Updated September 2026. This is general affordability information, not financial advice. Verify current CPF, MAS and lender rules for the exact borrower.
Six mortgage-commitment checks
- Purchase cash flow: downpayment, duties, fees and renovation before monthly repayments begin.
- Interest-rate risk: test the loan at materially higher rates, not only the initial package.
- Loan structure: tenure, age limits, fixed or floating periods and refinancing conditions.
- CPF usage: current housing limits, accrued interest and the impact on retirement balances.
- Debt ratios: current TDSR or MSR treatment and all other commitments.
- Resilience: income interruption, vacancy, maintenance and emergency liquidity.
The maximum approved loan is not necessarily a comfortable commitment. Use conservative assumptions and retain a household buffer.