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Hi, I'm thinking of buying a condo and i have the following questions.

1) let's say bank loan is 2.3% now. I have 200k parked in singapore savings bonds which will give me around 3% annual return. Assuming these 200k is my free cash and does not form part of my emergency funds, and assuming that the housing loan stay at 2.3%, should i continue investing the 200k in singapore savings bond since the interest rate on interest income that I received is higher than the interest rate on the interest expense? I understand that for car loans, there's difference between the effective interest rate(which will usually be higher at 5+ percent) as compared to the interest rate that they advertised (usually around 2+percent). Is it the same for house loans where i need to consider the effective interest rate when doing the above analysis?

2) will the remaining leasehold of a condo affect the loan that a buyer can take?
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6 Answers

Hi! I'm a Harvard graduated real estate agent who holds a degree in economics, and would love to schedule a free consultation to discuss your options around asset management and progression.

Based on your scenario, there are pros and cons on keeping your money in the savings bonds vs using it to pay down your loan vs purchasing a condo. You have to consider your risk appetite, investment outlook, your current property and the potential condo you are thinking of purchasing.

If you are simply paying down your loan on a home asset that may not be optimal for your portfolio, you might end up locking up your free cash available for better investments or portfolio adjustments. In the current global economic climate, there are many opportunities to take quick and smart moves using taking a data-driven approach in the midst of economic uncertainty. This is something I can help you navigate.

On your second question, the remaining leasehold does affect the financing options for buyers on their property purchases. Specifically, it would be influenced by whether the remaining lease of property at the point of purchase is at least 20 years and can cover youngest buyer until at least the age of 95.

Would love to chat further to support your journey. Feel free to reach out via whatsapp or email and we can schedule a free consultation.

Kay Cloud
Associate Advisor
Propnex Realty Pte Ltd
cloud@propnex.com
 (+65) 85674585  Read More
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You're essentially borrowing money at 2.3% to invest it at 3%, which gives you a net positive spread of 0.7%. This is a good move in theory, especially since:

Your SSB is low-risk and liquid (you can redeem it with a 1-month notice).

Your mortgage interest is typically simple interest based on reducing balance, not compound interest.

So, as long as:

The home loan interest remains at or below 2.3%, and

The SSB yield remains at 3%, and

You are comfortable with the risks (e.g., interest rates may rise),

Then yes — it makes sense to keep your $200K in SSB and service your mortgage as planned.

Property loans are different from motor car loan.

Mortgage loans in Singapore use reducing balance interest, meaning interest is calculated only on the remaining principal.

The quoted interest rate is close to the EIR, and the EIR is also clearly shown in your loan documents.

For example: a 2.3% home loan might have an EIR of ~2.35–2.4%, due to small admin charges and compounding.

And yes, remaining lease balance may affect the home loan a buyer can take depending on several conditions like age of borrower and balance lease of the condo. Read More
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Good day to you,

If your housing loan is a fixed-rate loan for a duration of 2 to 3 years, you can expect an annual gain of approximately 0.7%. Will that remain after the lock-in period?

Housing loans are typically long-term, with interest calculated based on the reducing balance. A smaller loan amount will result in lower interest payments.

You are correct that leasehold properties often depreciate in value, as buyers may not be able to fully utilize CPF funds when the remaining lease is under 60 years. Therefore, it's essential for investors to understand their own intentions before making a decision.

Returning to the original point, if you want to minimize risk, it’s advisable to leave the savings bonds untouched and allow them to accumulate interest.

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GAN ENG JOO ONASSIS
Dear Sir/ Madam,

I would be most glad to assist you further and pls feel free to let me know if you need any assistance.

Wishing you a fantastic day ahead.

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Hi

If your loan is fixed at 2.3% but you are able to yield 3% from other financial instruments, it makes sense to park your cash in there and reap the positive difference. Practically speaking the positive spread usually is not a lot unless the loan amount is a high quantum, and people keep the funds "free" more for cash flow purposes.

Yes balance lease may affect your borrowing amount depending on your age. If the condo is too old the loan borrowing may not be full 75%

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

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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, have you consulted any mortgage broker yet?

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