UOB Home Loan Review: Complete vs Other Banks Comparison | Homejourney
UOB home loans offer competitive SORA-based rates starting from 3M Compounded SORA + 0.70% p.a. for the first two years, with perks like legal subsidies and low valuation fees, making them strong for HDB and private property buyers in Singapore.[1][2][3]
This cluster article dives deep into UOB Home Loan Review Complete vs Other Banks Comparison, helping you decide if UOB's UOB fixed rate packages or UOB housing loan options beat DBS, OCBC, or HSBC. As part of Homejourney's pillar on Singapore home loans, it provides tactical insights for first-time buyers, refinancers, and investors. At Homejourney, we prioritize your safety with verified rates and transparent comparisons—explore all options securely at Homejourney bank rates.
UOB Bank Overview: Why Consider UOB Mortgage?
United Overseas Bank (UOB), founded in 1935, is one of Singapore's Big 3 banks with over 80% market share in mortgages alongside DBS and OCBC.[1] UOB excels in HDB and private property financing, offering UOB home loan packages pegged to 3M Compounded SORA, fixed rates, and board rates.
Unique features include fast approvals for strong profiles, free conversions after lock-in, and promotions like up to S$2,700 vouchers for direct online applications (valid till 31 March 2026).[2][3] For HDB flats in areas like Toa Payoh or private condos in Orchard, UOB provides up to 75% Loan-to-Value (LTV) financing, subject to TDSR and MAS rules.
Insider tip: UOB's flat S$150 + GST valuation fee for condos under S$3M saves S$250-450 vs typical bank fees—ideal for resale HDB upgraders.[1]
Current UOB Home Loan Rates 2026
UOB's promotional SORA package (min S$250,000, new direct-to-bank customers) features:
- Year 1-2: 3M Compounded SORA + 0.70% p.a.
- Year 3: 3M Compounded SORA + 0.80% p.a.
- Year 4+: 3M Compounded SORA + 1.00% p.a.
- 2-year lock-in with 1 free conversion after 24 months.[2][3]
Fixed rates start around 1.55%, with specials as low as 1.09% for loans over S$500,000 (conditions apply).[1] The chart below shows recent interest rate trends in Singapore:
The chart below shows recent SORA trends to help you understand how rates have moved:
As seen in the chart, rates are forecasted to bottom out by Q2 2026 per UOB economists, potentially lowering effective costs further.[4] Compare real-time rates from UOB, DBS, OCBC, and more on Homejourney's bank rates page.
UOB vs Other Banks: Side-by-Side Comparison
Here's how UOB home loan stacks up against key competitors for a S$800,000 HDB refinance (assuming current 3M SORA ~2.8%, effective rates approximate):
| Bank | Year 1-2 Rate | Lock-in | Key Perk |
|---|---|---|---|
| UOB | SORA + 0.70% (~3.5% eff.) | 2 years | Legal subsidy (<S$450k), low val fee[1][2] |
| DBS | SORA + 0.60-0.80% | 2 years | Fast digital process |
| OCBC | SORA + 0.70% | 2 years | Cashback up to S$3,000 (see OCBC Home Loan Review: Complete vs Other Banks Comparison | Homejourney ">OCBC comparison)[8] |
| HSBC | SORA + 0.65% | 3 years | Global transfer perks |
| Standard Chartered | SORA + 0.75% | 2 years | Priority banking extras |
UOB edges out on valuation fees and HDB promotions but may lag HSBC on initial spreads. For full details, use Homejourney's mortgage eligibility calculator to test scenarios.
Pros and Cons of UOB Home Loans
Pros:
- Quick approvals for salaried applicants—IPA often instant.[1]
- Promos: S$300-S$700 vouchers for HDB loans S$300k+; up to S$2,500 cash + vouchers for private S$1M+.[2][3]
- 50-100% penalty waivers on sale; free conversion options.[1]
- Lowest valuation at S$150 + GST for condos.[1]
Cons:
- Promotional rates limited to new direct-to-bank, min loan sizes.
- Higher spreads post-Year 3 vs some like DBS.
- No full details on all packages without inquiry—rates deviate for non-promos.
Best for: HDB owners in mature estates like Bedok refinancing, or condos under S$3M valuing cost savings. Check UOB Home Loan Review: Complete Rates & Fees 2026 | Homejourney ">UOB rates & fees for updates.
UOB Application Process and Timeline
- Check Eligibility: Age 21-65, Singaporean/PR/foreigner; use Homejourney's calculator first.
- Gather Docs: NRIC, income proof (last 3 payslips), property docs, Singpass for auto-fill.
- Apply Online: Via UOB site or Homejourney—submit to multiple banks with one form for best offers.
- Timeline: IPA in hours/days; full approval 1-2 weeks for purchase, faster for refi.[1]
Homejourney simplifies with Singpass integration: auto-fill, multi-bank submission, and broker guidance. Apply securely at Homejourney bank-rates.
User Experience and Refinancing with UOB
UOB's app offers solid online banking for repayments and rate switches, with strong customer service for Big 3 standards. Refinancing gets legal subsidy (under S$450k) or cash rebate (over).[1] Pair with Homejourney for real-time SORA tracking and UOB refinance comparisons—let banks compete for you.
Disclaimer: Rates change; this is not financial advice. Consult professionals. Data as of Feb 2026 from UOB/MAS sources.[1][2][3] Homejourney verifies info for your trust.
FAQ: UOB Home Loan Common Questions
What is the minimum loan for UOB promotional rates?
S$250,000 for SORA packages; higher for specials like 1.09% (S$500k+).[1][2]
Can foreigners get UOB home loans?
Yes, aged 21-65, subject to LTV/TDSR.[3]
How does UOB compare for HDB vs private property?
Strong HDB promos (vouchers up to S$700); private up to S$2,500 cash + vouchers for S$1M+.[2][3]
Is UOB good for refinancing?
Yes, with subsidies, waivers, and free conversions—compare via Homejourney.
Where to find live UOB rates?
Track on Homejourney's tool, updated daily from banks.
Ready to secure the best UOB mortgage review deal? Compare UOB vs all banks instantly, calculate affordability, and apply via Singpass on Homejourney bank-rates. For full Singapore home loan guidance, return to our pillar content. Homejourney: Your safe path to property success.
