Fraud Blocker
Your search results

How Much You Need to Earn to Afford a Condo 2023

Posted by Jayson Ang on October 30, 2023
| 0

TLDR

When considering investing in a private property in Singapore, it’s important to understand your borrowing capacity. Financial experts recommend that your monthly mortgage repayment should not exceed 30% of your gross monthly income. To determine the estimated monthly income needed to buy a new condo, factors such as location and type of property must be considered. Median income figures from the Ministry of Manpower can provide insights into affordability. Dual-income couples have higher potential for condo financing. Property market trends and measures implemented affect condo prices, making it essential to make informed decisions regarding property purchases. Consulting with real estate experts can provide valuable guidance on whether to buy, sell, or wait, ensuring a strategic and data-driven approach for your real estate journey.

Are you planning to invest in a private property but uncertain about your affordability? Don’t worry, I am here to assist you in making informed decisions regarding properties and more!

Being cautious while determining your borrowing capacity is crucial while purchasing a property. This will prevent you from making a costly mistake.

Eligibility versus affordability

Eligibility for a home loan should not be confused with the ability to afford a property. To afford a condo in Singapore, financial experts suggest that your monthly mortgage repayment, including principal and interest, should not exceed 30% of your gross monthly income. This is also known as the Mortgage Servicing Ratio (MSR) for HDB flats and new ECs. However, some experts believe that this requirement is too strict. While opinions may vary on what constitutes an ideal mortgage-to-income ratio, it is crucial to prioritize financial sustainability when making significant purchases such as property. This will prevent you from compromising other financial goals or resorting to a diet of instant noodles and bread every day.

How much do you need to earn to buy a condo?

In order to assist those looking for properties in Singapore, we have analyzed data to determine the approximate income required to afford a condominium. The price of the condominium will vary based on factors such as whether it is newly built or its location in the Core Central Region (CCR), which tends to be more expensive. Our estimates are based on the ability to make mortgage repayments and take into account certain assumptions.

  • As a Singaporean citizen, if you do not own any other residential properties in the country, you are exempted from paying a 17% Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD).
  • You will be required to make a down payment of 25%, which will allow you to take advantage of the maximum 75% loan-to-value (LTV) limit. The loan tenure will be for a period of 30 years.
  • We have implemented a 4% interest rate for the medium-term, in accordance with the guidance provided by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
  • It is confirmed that you have no other outstanding loans to attend to, this includes loans for properties, vehicles, personal purposes, and education.
  • The Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) framework sets a limit to the total amount of loans an individual can service in a month. This limit should not exceed 55% of their gross monthly income. It is important to adhere to this framework to ensure financial stability and avoid overburdening oneself with debt.

The estimated monthly income you need to buy a new condo

*Please be aware that the figures provided are based on average pricing and may not reflect the actual cost. It is advisable to utilize my mortgage calculator, based on the exact price, to determine if it aligns with your financial capacity.

Rest of Central Region (RCR)

Outside Central Region (OCR):

The estimated monthly income you need to buy a resale condo

Despite the implementation of two rounds of measures aimed at reducing the overheating of the property market in December 2021 and September 2022, the prices of condominiums have gone up by 8.1% in 2022. The price increase was highest among RCR condos at 9.7%, followed by OCR condos at 9.3% and CCR condos at 4.8%. To find reasonably priced condos, it may be worthwhile to consider purchasing resale condos.

*Please be aware that the figures provided are based on an average price and may not reflect the actual cost. To accurately determine if the property is affordable for you, we suggest utilizing my mortgage calculator with the actual price in mind.

Median salary in Singapore: Can I afford a condo?

After learning about the cost of new and resale condos in Singapore, you may be wondering if purchasing a condo is feasible for you. To answer this question, we will examine the income figures published by the Ministry of Manpower’s Research and Statistics Department.

As per their data, the median gross monthly income from work, including employer CPF contributions, for full-time employed residents in 2022 is S$5,070, which is an 8.33% increase from the previous year. The median indicates that half of the workers earn less than this amount, while the other half earns more.

If you and your partner are a dual-income couple, you will have double the earning potential to finance a condo purchase. With your combined income, you will be able to afford condos situated in OCR and RCR regions.

After working and saving up for a few years, you and your partner can pay the substantial downpayment and purchase your dream condo.

Should You Buy, Sell or Wait?

If you’re reading this, you must be trying to figure out the best course of action right now: is it the right time to buy or sell?

It’s difficult to give an exact answer since everyone’s situation is unique and what works for one person may not necessarily work for you.

I can bring you a wealth of on-the-ground experience and a data-driven approach to provide clarity and direction. From beginners to experienced investors, our top-down, objective approach will help you on your real estate journey.

I can help you by:

  1. Offering Strategic Real Estate Advice – I can help create a comprehensive plan to guide you through your property journey.
  2. Connecting Your Home with the Perfect Buyers – Through stunning visuals, an effective communication strategy, and an in-depth knowledge of the market, we’ll ensure your home is presented in the best possible way to fulfill your goals.

You May Also Like …


The Surprising Truths of Home Ownership: How Health Challenges Led a Homeowner to Relocate
All Opinion Selling Tips

The Surprising Truths of Home Ownership: How Health Challenges Led a Homeowner to Relocate

When thinking about staircases, light switch locations, selling our home, and similar topics, many plan for retirement, assuming these issues...
Read More
Are Early Bird Discounts At New Launches Genuine Or A Marketing Gimmick?
All Buying Tips Opinion

Are Early Bird Discounts At New Launches Genuine Or A Marketing Gimmick?

