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How do banks decide on home loan amounts. Does anyone know how banks determine how much they can loan you? Do different banks offer different loan amounts?

I understand that TDSR plays a role, but I’m a bit confused. does a lower interest rate mean you can actually borrow more?

Appreciate any insights or experiences you can share. Thanks in advance!
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12 Answers

Hi there,

I am able to assist you with the financial calculations based on your age, salary and existing loan.

For further assistance, you may reach me at 94507283  .

Thank you

Gary Shien
Associate Group Director
PropNex Realty Pte Ltd Read More
1
When it comes to home loans, banks are largely restricted by our government policies. There are a couple of factors that come into play, including but not limited to:
1) Your age
2) Your income (including the amount that is fixed vs bonuses vs commissions etc)
3) Remaining lease of the property
4) Valuation of the property
5) Purchase price of the property
6) Your employment status
7) MSR (If you are buying HDB/ EC)
8) TDSR

Even within the parameters above, different banks could also offer different loan amounts. For example, different banks often treat income differently, especially when it comes to bonuses or non-salaried income.

Specific to your question on the TDSR, banks use the fixed stress test rate set by the government, instead of the actual rate that fluctuates daily to determine your maximum loan. This is set in place to protect borrowers from potential interest rate spikes.

If your loan amount is not capped by the maximum limits imposed by the government, a lower interest rate could indeed make you better off since you would have a more comfortable time servicing the loan, and would probably be more comfortable taking a larger loan amount.

------------

As a buyer-agent, I support all my clients on the financial calculations and understanding needed to execute home purchases within their means and for the best financial outcome. Let me know if you need help, I do it for free.

I also refer my clients to different bankers with varying expertise and preferred rates depending on their needs. In my network, I have a different banker for each of the following situations:
- HDB
- Condos
- Landed
- Luxury Property
- Commercial
- Foreigners
- High net worth
- Self-employed financing
- Partial pre-payments
- Multi-property situations
- No lock-in period offers
- Bank auction property loans
- Investment property focus
- Personalized loan structuring
- Flexible loan tenures,
- Credit score improvement guidance
- Shariah-compliant mortgage solutions
and more....

Can't share their contacts here because of privacy reasons, but feel free to reach out to me if you need help.

I'm a Harvard graduated real estate agent with a degree in economics, and I have a decade of experience working on Singapore public policy. I would love to schedule a free consultation to discuss your options if you need any support.

My WhatsApp number and email are provided below.

Kay Cloud
Associate Advisor
Propnex Realty Pte Ltd
cloud@propnex.com
 (+65) 85674585  Read More
1
Hi,

I would be most glad to assist you further and pls feel free to let me know if you need any assistance. Have a good day ahead. By the way, perhaps I could refer a mortgage broker to you?

Regards
Aaron Chong
 9730 8455 
aaronchong2774@yahoo.com.sg Read More
1
Hi

For loan calculations, banks use a required rate of minimum 4% interest rate for residential loans. So most banks arrive at similar loan amounts if the income and monthly obligations info inputs are the same. The banks may offer different rate packages but their formula calculations to confirm the loan amount they can approve is the same, as it is mandated by the authorities lending guidelines. It is in the rates they can offer you that differ, after max loan amount is ascertained.

Some banks may also recognize more of your bonus as income, so may be able to lend a bit more. You can also try show funds or pledged funds method to bump up you loan, if you have significant financial resources.

Hope the above clarifies. I am well-versed with HDB and private property transactions, having helped more than 100 homeowners transit smoothly with their housing plans. Please reach out to me at 97432395  for a more in-depth discussion :)

May I have more info on your requirements so as to make better recommendations? Thanks and looking forward to chat more

Warm Regards,

Ivan Ng Realtor
ERA Senior Marketing Director
ERA Multiple Diamond Award Achiever

SEAA Salesperson Achievement Award (Gold)
SEAA Singapore Accredited Mortgage Planner (SAMP)

