UOB vs DBS Mortgage: Which is Better in Singapore? | Homejourney
This definitive guide compares UOB vs DBS mortgage options for Singapore home buyers and investors. Discover current rates, product features, eligibility criteria, and practical advice to choose the best home loan. Homejourney prioritizes your safety with verified rates and transparent comparisons from major banks like DBS, UOB, OCBC, and more.
Whether you're a first-time HDB buyer in Toa Payoh or refinancing a condo in Orchard, this UOB DBS comparison equips you with data-driven insights. Use Homejourney's tools at https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates to compare real-time rates and apply via Singpass for faster approvals.
Table of Contents
- Executive Summary
- Understanding Singapore Mortgages
- Bank Overviews: UOB and DBS
- UOB vs DBS Home Loan Products
- Current Mortgage Rates 2025
- Pros and Cons Analysis
- Eligibility and Application Process
- Customer Experience and Refinancing
- Real Calculations and Examples
- Homejourney's Mortgage Tools
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Next Steps with Homejourney
Executive Summary: UOB vs DBS Mortgage Winner
DBS edges out UOB for most buyers in 2025 due to competitive fixed rates starting at 1.50% and superior cash rebates up to $2,800. UOB shines for floating rates at 0.28% + 3M SORA and BUC properties[1][2][5][8]. This local bank mortgage comparison analyzes over 20 products, using data from MAS-approved sources.
Homejourney verifies all rates daily, ensuring you get accurate info without the hassle. For HDB resale, DBS's 3M SORA +0.50% is ideal; UOB suits investors seeking low spreads[1][2]. Calculate your best option at https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates#calculator.
Understanding Singapore Mortgages: Key Concepts
Singapore's mortgage market is regulated by MAS and HDB, with Loan-to-Value (LTV) limits at 75% for bank loans vs 80% for HDB's 2.6% fixed rate[4]. SORA (Singapore Overnight Rate Average) replaced SOR in 2024; 3M SORA is ~3.0% as of Dec 2025[1][2]. Fixed rates offer stability for 2-3 years, then revert to SORA + spread.
Rate Types Explained
- Fixed Rate: Locked for 1-5 years (e.g., DBS 2Y Fixed at 1.65%)[2].
- Floating (SORA): 3M/6M SORA + 0.28%-0.65% spread[1][8].
- Board Rate: Bank-specific, less transparent.
Lock-in penalties: 1.5% of loan if prepaid early. Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) caps payments at 55% of income[4]. Insider tip: Time fixed rates before SORA dips expected in 2026[3].
Bank Overviews: UOB and DBS in Singapore
DBS Bank
Asia's safest bank (per Global Finance), DBS holds ~40% mortgage market share with POSB integration[1][5]. Offers FHR (Fixed Deposit Home Rate), unique peg to FD rates for stability. Best for salary crediting via Multiplier Account, earning up to 4% on deposits[1].
UOB (United Overseas Bank)
UOB, with strong regional presence, commands 20-25% share among Big 3[1]. Known for flexible floating rates and BUC loans. Popular for investors; offers low spreads like 0.28% + 3M SORA[8]. Strong in private banking for high-net-worth HDB upgraders.
Both banks dominate 80% of loans with DBS leading in fixed products[1]. Compare with OCBC, HSBC on Homejourney at https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates.
UOB vs DBS Home Loan Products: Side-by-Side
DBS offers more fixed options; UOB excels in SORA variants. Below is a comparison for completed properties[1][2][5][8].
| Product | DBS | UOB |
|---|---|---|
| 2Y Fixed | 1.65%-1.75% | 1.65% |
| 3Y Fixed | 1.70%-1.78% | 1.70% |
| 3M SORA Floating | +0.50% | +0.28% |
| Lock-in | 2-3Y | 2Y |
For BUC, DBS offers flexibility with progressive drawdown up to 60% LTV[1]. UOB better for resale HDB with low spreads[2].
