EC Bridging Loan in Singapore: Quick Guide
Did you know that more than 80% of EC buyers in Singapore use bridging loans? These loans help them buy new properties before selling their HDB flats. It shows how important bridging loans are in the property market. In this quick guide, we’ll give you the key details on EC bridging loans if you’re holding onto an HDB flat. A bridging loan helps owners finance their new property when there’s a gap in funds. This happens between buying a new property and selling the current one. For EC buyers, it can be a great way to get their new EC property before selling their HDB flat. We’ll discuss important points about these loans, like who can get them, how much you can borrow, the time you have to pay back, interest rates, and how to avoid risks. In Singapore, the typical bridging loan amount for EC purchases ranges from SGD 200,000 to SGD 400,000, with an average repayment period of 6 to 12 months. Interest rates for these loans usually range between 5% and 6% per annum. What is an EC Bridging Loan? An EC bridging loan helps people in Singapore who want to buy a new Executive Condominium (EC). It gives them the money they need before they sell their current HDB flat. This way, they don’t have to wait to buy the EC. There are different kinds of these loans. One lets you only pay the interest until you sell your old home. The other makes you pay some of the loan amount each month. Short-Term Loan for Property Purchases This loan is a way for homebuyers to get their new EC fast. It means they can move into their new place without waiting for their old home to sell. The loan covers the cost of the new EC until the money from their old flat is ready. Bridging the Funding Gap EC buyers use this loan to make their first and later payments on the new property. With the loan, they can buy their EC even before they’ve sold their HDB flat. This is because selling their flat takes time, but they need the EC money right away. According to recent data, the average time to sell an HDB flat in Singapore is around 4 to 6 months. Types of Bridging Loans There are mainly two kinds of bridging loans for EC buyers. One lets you pay only the loan interest till you sell your old home. Then you pay back the full loan. The other type asks you to pay some of the loan plus the interest every month. Eligibility for EC Bridging Loan To get an EC bridging loan in Singapore, choose the ec deferred payment scheme. This means you make a 20% downpayment first and pay the rest later. You also need to have an hdb flat as collateral for bridging loan. If you want this loan, you must be a citizen or resident of Singapore. You should also be 21 or older. Don’t forget to gather needed papers like OTPs, CPF withdrawals, and bank loan statements. Opting for Deferred Payment Scheme To qualify for an EC bridging loan, pick the deferred payment scheme. It lets you pay the 80% later. This way, you can buy a new place before selling your HDB flat. This deferred payment scheme typically allows you to defer the bulk of your payment for up to 24 months, providing ample time to sell your existing property and manage your finances accordingly. Existing HDB Flat as Collateral It’s key to have an hdb flat as collateral for bridging loan. Your HDB flat acts as a safety net for the bank. It makes sure you can get the bridging loan. Other Requirements Besides the deferred payment scheme and using your HDB flat as backup, there are more must-haves. You still need to be a citizen or resident of Singapore and meet the age requirement. Also, gather documents like OTPs, CPF withdrawals, and bank statements. These are crucial to securing the loan. Maximum Bridging Loan Quantum The most a bridging loan quantum can be is the sale price of the buyer’s HDB flat, minus what they still owe on their mortgage. It usually is 75% of the HDB flat’s market value. The bridging loan amount is what’s left after taking out the new EC’s value or purchase price and the home loan the buyer can get. Calculation Based on Existing Property Value Lenders look at the current value of the buyer’s HDB flat to figure out the top loan amount. This value is typically thought to be 75% of the flat’s market value. Then, the loan amount is the gap between the new EC’s cost (or its value) and the loan the buyer can qualify for. Calculation Factor Details Existing HDB Flat Value 75% of the actual market value Bridging Loan Amount Difference between new EC purchase price/valuation and eligible home loan Options to Optimize Bridging Loan Amount When choosing a bridging loan for an Executive Condominium (EC) in Singapore, buyers have two choices. They can take a lower LTV ratio bridging loan. This means, they borrow only what’s needed to cover the gap between their mortgage and the EC’s price. Or, they might go for the maximum bridging loan amount. They use sale returns from their HDB flat to lessen their EC’s mortgage. This reduces the money owed and cuts their interest costs. Lower LTV Ratio Choosing a loan with a lower LTV ratio means you’ll borrow less. This lowers the interest you pay and lessens your risk. It’s about borrowing just what you need to cover the gap. A lower LTV ratio, typically around 55% to 60%, minimizes your debt and secures better loan terms. For example, borrowing with a 55% LTV ratio on an SGD 1,000,000 property results in a loan amount of SGD 550,000, significantly reducing overall interest payments. Maximize Bridging Loan for Lower Mortgage On the other hand, some prefer the maximum bridging loan amount. They