ERA Top 11th Achiever in Feb 2024 (Top 1% Company Level)
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Contact: (+65) 97432395 
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**Note: We are not prompted when you respond here, hence please get in touch directly. Look forward to hear from you soon! ** Read More
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Hi, appreciate your sharing. It depends on FED rate and current market movement. Done your loan so far ?
Looking forward to assist you at 9696 4398  or email me at stewartlim96964398@gmail.com

Cheers
Stewart-PropNex (Senior Associate Division Director) Read More
0
hi,

Key Factors That Affect Loan Amount:
1. You are right! Your TDSR (Total Debt Servicing Ratio)
Max 55% of gross monthly income can go to all debts (incl. new home loan).
2. Interest Rate Stress Test
Banks use a fixed stress rate (~4%) to assess affordability — not your actual loan rate.
3. Loan Tenure & Age
Younger = longer loan tenure (max 25 years for HDB, 30–35 years for private).
4. Loan-to-Value (LTV) Limit
Max 75% of property price (if first housing loan).
5. Your Income
Different Banks = Slight Variations
Slight differences in how income is assessed, but mostly follow MAS rules.

Hope this helps,

This platform does not allow me to contact you directly so kindly contact me at https://wa.me/6597261112 I would be glad to assist you further.

Thank you and best regards,

Jenny Tran
Propnex Realty Pte Ltd
(HP) +65 97261112 
(Email) jenny.tran@propnex.com
BSc (Real Estate) (Hons)-NUS

Testimonial from Satisfied Clients
-- My husband and I wish to commend the sincere attitude and good customer service rendered by your staff Jenny, who handled the sale of our 5R HDB flat early this year. We have met several agents but none as genuine as Jenny. Being a seller agent, she took our interest at heart in handling the sale, unlike other agents who are self-interest. Jenny is punctual and prompt in the whole dealings and we were convinced that such an agent is hard for find nowadays. Jenny is a trustworthy, honest, sincere and hardworking agent. We are happy with her service and would gladly recommend her to our friends in future. Jenny is an asset to Propnex and the organisation should value her. Thank you Jenny for her efforts--
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--Jenny did a great job helping my wife and I sell our unit. She took active steps to walk our neighbourhood to understand what she was marketing. During the marketing period, she managed potential buyers and provided timely updates and recommendations so we could stay on top of the process. Overall, Jenny was professional and helped us to achieve a positive result which we are very thankful for--
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Samantha (Resale condo buyer) Read More
1
Different banks may use different interest rates as stress test to determine your eligibility but they should be pretty competitive when it comes to the interest rate that they are using.

——

I have been in the real estate business since 2009, with more than 15 years of experience serving the Singapore real estate market.

I am very active in the residential segment of Singapore real estate market, having transacted hundreds of deals from HDBs to private condominiums and landed properties in Singapore, and have handled many unique cases in sales and purchases as well as rental deals.

Over the years, I have also established a network reaching out to more than 15,900 expatriates, bringing my market presence to both in and outside of Singapore. This has created an additional exposure when I manage my client's portfolios, on top of the conventional on and offline platforms, where other estate agents are relying on. This has allowed me to consistently convert leads into results.

With an evolving market, where change is the only constant, I have also been investing in upgrading of my knowledge and skills sets to improve myself and meet the demands of current and future market.

We are offering our clients a complimentary first consultation without obligations (Absolutely FREE!). Schedule for your FREE session today!

Warmest regards,
Geryl Lim
Deputy Branch Associate Director
Email: geryl.lim@orangetee.com / geryl7772@gmail.com
OrangeTee & Tie Pte Ltd 430 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh #01-01 OrangeTee Building Singapore 319402
Estate Agent Licence No. L3009250K
 +65 92787772 
www.geryllim.com

My self introductory video on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_2NydENfx0

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Note: We value your home as much as you do! Find out the indicative value of your home at http://bit.ly/UrHomeMatters and get monthly update on your home value. Restructure your portfolio with us, speak to us!

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-----
Landed Dynamic Alliance
Home of *7772 Hotline
Check out our latest Landed Dynamic Alliance 7772 mobile application on iOS or Android @ http://l.ead.me/7772 Read More
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Hi Sir/Mdm,

Most banks in Singapore use the same MAS framework to determine the amount they can lend you. It is largely dependent on your age, income and debt liabilities. Although the current market interest rate is about 2 plus percent, however, banks use a higher benchmark interest rate to calculate.

