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Understanding DBS FHR8 Singapore 2021

Are you looking forward to finally having that place you’ve dreamed of owning for so long? You might have heard about DBS FHR8 Singapore. It is one of the top choices in making your dream come true and working to make it come true!

 There are several mortgage loans offered by banks or mortgage lenders out there. Learn the different plans and search which fits you the best.

Make that dream a reality by understanding how  DBS FHR8 works. Read till the end.

complete family with DBS FHR8 Singapore

DBS Fixed Home Rate

 The Fixed Deposit Home rate or FHR means a fixed rate for the loan period. It is the rate provided by the bank for your loan. 

You will be paying the same interest rate until the end of the loan period. To better understand FHR, here are the basic terms and definitions.

Basic terms in DBS FHR8 Singapore

Mortgage interest rate

First, we need to understand what a mortgage is. A mortgage is a loan granted by a bank or moneylender. It helps the individual to buy a house.

The rate of interest charged on a mortgage can be either fixed or floating.

Tenure of loan

 It is the period you’ll be paying your loan along with interest. It may last up to 18 years, depending on the offered mortgage plan by your provider.

Lock-in period

Depending on the mortgage plan, you will pay an actual interest rate for your monthly mortgage instalment. It may span for at least 15 days up to 60 days.

 It will protect you from rising interest rates while processing the loan application.

Maturity date

The loan balance includes the interest and end fees due date.

Types of DBS Fixed Home Rate Loans

The current DBS FHR8 Singapore is 0.600%. During the pandemic, the market interest rates have decreased, especially in March.

The first type is a 1-year lock-in period where loaners will pay the FHR8 plus the bank spread of 1.13% p.a. for 8 months. It varies for 1 year, 2 years,3 years, and 4 years or more plan.

The second type is a no-lock-in period plan. For example, FHR8 and the bank spread of 1.20% p.a. are paid for 8 months. It also varies for 1 year, 2 years,3 years, and 4 years or more plan. 

The third type is a 3-year lock-in period. The bank spread of 1.80% p.a. is paid for the first three years. Then, for the year 4 and the following years, FHR8 plus the spread paid.

The last type is the 5-year lock-in period. The amount of bank spread to be paid for the year 1-5 is 1.80% p.a. For year 6, FHR8 and bank spread of 1.40% p.a. is the amount.

Advantages of DBS FHR8 in Singapore

Fixed income and looking for stability 

If stability in your investments is your main concern, then the DBS FHR8  Singapore is a good plan for you. Unlike the other indexes, where rates are based on SIBOR and SOR, FHR is less volatile than others.

It also fits those with fixed incomes. Since in the next 8 months, the loanee would have the same interest rate for them to pay.

Elimination of Uncertainty

Another advantage would be any changes in the market interest rate would not affect you. So whether your fixed-rate period for the loan is one year, two years or three years, you will still be paying for the same rate.

They also offer a five-year plan for those uncertain about the next year’s market rate.

Opportunity on a rising interest rate 

It can also be an opportunity for those who want to invest in the market due to the rising mortgage rates. In addition, you will be paying less since the rate is fixed.

Disadvantages of FHR8 in Singapore

Noticeable higher interest rates 

Compared to other market rates, DBS FHR8 Singapore is distinctly higher since there is a fixed rate. You are paying for that premium in exchange for the uncertainty in the market.

The lock-in period limitation

During the lock-in period, there is no partial capital repayment. Usually, there is a clause for the lock-in period of one or two years of fixed interest. 

You cannot reduce the capital repayment, and being unable to pay it would be a breach of contract. However, in recent times, flexible plans allow you to pay for partial capital.

Loss in falling interest rate 

If the market interest is falling, you are disadvantaged since the fixed-rate bonds you.

For example, the current FHR8 for your plan is 3.0%. Yet the market price dropped to 2.5% or 2.0%. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to take advantage of the lower prices since the agreement secures you.

FHR v.s. SIBOR

You may ask why there are different rates between banks, and you also wonder how the rates are established in the first place.

There are only two bases for Singapore rates.

The first basis is called SIBOR. SIBOR (Singapore Inter-Bank Offered Rate) changes almost all the time.

The Association of Banks in Singapore site shows the current rates. It is government-monitored. The information about the rates is available to the public.

The usage of the SIBOR rate includes the SIBOR rate plus a spread,  a charge or a fee by the bank. The amount of spread also affects the rate.

The second basis, which is more transparent, is called a board rate set by the bank. A variation of the board rate is a fixed deposit loan.

With the board rates, you are to accept an interest rate set by your bank. There are other variations of board rates.

The most attractive one is the interest rate packed of fixed deposits. It is prevalent among people because it is believed to restrict the bank from raising interest. Since promotional deals and offers change constantly, it is wise to consult a specialist. 

Besides the bases of the rates, what affects the rate changes?

Mortgage supply and demand influence the general estate market.  The higher the number of people who want a home, the higher the rates go. But, the lower the demand for these homes, the rate goes down.

Another thing to consider in rates would be the bank quota. Banks set targets on how much they want to loan out. If the interest rate nears its quota, interest rates also go up. 

The rate is lower if the interest rate is far from the quota. That is why not all banks offer the same rate. 2 or 3 banks may offer the cheapest rates.

Conclusion

You are now familiar with DBS FHR8 Singapore. Before getting that loan, Here are some reminders to get your dream home.

Make sure you have approval in principle before paying any deposit. For example, the property you have agreed upon times, but the owner wants more payment than agreed.

Check if the loan plans match your living. If it matches your income, paying the account would be a breeze. It would be the opposite if it weren’t; it is better to check first than regret later.

If you have trouble acquiring bank loans, why not try a Money lending service provider? 

Cash Mart Singapore is a licensed money lender in the country. It is under the regulation of Singapore law. Their years in the business speak a lot about how they provide excellent service. 

Moreover, the company requires fewer documents than banks. Personal Loan application is faster and more accessible through its official website. 

Once you receive a pre-approved loan application, you can visit their office. Then, finally, receive the loan cash you need.