UOB vs DBS Mortgage 2026: Which is Better? Homejourney Guide

This definitive Homejourney guide compares UOB vs DBS mortgages for Singapore buyers and refinancers. Discover current rates, features, and which bank suits your needs in 2026's market.

Homejourney prioritizes your safety and trust with verified data from official sources like MAS and HDB. Use our bank rates page to compare UOB DBS options instantly.[1]

Executive Summary
UOB Bank Overview
DBS Bank Overview
Mortgage Products Comparison
Current Rates 2026
Pros and Cons
Application Process
User Experience & Service
Eligibility and Regulations
Refinancing Guide
Homejourney Tools
FAQ

Executive Summary

In the UOB vs DBS mortgage comparison, DBS edges out for stability and fixed rates, while UOB shines in fast approvals and low fees for refinancers.[1] As Singapore's Big 3 banks hold 80% market share, choosing depends on your profile: first-time HDB buyers favor DBS's HDB integration; private property investors prefer UOB's flexibility.[1][2]

Key 2026 insights: SORA-based rates hover at 3.0-3.5% effective, with fixed packages from 1.55% p.a.[1] Homejourney verifies rates in real-time—compare UOB DBS now and apply via Singpass for safety.

UOB Bank Overview

United Overseas Bank (UOB), founded in 1935, leads Southeast Asia with 500+ offices.[1] In Singapore mortgages, UOB offers HDB, resale, private, and commercial loans, capturing strong regional exposure.

UOB's USP: Fast approvals for high-income applicants and low valuation fees ($150 + GST for condos up to $3M).[1] Ideal for Toa Payoh HDB upgraders or Orchard condo buyers seeking quick closings.

UOB Home Loan Types

Fixed Rate: 1.55% p.a. for 2-3 years (min $500k for lowest).[1]
SORA PEAKSAVER: 3M/6M SORA + spread, no lock-in on select packages.
Refinance Packages: Legal subsidy (<$450k), cash rebate (>$450k).[1]

Insider tip: UOB waives penalties on sale (up to 100%), perfect for investors flipping Tengah ECs.

DBS Bank Overview

DBS, Asia's safest bank, dominates with POSB integration for HDB loans.[3] It offers competitive fixed rates from SGD pool funds, holding top NIM at 2.08% in 1H2025.[2]

DBS strengths: Seamless HDB-Concessionary Loan bridging, digital tools via digibank. Best for Punggol BTO buyers or Yishun resale refinancers.

DBS Home Loan Types

Fixed Rate: From 1.25% p.a. EMI, competitive for new launches.[3][6]
SORA Loans: 3M SORA + 0.5-1.0% spread.
Private Property: Up to 75% LTV, higher than HDB's 80%.[4]

Mortgage Products: UOB vs DBS Comparison

Both banks offer SORA (Singapore Overnight Rate Average), fixed, and board rates. SORA replaced SOR in 2024 per MAS, tying loans to actual transactions for transparency.

UOB excels in flexible refinance; DBS in fixed stability. See table below for key packages.

Feature	UOB	DBS
Lock-in Period	2-3 years, 50-100% sale waiver[1]	2-5 years, competitive fixed[3]
Min Loan for Promo	$500k @1.11%*[1]	$1M+ rebates[3]
Valuation Fee	$150 + GST (condos)[1]	Standard $400-600

Current UOB vs DBS Rates 2026

As of Feb 2026, effective rates: UOB fixed 1.55%, SORA ~3.2%; DBS fixed 1.25%-3.7%, above HDB's 2.6%.[1][3][4] Compare to market avg 3.0-5.5%.[4]

The chart below shows recent interest rate trends in Singapore:

SORA has stabilized post-peak; UOB's low spreads suit variable rate seekers, DBS for fixed predictability.[1][2]

Product	UOB Rate (p.a.)	DBS Rate (p.a.)
2-Year Fixed	1.55%[1]	1.25%*[6]
3M SORA +	0.6% (~3.1% eff)	0.5% (~3.0% eff)
Refi Rebate	$2,500 (>$1M)[1]	$2,800 (>$1.5M)[3]

*Min loan applies. Verify on Homejourney bank-rates. Rates fluctuate per MAS SORA.[1][3]

Pros and Cons: UOB vs DBS

UOB Pros

Fastest approvals for strong profiles[1]
Lowest valuation fees, saving $200-400[1]
High dividend yield signals stability (5.11% TTM)[2]
Regional expertise for overseas property[9]

UOB Cons

Higher NPL ratio (1.6%)[2]
Min loan for best rates ($500k)[1]

DBS Pros

Top NIM resilience (2.08%)[2]
Best fixed rates, HDB integration[3][4]
Premium valuation, scale[2]

DBS Cons

Slower loan growth (3%)[2]
Higher fees on valuation[1]

UOB for speed; DBS for HDB/security. See UOB vs DBS Mortgage: Which Bank is Right for You? | Homejourney ">UOB vs DBS details.

Application Process & Timeline

Both require IC, income docs, property details. UOB: Instant IPA for qualified[1]; DBS: 1-3 days via digibank.

IPA: Online/Singpass, 24-48hrs.
Full Approval: 2-4 weeks with valuation.
Legal: UOB subsidies refi[1].

Homejourney simplifies: One app to UOB/DBS/OCBC via Singpass. Faster, safer.

User Experience & Customer Service

DBS leads digital (NPS high); UOB praised for personal touch.[1] Both offer 24/7 chat. Refinancing: UOB waives more fees amid competition[1].

Homejourney users: "Seamless multi-bank offers"—trust our verified process.

Eligibility: TDSR, LTV, MSR

MAS TDSR caps payments at 55% income; LTV 75% private, 80% HDB.[4] Example: $10k monthly income qualifies ~$1.8M loan (30yrs, 3% rate).

Use Homejourney calculator for UOB/DBS eligibility. HDB: Min $30k income for flats.

Refinancing UOB vs DBS

Refi if rates drop 0.5%+. UOB: Cash rebates; DBS: Fixed lock-ins. Costs: 1.5% penalty max, often waived.[1]

Steps: Check rates, calculate savings, apply multi-bank. Link to Local vs Foreign Bank Mortgage: DBS OCBC UOB vs HSBC SCB 2026 ">local vs foreign.

Why Choose Homejourney for UOB vs DBS

Real-time rates from DBS/UOB/OCBC/HSBC.
Singpass multi-bank apps—banks compete for you.
Eligibility calculator: Instant borrowing power.
Post-loan: Search properties in budget; Aircon Services ">aircon services for new homes.

Disclaimer: Not financial advice. Consult advisors. Rates per Feb 2026, subject to change.[1][4]