Current Mortgage Rates 2025: UOB DBS Comparison
Rates as of Dec 2025; check Homejourney for live updates[1][2][5][8]. DBS leads fixed for HDB; UOB for floating refinance.
| Property Type | Best DBS Rate | Best UOB Rate | Market Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDB Resale | 3M SORA +0.50% (~3.50%) | 3M SORA +0.28% (~3.28%) | +0.50% |
| Private Resale | 2Y Fixed 1.65% | 2Y Fixed 1.65% | 1.70% |
| BUC Condo | FHR6 +0.60% | 3M SORA +0.40% | +0.50% |
| Refinance | 3Y Fixed 1.70% + $2k rebate | 3M SORA +0.28% | +0.40% |
DBS rebates: $2,000 (>S$500k), $2,800 (>S$1.5m) for refinance[2][5]. UOB competitive but lower rebates.
Pros and Cons: Honest UOB or DBS Assessment
DBS Pros & Cons
- Pros: Lowest fixed rates, high rebates, FHR innovation, seamless Singpass integration[1][5].
- Cons: Higher SORA spreads (+0.50%), longer processing for BUC[2]. Best for HDB families in mature estates like Bedok.
UOB Pros & Cons
- Pros: Lowest floating spreads (+0.28%), flexible for investors, quick approvals[8].
- Cons: Fewer fixed options, smaller rebates. Ideal for condos near MRT like Thomson-East Coast Line.
DBS for stability; UOB for cost-savvy investors[1][2].
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
Both require income proof, CPF statements, property docs. TDSR 55%, MSR 30% for HDB[4]. DBS/UOB approve 75% LTV; min income S$30k/annum.
- Documents: NRIC, payslips (3 mths), tax assessment, sales agreement.
- Timeline: DBS 7-14 days; UOB 5-10 days[1].
- Approval Tips: Use Homejourney's calculator first; apply multi-bank via https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates for best offers.
Insider: Salary credit to DBS boosts approval odds[5].
Customer Experience, Service & Refinancing
DBS digibank app excels in real-time SORA tracking; UOB strong in priority banking[1][3]. Refinance DBS: Net rebate after S$1,800 fees[2]. UOB simpler for floating switches.
Both score high on customer service; DBS edges due to scale. Track rates on Homejourney for perfect timing.
Real-World Calculations: S$800k HDB Loan Example
Assume 25Y tenure, 3M SORA 3.0%.
- DBS 3M SORA +0.50%: Monthly ~S$3,950; total interest S$590k.
- UOB 3M SORA +0.28%: Monthly ~S$3,900; saves S$6k over 5Y.
- DBS 2Y Fixed 1.65%: Monthly ~S$3,700 initially.
For S$1.2m condo refinance, DBS rebate S$2,500 offsets costs[2][5]. Use https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates#calculator for your scenario.
Original insight: With SORA peaking, lock DBS fixed now; switch to UOB floating post-2026[3]. Compare with CIMB vs RHB Home Loan Singapore: Apply via Homejourney for more.
Homejourney: Your Trusted Mortgage Partner
Homejourney verifies rates from DBS, UOB, OCBC, HSBC, etc., in one safe platform. Features:
- Real-time UOB vs DBS mortgage comparison at https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates.
- Singpass auto-fill: Apply to multiple banks instantly.
- Eligibility calculator: Know borrowing power in seconds.
- Find properties in budget via https://www.homejourney.sg/search.
WhatsApp support for queries; post-purchase, check aircon services for maintenance.
FAQ: UOB vs DBS Mortgage Singapore
Which is better, UOB or DBS mortgage?
DBS for fixed rates and rebates; UOB for lowest floating spreads[1][2]. Depends on your risk profile.
What are current UOB DBS comparison rates for HDB?
DBS 3M SORA +0.50%, UOB +0.28% for resale[1][8]. Check Homejourney for updates.
Is DBS better than UOB for refinancing?
Yes, with up to $2,800 cashback covering fees[2][5].
Can I apply to both UOB and DBS via Homejourney?
Yes, one application gets offers from all major banks using Singpass[Homejourney].
