Cheapest rate refinancing packages may not remain ‘cheapest’ throughout loan life

There are several reasons why cheapest rate refinancing packages, may not remain ‘cheapest’ throughout the tenure of the mortgage loan.

By: Hitesh Khan/

Traditionally, the decision on whether or not to refinance has meant balancing the savings of a lower monthly payment against the costs of refinancing. However, with the cheapest rate refinancing packages which are more readily available now, it can be worth your while to refinance to obtain a smaller reduction in interest rates.

Before you consider the cheapest rate refinancing packages, you should consider how long you expect to stay in your home. It is am important  factor to consider as if you will be moving in a few years, the month to month savings may never add up to the costs that are involved in a refinance.

When you are making your decision on the cheapest rate refinancing packages, there are several things to keep in mind.

First, if your current interest rate is significantly higher than the cheapest rate refinancing packages rates, you may be able to roll your loan costs into the loan and still get a lower rate than you have today, thereby reducing your interest payments and saving money immediately.

Second, if you are planning to stay in your home for at least three to five years, it may make sense to reprice your existing mortgage loans and save on closing costs then getting the cheapest rate refinancing packages.

Mortgage Repricing is the renewal of your existing mortgage plan with your existing lender without changing banks. The typical period to start reviewing your existing mortgage loans for repricing or refinancing should commence about four months before the ending of your package tie-in or lock-in period. This could range anywhere from between one to three years depending on the contractual terms when you first signed up the mortgage loan. At the end of this period your cheapest rate package, may no longer be the ‘cheapest’ in the market.

One main reason why homeowners should repricing or go for other cheapest rate refinancing packages is because of the rising US interest rates.

This is because the US Fed rate hike has an impact on mortgage loans here as Singapore interest rates are closely correlated with those in the US. The SIBOR (Singapore interbank offered rate) has gone up, and this besides denting some of the enthusiasm in the buoyant property market, could pose a big problem for homeowners who are still servicing their mortgage loans. This is because banks and financial institutions calculate lending rates by adding a margin (which covers their costs and their profit) to a published financial index, like the SIBOR or the SOR.

https://www.icompareloan.com/resources/mortgage-calculator-important-tool/

Since the beginning of this year, banks have raised interest rates for both fixed and floating home loan packages by 10 – 30 basis points (bps). Some banks have already upped their mortgage rate to 2.05 per cent, to keep pace with the increasing interest rates.

The 3-month SIBOR has hovered at 1.90 per cent since October 2018. The US Federal Reserve has announced that it may increase its rates further this year, which will inadvertently drive interest rates for mortgage loans here even higher.

Banks, however, are usually slow off the mark in raising the interest rates in response to global news like the US Federal Reserve rate hikes. This lag time is where a mortgage consultant can best help a distressed buyer to finance a new purchase or to refinance their current property.

Mr Paul Ho, chief mortgage consultant said, “there may be a short window of opportunity for home-owners to refinance their home loans before the Federal Reserve interest rates are increased in the near future.” He added, “the mortgage consultants at iCompareLoan can get the best rates for home owners who want to refinance their home loans by comparing across 16 banks and financial institutions – and best of all, our services are free.”

https://www.icompareloan.com/resources/mortgage-broker-singapore-best-rate/

Today, consumers have a wide range of home loan packages to choose from compared to several years ago. Home loans could also be tied up with other programmes which rewards customers with a higher interest rate on their deposits if they transact more with the bank, such as getting a home loan and crediting their salary with the same bank.

Typically, with mortgage loans you are offered attractive rates for the first three years when you refinance – following which the interest rates are adjusted upwards. This usually coincides with the end of the lock in period, offering borrowers a good opportunity to relook their loans.

At iCompareLoan, we have several affordability calculators which homeowners looking to refinance can use to determine how much loan they qualify for. You can also use our mortgage payment calculator to determine how much you would have to pay every month by taking a mortgage loan with a 3-year lock-down period.

How to Secure a Home Loan Quickly

Are planning to refinance but unsure if you qualify? Don’t worry because iCompareLoan mortgage brokers can set you up on a path that can get you a home loan in a quick and seamless manner.

Alternatively you can read more about the Best Home Loans in Singapore before deciding.  Our brokers have close links with the best lenders in town and can help you compare Singapore home loans and settle for a package that best suits your home purchase needs.

Whether you are looking for a new home loan or refinance, our brokers can help you get everything right from calculating mortgage repayment, comparing interest rates all through to securing the loan. And the good thing is that all their services are free of charge. So it’s all worth it to secure a loan through them.

For advice on a new home loan  or Personal Finance advice.

To speak to our Panel of Property agents.

For refinancing advice.