properties at property search. Homejourney ensures verified info, multi-bank offers, and trusted support throughout your journey. Post-purchase, explore aircon services for maintenance.
References
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 8 (2026)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 2 (2026)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 1 (2026)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 5 (2026)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 3 (2026)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 9 (2026)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 4 (2026)