Please feel free to contact me so that I can assist you to estimate how much you can borrow.

Regards,
Nick Tan
(M) +65 96 44 48 54
B.Eng(Chemical)(Hons)(NUS)
Cert-in-REA
(E) nick96444854@gmail.com
SEAA Salespersons Achievement Platinum Award 2020/2022/2023
Visit my website to know me better: www.nicktan.com.sg
WhatsApp: https://wa.me/qr/X6VRPGSSIHN5D1
I was featured recently on Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) Newsletter:
http://bit.ly/CEAnews

I have written a guide on buying Residential Property:
http://bit.ly/buypropertyguide

Testimonial from my Clients
We have the privilege to work with Nick on our recent house purchase and we are extremely grateful for all the help he rendered to make the purchase a seamless experience!
Nick is attentive to all the requirements we have for our purchase and in the short span of time, he was able to provide us with potential shortlisted units that meet our criteria. (A big lifesaver for family with young kids and limited availability!) When conducting a viewing, Nick is highly proactive as he can be seen taking notes, asking questions, checking the conditions (that we missed or never thought of) and etc.
Overall, Nick remains reactive and portrays professionalism in this entire process. We would definitely recommend him to our friends and family who are looking for their next home/move opportunity.

Jeannie & Victor (Buyer) Dec 2023
Nick provides a delightful customer experience from day one when I engage him as my agent to look for a property of my choice to the completion of the deal. He is competent, resourceful and has a pleasant manner to work with. He is the Agent of my choice in dealing with properties and I would highly recommend him to others who would appreciate an agent that takes care and can give the customer a peaceful mind.
Susana (Buyer)

Nick is very pro-active in helping us to resolve whatever questions and problems that we encountered. All the issues are settled even before us having to request or ask for a second time. He was very frank and transparent with all the details, limitations and advantages that we wouldn’t have known. I think this is the most important virtue to be successful in this line. I will surely recommend him to anyone who needs his service because I trust that they will be equally satisfied!!
Mr and Mrs Chan (Sold and Bought a property through Nick)

“We are very grateful to Nick for his extensive marketing efforts. With his comprehensive marketing plan, he helped us to achieve a record selling price within 2 weeks of listing our property for sale! We highly recommend his service to anyone who is keen to sell their properties.”
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We are very happy and satisfied with his services and will definitely recommend him to our friends and family in the future.”
Mr & Mrs Tan (Seller of Inter-Terrace House) Read More
1
Sure! Here's a rephrased, summarised version in a **different writing style** with **varied vocabulary**, clear **point format**, and ending with a **fitting quote**:

---

1. Home loan limits are shaped by strict national rules, and banks must follow them—your age, job type, income breakdown, and the property's lease and value all influence how much you can borrow.
2. While all banks use a fixed stress-test interest rate (currently 4%) to assess affordability, their treatment of variable income (e.g. bonuses, commissions) differs—so loan offers can still vary slightly.
3. To maximise your loan, techniques like pledging funds or showcasing strong financials can help, and a good agent plus the right banker combo will make sure you're on the strongest footing.

**“It’s not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent—it is the one most adaptable to change.” – Charles Darwin**
WhatsApp me at: ABLE Toh (65) 9856-9255  or through this link.:https://wa.me/6598569255

----------------------------888--------------------------------888--------------------------->>>

(1) "If you need more assistance with property matters:

like renting / selling, buying / or investing, I'm here to help!

WhatsApp me at: ABLE Toh (65) 9856*9255 or through this link.:https://wa.me/6598569255

(Unfortunately, this platform doesn't allow direct contact, but you can easily reach me )

(2) (***) ✅✅ You can READ my REVIEWS here:

✅✅ https://www.propertyguru.com.sg/agent/able-s-k-toh-61591.

