What Are Bridging Loans And How They Work in Singapore
Are you in the midst of transitioning to a new home in Singapore? Whether you’re a growing family or simply seeking more space, the process of selling your current property and acquiring a new one can be challenging, especially when there’s a financial gap between the two transactions. This is where bridging loans come into play. In this guide, we will delve into the intricacies of bridging loans, exploring their advantages, pitfalls, borrowing limits, application process, and the top banks in Singapore offering them. Join us on this journey to understand the ins and outs of bridging loans before you consider one.
Understanding Bridging Loans
A bridging loan is a short-term financial solution designed to “bridge” the financial gap between selling your existing property and purchasing a new one. It enables you to access the necessary funds for your new and existing property expenses while you await the sale proceeds from your old home. Bridging loans are particularly beneficial when you need to make a down payment on your new property but have not yet received the funds from selling your previous one.
How Bridging Loans Work
To illustrate how bridging loans function, let’s consider a hypothetical scenario. Suppose you own a 4-bedroom HDB flat valued at $500,000, and you are eager to sell it to purchase a $1 million 2-bedroom condo. You have already signed the Sales & Purchase agreement for the condo, made a 5% cash down payment of $50,000 and secured $750,000 through a home loan. However, you lack the funds to cover the remaining 20% down payment of $200,000, as you have not yet received the sale proceeds from your old property.
In this predicament, a bridging loan becomes your financial lifeline. It allows you to borrow the required amount, in this case, $200,000, to complete the down payment for your new property. The bridging loan ensures that you can proceed with your purchase while you await the sale proceeds from your old property.
Advantages of Bridging Loans
Bridging loans offer numerous advantages that make them an appealing choice for individuals in need of immediate funds for property transactions. Here are some key benefits:
-
-
Seamless Transition:
Bridging loans facilitate a seamless transition between selling your old property and purchasing a new one. Without this financial bridge, you may find yourself unable to make crucial payments for your new home.
-
Flexibility and Speed:
Unlike traditional home loans or other short-term financing options, bridging loans offer faster approval times. This is especially advantageous if you are participating in a property auction or have a limited timeframe to complete the sale.
-
No Out-of-Pocket Expenses:
One major perk of a bridging loan is that it does not require you to deplete your cash reserves. Instead, the loan covers the funds needed for your new property, allowing you to preserve your liquid assets for other purposes.
-
Equity Building:
By utilizing a bridging loan, you can continue building equity in your property while you await the sale proceeds from your old home. This can be particularly advantageous for first-time buyers looking to enter the property market.
-
Risks of Bridging Loans
Despite their benefits, it is essential to be aware of the associated risks when considering a bridging loan. Here are a few key factors to take into account:
-
-
High-Interest Rates:
Bridging loans tend to have higher interest rates compared to traditional home loans due to their short-term nature and higher risk for lenders. It is crucial to carefully assess the interest rates and calculate the total cost of the loan before proceeding.
-
Secured Borrowing:
Bridging loans are secured loans, requiring you to use your property as collateral. Failure to repay the loan could put your property at risk, making it vital to evaluate your ability to repay the loan promptly.
-
Potential Debt Traps:
If the sale of your old property encounters obstacles or sells for less than expected, repaying a high-interest bridging loan can be challenging. It’s essential to have a contingency plan in place and consider worst-case scenarios before committing to this type of loan.
-
Types of Bridging Loans
In Singapore, you can choose between two types of bridging loans, with the requirement to repay the loan amount within six months:
Capitalised Interest Bridging Loan:
This type of loan covers the entire cost of the new home you intend to purchase. Loan payments do not commence until your old home has been sold. While this relieves you from the pressure of managing both the down payment and mortgage payments simultaneously, it may result in higher interest costs and longer selling times.
Simultaneous Repayment Bridging Loan:
In this case, you are required to repay your home loan simultaneously with the bridging loan. This can be more demanding and stressful but may result in lower interest costs for the bridging loan.
Determining Your Bridging Loan Amount
The amount you can borrow with a bridging loan depends on various factors, including your income and the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. The LTV ratio establishes the maximum amount you can borrow based on the purchase price of your new property. Bridging loans typically cover the amount needed beyond the LTV limit.
