How much is the down payment for buying a home in Singapore?

Generally, the down payment for buying a home in Singapore is 25% ~ 40%. There are many factors that will affect the down payment, including BSD, ABSD, loan vs LTV, and whether you are buying a phase or existing home.

If you are buying a phase home, in addition to the loan-to-value ratio, you will also have to consider the progress of the phase project.

If the loan is 75%, then the down payment is 25%. If you don't plan to apply for a loan, you don't need to make a lump sum payment when buying a home, you can make payments based on the progress of the project.

For example, if you buy a phase home with the foundation and concrete structure already built, put 40% down.

If you are buying an existing home, the down payment is the full amount minus the loan amount. For example, if you take out a 75% loan, the down payment is 25%, and if you take out a 60% loan, the down payment is 40%.

In addition to the down payment there is also a stamp duty on the purchase of a home, which can only be paid in cash and not through a loan.

How is the area of a house in Singapore calculated?

Houses in Singapore are calculated on the basis of usable area, and the price of a house is sold on the basis of the area of the suite, which is usually measured in square feet.

How long is the title of a house in Singapore?

There are three main types of property titles in Singapore: 99-year lease, 999-year lease and freehold. 999-year lease is almost equivalent to freehold because of its exceptionally long term.

The 999-year title and freehold were inherited from the British colonial era and the early years of Singapore's nationhood. Due to the very limited land resources in Singapore, the Singapore government has stopped issuing land with freehold titles for sale.

The new property projects with freehold and 999-year leases that are currently being sold in the Singapore property market are redeveloped by property developers after collective acquisition from private owners.

When does home ownership in Singapore start from?

Home ownership in Singapore starts from the date of purchase of the land by the developer and not from the date of purchase or delivery.

What are the payment options for buying a home in Singapore?

The usual methods of payment for buying a home in Singapore are cheque, cashier's check and bank transfer. Bringing cash or using credit cards are not accepted.

What types of home loans are available in Singapore?

Two types.

Fixed rate, which means that when you take out a loan to buy a home, the interest rate of the loan remains the same during the repayment period so that you can avoid losses from future interest rate increases.

However, if the interest rate on the loan drops during the repayment period, then you will still have to pay interest to the bank at the original rate.

Variable interest rates, which change according to fluctuations in market interest rates.

In the end, it is best to combine your needs and consult a professional real estate professional before making a decision.

What documents do I need to submit to apply for a loan to buy a home in Singapore?

Letter of Right to Purchase or Sale and Purchase Agreement for the house.

Home loan application form, completed and signed.

My ID card and photocopy, or passport and photocopy.

Proof of income. The last 3 months' salary statements and bank statements or bank statements showing that the salary is deposited into my bank account.

The most recent income tax assessment.

Other required documents.

Do I need to hire a lawyer to buy a home in Singapore?

The process of buying a property in Singapore must be done by a lawyer and the lawyer you appoint will handle all the purchase documents on your behalf.

Of course, you will need to pay the lawyer's fee.

How much is the lawyer's fee?

The legal fees for buying a property in Singapore are charged on the basis of the form and price of the property, whether it is a phase or an existing property.

Generally, the fees charged by the law firm are around 2500 to 3000.

Is there a regulatory body for buying property in Singapore?

The Singapore government established the Council for Estate Agencies in 2010, a statutory body under the MND, to regulate the estate agency industry and to develop it into a trusted professional field.

The main responsibilities of the Council for Estate Agencies include: licensing estate agencies and registering estate brokers, helping to improve the integrity and competence of estate agencies and estate brokers, and providing consumers with the necessary knowledge to ensure that they can make informed choices when engaging brokers to handle real estate transactions.

Before engaging a real estate broker to handle a real estate transaction, you can check the public registration database on the Board of Realtors' website to confirm that your real estate broker holds a valid license.