- FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I still do decouple or 99/1 ?
Yes, both decoupling and 99/1 structures are still possible in Singapore, provided they are done properly and legally. They are subject to stricter scrutiny, and not all cases will work smoothly. Banks and IRAS will assess intent, affordability, and ABSD implications, so it is important to structure it properly before committing to avoid unnecessary costs or financial penalties.
Have a chat with us to find out your decoupling eligibility.
2. Should I choose fixed or floating rate now?
It depends on your risk appetite and financial comfort. Fixed rates offer stability and protection against rising interest rates, while floating rates are lower now (2026) but may increase over time, so the better choice is the one you are comfortable holding through changing market conditions.
3. How would mortgage rates in Singapore move in 2026?
Mortgage rates in Singapore are expected to stay relatively low in the first half of 2026, before gradually increasing towards the end of the year. This is because SORA is projected to stabilise around 1% initially but may rise closer to 1.3–1.4% as inflation and global uncertainties build up.
Overall, rates are unlikely to drop significantly further, as most of the decline already happened in 2025 and Q1/2026. Future movements will largely depend on inflation trends and global factors such as energy prices and geopolitical tensions.
Check out the latest fixed and floating If you are unsure, do check out the latest rate offered
4. How early should I start to review my home loan?
Singapore home loans generally require a two months’ redemption notice period to your existing mortgagee bank, before you can port the loan over to the new lender.
Hence, you should start reviewing your home loan about 3 to 6 months before your lock-in period ends. This gives you enough time to compare rates, secure approvals, and avoid rolling into a less competitive package by default.
5. Should I reprice or refinance my home loan?
At Fairloan, we will assess and compare both your repricing options within the same bank and refinancing options across different banks. We also take into account important features such as waiver due to sale to ensure the loan structure suits your needs. Before making any recommendation, we will conduct a full cost analysis to ensure you are making the most optimal decision.
You may access the latest and lower home loan rate in Singapore here
6 Should I be working with a mortgage broker or approach the banks directly?
We will proactively review your home loan once your lock-in period is nearing its end, whereas banks typically do not monitor or follow up on your behalf. Our role is to oversee the entire process, ensuring that you consistently secure not just competitive rates, but also a loan structure that remains suitable for your needs over time.
7. Which bank should I choose?
There is no single “best” bank, as each bank has different credit policies, loan structures, and acceptance criteria. As mortgage advisors, all banks pay us the same referral fee, so our focus is on securing the lowest rate while ensuring the package fits your profile and short-term goals.
This is especially important as some banks may not accept certain profiles, such as commission-based income, or may differ in policies like TDSR waivers for owner-occupied properties.
8. What are the fees involved for Refinancing?
Refinancing typically involves legal and valuation fees, although many banks will subsidise or fully cover these costs as part of their packages. Legal fees for HDB refinancing generally range from $1,500 to $1,800, while private property refinancing can range from about $1,700 to $3,500 depending on the valuation and loan size, with valuation fees starting from around $163.50. It is also important to factor in any lock-in penalties or clawback conditions from your existing loan before deciding if refinancing makes financial sense.
9. Can I use CPF fully to pay for my Bank mortgage loan?
Yes, as long as you are the owner (essential occupier not counted) you can use CPF to service your bank loan, including monthly instalments and part of the downpayment, subject to CPF usage or withdrawal limits.
However, it is generally advisable to keep some cash buffer, as CPF used will accrue interest that needs to be refunded upon sale.
10. Can I refinance during lock-in period?
No, refinancing during the lock-in period is generally not allowed without incurring a penalty, which is typically around 1.5% of the outstanding loan. As such, most borrowers will wait until the lock-in period ends before refinancing, unless there is a very strong reason to exit early.