(3) ✅✅ For PRIVATE Home Buyers, I offer solutions for sourcing resale and new PRIVATE homes at ✅✅ ZERO charge (Because Most PRIVATE seller Agent are willing to share commission with Buyer Agent)

*** You can reach me at my Singapore mobile: (65) 9856 9255  or email me at Able.selling@gmail.com.

From: ABLE Toh- Your Property ASSISTANT : )

“ i am ABLE to Help As Much As You are ABLE To PM (Private Message) me ”

=========

(4A)✅✅ For the Below Condominium that may Achieve TOP ( Temporary Occupation Permit / Relatively New Condominium which may faced Difficulties/ Challenges to rent / sell at your Expected Pricing as facing too many neighbour’s units competing to Sell / Rent Out ,...
(4B)✅ ✅ ✅ I am okays NOT TO be the Sole Exclusive Agent , but the “ Open Listing “, additional pair of hands to help you bring the matching buyer / tenant . “ May the Hardworking + Lucky agent close the Deal !!, ( Whether it’s me or another agent ,✅✅✅ I will still be HAPPY FOR THE OWNER !! ✅✅My advantage is : I myself , have a Small Team of Agents who will work together with me to cast a wider Marketing Nets to Reach Your Goal !!!

Below is a list for reference >> see if YOUR CONDOMINIUM IS BEING MENTIONED:

(4C)✅ ✅ ✅

(1) Affinity At Serangoon, (2) Canninghill Square, (3) Dairy Farm Residences

(4) Forett at Bukit Timah, (5) KI Residences At Brookvale, (6) Kent Ridge Hill Residences

(7) Leedon Green, (8) Lavender Residence, (9) Meyer Mansion

(10) MeyerHouse, (11) Midwood, (12) M Suites

(13) NoMa, (14) One-North Eden, (15) One Pearl Bank

(16) Phoenix Residences, (17) Riviere, (18) Riverfront Residences

(19) Tedge, (20) The Atelier, (21) The Iveria

(22) Verticus, (23) Zyanya, (24) Mayfair Gardens

(5A) ✅ ✅ >> FOR NEW CONDOMINIUM IN

✅ ✅ YEAR 2025 / APARTMENT PROJECTS In Singapore
(5B) ✅ ✅ the LIST :
(1) Arina East Residences, (2) Aurea, (3) Aurelle of Tampines (EC)

(4) Bagnall Haus (former Bagnall Court), (5) Bukit Timah and Duke's Road, (6) ELTA

(7) Former Anson Centre, (8) Former Robertson Walk, (9) Keppel Bay Plot 6

(10) Lentor Central Residences, (11) Marina Gardens Lane, (12) Media Circle GLS

(13) Newport Residences, (14) Orchard Boulevard GLS, (15) Parktown Residence

(16) Plantation Close (EC) (2), (17) The Orie, (18) W Residences Singapore- Marina View

***(5C) ✅ ✅ ✅ DEVELOPER SALES TEAM!!! BEST PRICES !!! ✅ ✅ NO AGENT FEES !! ✅ ✅ LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEED!!!

*** Connect Singapore Line: (65) Read More
2
1. Home loan limits are shaped by strict national rules, and banks must follow them—your age, job type, income breakdown, and the property's lease and value all influence how much you can borrow.
2. While all banks use a fixed stress-test interest rate (currently 4%) to assess affordability, their treatment of variable income (e.g. bonuses, commissions) differs—so loan offers can still vary slightly.
3. To maximise your loan, techniques like pledging funds or showcasing strong financials can help, and a good agent plus the right banker combo will make sure you're on the strongest footing.

**“It’s not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent—it is the one most adaptable to change.” – Charles Darwin**
WhatsApp me at: ABLE Toh (65) 9856-9255  or through this link.:https://wa.me/6598569255

----------------------------888--------------------------------888--------------------------->>>

(1) "If you need more assistance with property matters:

like renting / selling, buying / or investing, I'm here to help!

WhatsApp me at: ABLE Toh (65) 9856*9255 or through this link.:https://wa.me/6598569255

(Unfortunately, this platform doesn't allow direct contact, but you can easily reach me )

(2) (***) ✅✅ You can READ my REVIEWS here:

✅✅ https://www.propertyguru.com.sg/agent/able-s-k-toh-61591.