Using a Bridging Loan to Lower Your LTV Ratio
One strategy to reduce your LTV ratio when purchasing a new property is to utilize a bridging loan. Suppose you qualify for a 75% LTV loan for a new launch condo valued at $1 million and have made a 5% cash down payment of $50,000. In this case, you can secure a home loan of $750,000 from the bank. However, you lack sufficient cash to cover the remaining down payment of 20%, amounting to $200,000.
In this scenario, you can opt for a bridging loan to cover this down payment. If the net sales proceeds from your previous property total $500,000, you will still have a surplus of $300,000 after repaying the bridging loan. You have two options to consider:
-
- Take the full $750,000 home loan and repay $300,000 as a lump sum when the early repayment penalty period concludes.
- Increase the bridging loan amount to $500,000 and take a home loan of $450,000 only, resulting in a lower LTV ratio of 45%. This option may incur additional interest costs for the bridging loan.
It is crucial to carefully assess the financial implications and select the option that best aligns with your requirements and repayment capacity.
Applying for a Bridging Loan
Applying for a bridging loan in Singapore typically involves the following steps:
-
-
Research and Compare:
Start by researching and comparing bridging loan offerings from various banks and money lenders. Seek competitive interest rates, flexible terms, and eligibility criteria that align with your needs.
-
Check Eligibility:
Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria established by the lender. Typically, Singapore citizens and permanent residents above the age of 21 who are in the process of selling their property can apply for a bridging loan.
-
Gather Documentation:
Prepare all necessary documents, such as the Option to Purchase (OTP) documentation for your new property, exercised OTP for your existing property, CPF withdrawal statements, and the latest bank loan statements.
-
Submit Application:
Submit your application along with the required documentation to the lender of your choice. Provide accurate and complete information to expedite the approval process.
-
Await Approval:
Following the submission of your application, you will need to await the lender’s review and evaluation of your eligibility. A good credit history and alignment with the lender’s criteria can increase the likelihood of your application being approved.
-
Receive Funds:
Upon approval, the bridging loan funds will be disbursed to your account, enabling you to make necessary payments for your new property.
-
It is important to note that each lender may have specific requirements and processes, so consulting with them directly for precise instructions is advisable.
Banks Offering Bridging Loans in Singapore
Numerous banks in Singapore offer bridging loans to assist individuals in their property transactions. Some prominent banks include:
-
- DBS Bank
- Standard Chartered Bank
- United Overseas Bank (UOB)
- Maybank
When contemplating a bridging loan, it is advisable to explore multiple options and compare interest rates, loan terms, and repayment conditions to find the best fit for your financial needs.
Is Taking a Bridging Loan a Good Idea? 4 Important Considerations
Determining whether to take a bridging loan is a crucial decision, and it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Here are four important considerations to keep in mind:
-
-
Why Am I Taking a Bridging Loan?
Consider your specific situation and reasons for taking a bridging loan. Factors like an en bloc sale, selling a newly renovated property, or upgrading your property can influence whether a bridging loan is a suitable choice.
-
How Much Cash on Hand Do I Have?
Evaluate your available cash reserves and decide if taking a bridging loan is necessary. Consider whether preserving your cash reserves or using your CPF funds might be more cost-effective.
-
Total Costs of the Bridging Loan:
Calculate the overall costs of the bridging loan, including interest and any additional fees. This will help you determine the financial impact of the loan on your property purchase.
-
Plan B for Sale of Old Property:
Be prepared for unforeseen complications in the sale of your old property. Familiarize yourself with the exit clauses and penalties associated with the bridging loan if the sale does not proceed as expected.
-
Conclusion
Bridging loans can serve as a valuable tool for individuals seeking to bridge the financial gap between selling their old property and purchasing a new one. They provide flexibility, speed, and the ability to make essential payments while awaiting the sale proceeds. However, it is crucial to carefully consider the risks and benefits of bridging loans, ensuring that you have a solid repayment plan in place. By comprehending the process, eligibility criteria, and available options, you can make an informed decision and navigate the property transition process smoothly.
At Tembusu Financial Services, we understand the challenges faced by individuals and businesses during property transactions. Our comprehensive range of financial solutions, including bridging loans, is tailored to meet your unique needs. With our expertise and client-centric approach, we strive to provide swift, reliable, and tailored solutions to help you achieve your financial goals. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in your property journey.
Other relevant articles that you may want to read :