TLDR When considering investing in new property projects, understanding developers' pricing strategies is crucial. Early bird discounts are not just...
Read More
The 5 Hottest Neighborhoods in Singapore for Real Estate Investment
Mandarin Top 5

The 5 Hottest Neighborhoods in Singapore for Real Estate Investment

Hey everyone! Today I want to share with you the 5 hottest neighborhoods in Singapore for real estate investment.  These...
Read More
Great Reasons for Condo Owners to Sell upon Reaching TOP – A Guide to Sub-Sale Transactions
All Opinion Selling Tips

Great Reasons for Condo Owners to Sell upon Reaching TOP – A Guide to Sub-Sale Transactions

TLDR A recent sub-sale transaction in Midtown Modern set a new record with a 2-bedroom home selling at $3,150 psf....
Read More
Making Sense of 99-Year Landed Home Investments in Singapore
All Buying Tips Opinion

Making Sense of 99-Year Landed Home Investments in Singapore

TLDR Investing in a 99-year leasehold landed property in Singapore can be a lucrative venture due to the country's land...
Read More
Should You Buy An Older Resale HDB Flat If You Are In Your 20s/30s?
All Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

Should You Buy An Older Resale HDB Flat If You Are In Your 20s/30s?

TLDR Younger Singaporeans are increasingly drawn to older resale HDB flats due to their larger size and central locations, without...
Read More
Singapore’s Real Estate Market: The 5 Most Important Documents to Review Before Buying a Property
Mandarin Top 5

Singapore’s Real Estate Market: The 5 Most Important Documents to Review Before Buying a Property

Singapore's real estate market is highly regulated and can be complex for those unfamiliar with the process. As a prospective...
Read More
I Decided to Pay the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty to Purchase a Condominium While Retaining My HDB: My Reasons
All Blog Posts Buying Tips Opinion

I Decided to Pay the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty to Purchase a Condominium While Retaining My HDB: My Reasons

TLDR Despite a 20% Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) for second properties in Singapore, Yang chose to hold onto his...
Read More
Breaking Through the Stalemate of En Bloc Sales
All Blog Posts Opinion

Breaking Through the Stalemate of En Bloc Sales

TLDR The Singapore property market faces challenges with the ongoing en bloc stalemate. Lower success rates, higher development risks, and...
Read More
Unlock The Key To Selling A Home With A Perceived Disadvantage Like Being West-Facing Or Close To A Rubbish Chute – Here’s How!
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Unlock The Key To Selling A Home With A Perceived Disadvantage Like Being West-Facing Or Close To A Rubbish Chute – Here’s How!

TLDR When selling your house, turn perceived disadvantages into advantages. For sun-facing homes, use UV sheets and blinds to manage...
Read More
5 Top Primary Schools in Singapore Popular with Expat Chinese Community
Mandarin Top 5

5 Top Primary Schools in Singapore Popular with Expat Chinese Community

5 Top Primary Schools in Singapore Popular with Expat Chinese Community When it comes to education, Singapore is a top...
Read More
5 Reasons Why Singapore Loves Investing in Properties
Mandarin Top 5

5 Reasons Why Singapore Loves Investing in Properties

Property investing is a popular and lucrative option in Singapore due to several reasons. Firstly, Singapore's stable and growing economy...
Read More
Uncovering Hidden Details: Key Questions to Ask at a New Launch Condo Show Flat
All Buying Tips

Uncovering Hidden Details: Key Questions to Ask at a New Launch Condo Show Flat

TLDR Show flats can be impressive but may hide important details. Buyers should ask about room sizes, furniture fit, balcony...
Read More
Most Buyers Miss This Condo Checklist Item — Until It’s Too Late
All Buying Tips Opinion

Most Buyers Miss This Condo Checklist Item — Until It’s Too Late

TLDR When buying a condo, many overlook the importance of the Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST) and its finances. Beyond...
Read More
Selling your HDB Resale Flat in 2025 [Comprehensive Guide]
All Buying Tips

Selling your HDB Resale Flat in 2025 [Comprehensive Guide]

TLDR Selling your HDB resale flat involves a structured 14-step process. Start by registering your Intent to Sell on the...
Read More
Should You Splash Your Cash on a Condo Despite the Sky-High PSF?
All Buying Tips Opinion

Should You Splash Your Cash on a Condo Despite the Sky-High PSF?

TLDR The blog post discusses various aspects of investing in condos in Singapore, covering topics such as leasehold versus freehold...
Read More
Unlock The Secrets To Successfully Selling Your Home In Just 7 Simple Steps!
All Selling Tips

Unlock The Secrets To Successfully Selling Your Home In Just 7 Simple Steps!

TLDR When preparing to sell your house in Singapore, research the average prices in your area to set a realistic...
Read More
A Milestone for Singles: New HDB Rule Prioritizes Proximity to Parents
All Opinion

A Milestone for Singles: New HDB Rule Prioritizes Proximity to Parents

TLDR The upcoming Family Care Scheme (FCS), launching mid-2025 in Singapore, prioritizes singles applying for BTO flats near their parents,...
Read More
Uncover the Secrets of Buying Older Properties – What They Won’t Tell You!
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Uncover the Secrets of Buying Older Properties – What They Won’t Tell You!

TLDR When considering the appeal of older properties in hipster neighborhoods in Singapore, it's crucial to understand the benefits and...
Read More
Top 5 Tips : How Investors Protect Themselves From Risk And Capitalize On Emerging Opportunities In Singapore’s Real Estate Landscape
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Tips : How Investors Protect Themselves From Risk And Capitalize On Emerging Opportunities In Singapore’s Real Estate Landscape

The real estate landscape in Singapore has always been a lucrative investment opportunity for both local and international investors. However,...
Read More
1 2 3 35

Compare Listings