(3) ✅✅ For PRIVATE Home Buyers, I offer solutions for sourcing resale and new PRIVATE homes at ✅✅ ZERO charge (Because Most PRIVATE seller Agent are willing to share commission with Buyer Agent)

*** You can reach me at my Singapore mobile: (65) 9856 9255  or email me at Able.selling@gmail.com.

From: ABLE Toh- Your Property ASSISTANT : )

“ i am ABLE to Help As Much As You are ABLE To PM (Private Message) me ”

=========

(4A)✅✅ For the Below Condominium that may Achieve TOP ( Temporary Occupation Permit / Relatively New Condominium which may faced Difficulties/ Challenges to rent / sell at your Expected Pricing as facing too many neighbour’s units competing to Sell / Rent Out ,...
(4B)✅ ✅ ✅ I am okays NOT TO be the Sole Exclusive Agent , but the “ Open Listing “, additional pair of hands to help you bring the matching buyer / tenant . “ May the Hardworking + Lucky agent close the Deal !!, ( Whether it’s me or another agent ,✅✅✅ I will still be HAPPY FOR THE OWNER !! ✅✅My advantage is : I myself , have a Small Team of Agents who will work together with me to cast a wider Marketing Nets to Reach Your Goal !!!

Below is a list for reference >> see if YOUR CONDOMINIUM IS BEING MENTIONED:

(4C)✅ ✅ ✅

(1) Affinity At Serangoon, (2) Canninghill Square, (3) Dairy Farm Residences

(4) Forett at Bukit Timah, (5) KI Residences At Brookvale, (6) Kent Ridge Hill Residences

(7) Leedon Green, (8) Lavender Residence, (9) Meyer Mansion

(10) MeyerHouse, (11) Midwood, (12) M Suites

(13) NoMa, (14) One-North Eden, (15) One Pearl Bank

(16) Phoenix Residences, (17) Riviere, (18) Riverfront Residences

(19) Tedge, (20) The Atelier, (21) The Iveria

(22) Verticus, (23) Zyanya, (24) Mayfair Gardens

(5A) ✅ ✅ >> FOR NEW CONDOMINIUM IN

✅ ✅ YEAR 2025 / APARTMENT PROJECTS In Singapore
(5B) ✅ ✅ the LIST :
(1) Arina East Residences, (2) Aurea, (3) Aurelle of Tampines (EC)

(4) Bagnall Haus (former Bagnall Court), (5) Bukit Timah and Duke's Road, (6) ELTA

(7) Former Anson Centre, (8) Former Robertson Walk, (9) Keppel Bay Plot 6

(10) Lentor Central Residences, (11) Marina Gardens Lane, (12) Media Circle GLS

(13) Newport Residences, (14) Orchard Boulevard GLS, (15) Parktown Residence

(16) Plantation Close (EC) (2), (17) The Orie, (18) W Residences Singapore- Marina View

***(5C) ✅ ✅ ✅ DEVELOPER SALES TEAM!!! BEST PRICES !!! ✅ ✅ NO AGENT FEES !! ✅ ✅ LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEED!!! Read More
2
Great questions — you're on the right track! Yes, different banks may offer slightly different loan amounts, but all must follow the same core regulations in Singapore, especially the Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) framework.

TDSR means your total monthly debt repayments (including the new home loan) must not exceed 55% of your gross monthly income. That’s the main factor that caps how much you can borrow.

A lower interest rate can mean lower monthly repayments, so yes, you may be able to borrow slightly more within the same TDSR limit — but the difference is usually not drastic unless the rate gap is big.

Banks will also assess:

Your monthly income (fixed and variable)

Existing loans (car, education, credit cards, etc.)

Loan tenure (up to 30 years for HDB, 35 for private)

Age and credit history

If you'd like, I can help you calculate your estimated loan eligibility or connect you with a banker for a quick check. Feel free to message me anytime.
– Aren Goh | +65 9657 6701  (PropNex) Read More
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