In the process of finding the best home loan package? We understand how some mortgage terms can be confusing especially for first-timers. If you’re taking a bank loan for your property purchase, there are key terms to understand when navigating the financial planning process.
Mortgage Servicing Ratio
Mortgage Servicing Ratio (MSR) is a home loan limit imposed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). It applies to two types of properties: HDB flats and Executive Condominiums (EC).
How does MSR work?
MSR is capped at 30% of your gross monthly income which includes employees’ CPF contribution. Your gross monthly income does not include employers’ CPF contributions.
For example, if you earn $3,500 per month, your loan eligibility is capped at $1,050 per month.
How about those with variable income?
If you have variable income (e.g. working freelance), your income counts as being 30% lower. Take 70% of your variable income for MSR calculations.
Scenario:
Alif is a full-time software engineer working in a multinational company, earning $4,000 and a freelance website developer, earning $3,000.
- [Fixed Income + (70% x Variable Income)] x 30% = MSR
- [$4,000 + (70% x $3,000)] x 30% = ($4,000 + $2,100) x 30% = $6,100 x 30% = $1,830
Alif’s loan eligibility is capped at $1,830 per month.
Total Debt Servicing Ratio
Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) is also a home loan limit implemented by MAS. It applies to both public and private properties.
How does TDSR work?
TDSR sets limits on how much a home buyer can borrow. It is capped at 60% of your gross monthly income. This aims to encourage prudent borrowing by households and strengthen credit underwriting standards by financial institutions.
Financial institutions must ensure that borrowers’ monthly repayment for all debts does not exceed 60% of their monthly income. This includes the mortgage, credit card bills, car loans, personal loans, and so on.
How about those with variable income?
You cannot use 100% of this income, your income is considered 30% lower. Take 70% of your variable income for TDSR calculations.
Scenario:
Michelle earns $7,000 a month with a car loan of $1,000.
[(70% x Variable Income) x 60%] – Outstanding Loans = TDSR
= [(70% x $7,000) x 60% – $1,000)] = ($4,900 x 60%) – $1,000 = $2,940 – $1,000 = $1,940
Michelle’s maximum home loan is capped at $1,940 per month.
What is the difference between MSR and TDSR?
MSR limits the amount of money you can borrow based on your income, without considering other loans you might have. TDSR takes into account ALL your loan repayments, including outstanding loans.
If you’re buying an HDB or EC with a bank loan, you need to pass both criteria – MSR calculations followed by TDSR calculations.
Scenario:
Clarence earns a fixed $5,000 monthly salary with a car loan of $1,000 and a study loan of $800.
First criterion: MSR
Fixed Income x 30% = MSR
$5,000 x 30% = $1,500
Clarence’s loan eligibility is capped at $1,500 per month.
Second criterion: TDSR
Fixed Income x 60% = TDSR
$5,000 x 60% = $3,000
Clarence’s monthly repayment for all debts cannot exceed $3,000.
Clarence’s outstanding loans: $1,500 (MSR) + $1,000 (car loan) + $800 (study load) = $3,300.
Clarence’s bank loan can’t be approved because he did not pass the second criterion – his outstanding loans are more than $3,000. For such cases, you can reduce your obligations to pass the criteria for TDSR, i.e. Take a lower loan amount or do pledging to borrow a higher loan amount.
You may be wondering, why were these two terms introduced? Both MSR and TDSR were implemented to prevent over-leveraging. There was a problem with people taking huge home loans that they can’t afford. Another issue was the rising cost of property because since there were no loan restrictions, investors kept purchasing more properties.
The good thing is, you can pass the criteria for MSR and TDSR in various ways such as e.g. making a bigger down payment or buying a less expensive property. Always be prudent in your financial planning. Here’s Ohmyhome’s free Affordability Calculator to get you started!
This article was originally published on Ohmyhome, your one-stop property solution. We serve you at every stage of your housing journey, for a faster, simpler, and easier transaction! Visit us at omh.sg for more information.
