Lesson 17 Flashcards
What are some payment obligations to look out for when purchasing a property?
Housing loan repayments
Conservancy charges / management fees
Fire insurance
Stamp duties
Property tax
Home Protection Scheme (HPS) insurance
What is the purpose of Home Protection Scheme (HPS) insurance?
HPS is a mortgage-reducing insurance that is mandatory for using CPF savings to service an HDB loan.
What are the main financial institutions that provide financing for property purchases?
Commercial banks
Finance companies
Insurance companies
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
Which non-financial institutions provide financing for purchasing property?
HDB
CPF
What factors determine how a borrower qualifies for a mortgage loan?
Type of property
Existing debts
Age
Loan quantum
Income
Employment status (Self-employed vs. Employed)
What is the Loan Quantum based on?
Loan quantum is based on the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) Mortgage Loan Rules.
What is the loan-to-value (LTV) limit for a 1st housing loan?
The LTV limit is 75% for a loan tenure of less than 30 years.
What is the LTV limit for a 2nd housing loan?
The LTV limit is 45% for a loan tenure of less than 30 years.
What is the LTV limit for a 3rd housing loan?
The LTV limit is 35% for a loan tenure of less than 30 years.
What is the minimum cash layout required for a loan with an LTV of 75%?
A minimum cash layout of 5% based on 75% LTV.
What is the maximum LTV limit when the loan tenure extends beyond the borrower’s age of 65?
The LTV limit is 55%.
What is the loan ceiling for HDB bank loans with a tenure of 25 years or less?
The loan ceiling is 75%.
What is the LTV limit for HDB loans for loan periods that extend beyond the borrower’s age of 65?
The LTV limit is 55%.
What is the purpose of the Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) framework?
TDSR prevents an individual from purchasing a property beyond their financial means.
How is a company set up by an individual to buy property treated under TDSR?
It is treated as an individual for TDSR purposes.
Who is referred to as the borrower in the context of TDSR?
The borrower is the buyer of the property.
What is the interest rate floor used in TDSR calculations for residential properties?
The interest rate floor for residential properties is 4%
What is the interest rate floor used in TDSR calculations for commercial and industrial properties?
The interest rate floor for commercial and industrial properties is 5%
What is the maximum TDSR percentage allowed?
The maximum TDSR percentage allowed is 45%.
How is TDSR calculated?
TDSR = (Monthly Total Debt / Gross Monthly Income) * 100%
How do most financial institutions define debts?
Debts are defined in two manners: secured and unsecured loans.
What are examples of secured debts?
Mortgage/home loan
Bridging loan
Construction loan
Term loan
Car loan
What are examples of secured revolving debts?
Secured overdraft
Secured credit card
What are examples of unsecured debts?
Education loan
Renovation loan
Personal loans
What are some examples of unsecured revolving debts?
Overdraft
Credit card
Charge card
Personal line of credit
To which refinanced loans do TDSR rules apply, and what are the exemptions?
TDSR rules apply to refinanced residential property loans, but exemptions include:
Owner-occupied property loans (e.g., HDB Flats, Executive Condominiums, Private Residential Property)
Investment property loans
What conditions must be met for investment property loan exemptions from TDSR?
Commit to a debt reduction plan with a repayment of at least 3% of the outstanding balance over 3 years.
Fulfill a credit assessment.
What is the Mortgage Service Ratio (MSR) rule for Bank Loans on HDB Flats & Executive Condominiums?
MSR should not exceed 30% of the gross monthly income.
How does TDSR apply to HDB flats and Executive Condominiums acquired directly from developers?
Banks may exclude the monthly repayment installment concerning the borrower’s outstanding credit facility for an existing residential property.
What is allowed with a Mortgage Equity Withdrawal Loan (MEWL) without TDSR calculation?
If the new loan (including existing loans) borrowed is below 50% of the property’s value, TDSR calculation is not required.
What are the conditions for a Mortgage Equity Withdrawal Loan (MEWL)?
a) One property and one outstanding loan on the same property
b) No CPF money involved in purchasing the property
c) Meet the credit assessment
d) Max MEWL is 75% Loan to Value (LTV)
e) More than one property - MEWL is 45% LTV
f) Max Loan Tenure: 35 years
In Example 3, what is the maximum amount a property owner can borrow without TDSR calculation on a $1 million home with a $100,000 outstanding loan?
The owner can borrow up to $400,000 without TDSR calculation, as this amount is within 50% of the property’s value.
In Example 4, can the property owner borrow $900,000 with a $100,000 outstanding loan?
No, the maximum amount the owner can borrow is $650,000, including the existing loan, as it exceeds the 50% threshold and is subject to TDSR calculation.
What account is used for purchasing residential property with CPF money?
CPF Ordinary Accounts (OA).
What is the minimum remaining lease requirement to use CPF money to buy a residential property?
The remaining lease must be at least 20 years.
What does the CPF Housing Scheme enable members to do?
Buy Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats.
Buy or build private residential properties in Singapore.
What other expenses can CPF OA funds be used for?
Costs of the recess area outside the HDB flat.
Pay for flat upgrading costs under HDB Upgrading Programmes & Town Council Lift Upgrading Programme (TCLUP).
At what age does the restriction on property requirements apply for CPF members?
55 years old.
What happens to the CPF OA and SA money when a member turns 55?
It is transferred to the Retirement Account to meet the Full Retirement Sum (FRS).
What is CPF LIFE?
CPF LIFE is a mandatory national longevity insurance annuity scheme that provides lifelong monthly payouts.
What is the Basic Retirement Sum (BRS) related to CPF savings and property pledging?
Members can pledge their property purchased with CPF savings to set aside the Basic Retirement Sum.
What is the minimum remaining lease required when pledging a property for the BRS?
The property must have a remaining lease of at least 40 years.