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 …


Should You Purchase a Small Landed Home or a Larger Condo? Insights from Singaporeans
All Buying Tips Selling Tips

Should You Purchase a Small Landed Home or a Larger Condo? Insights from Singaporeans

TLDR When deciding between a compact landed house and a spacious condominium, consider key factors like security, parking, maintenance costs,...
Read More
Top 5 : Dangerous Ideas Singapore Property Investors Have
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 : Dangerous Ideas Singapore Property Investors Have

Singapore's property market has long been considered a safe and lucrative investment option for both local and foreign investors. The...
Read More
Exploring Singapore: The Top 5 Surprising Facts You Never Knew
Mandarin Top 5

Exploring Singapore: The Top 5 Surprising Facts You Never Knew

Singapore, a city-state in Southeast Asia, is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse population, and vibrant food scene. This...
Read More
2024 Will Be A Buyers Market
All Buying Tips Opinion

2024 Will Be A Buyers Market

TLDR 2023 saw a roller-coaster ride in the real estate market, with various challenges like high interest rates and geopolitical...
Read More
Would It Be More Better To Engage One Property Agent Or Multiple Agents In The Selling Process?
All Selling Tips

Would It Be More Better To Engage One Property Agent Or Multiple Agents In The Selling Process?

TLDR When planning to sell your property, you have the option to work with one agent exclusively or non-exclusively. Engaging...
Read More
Top 5 Singapore Must-Dos: Unforgettable Experiences Await!
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Singapore Must-Dos: Unforgettable Experiences Await!

Singapore, a vibrant city-state known for its diverse culture and world-class attractions, offers an array of unforgettable experiences for both...
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
From Garden City to Smart Nation: Singapore’s Top 5 Goals Building a Sustainable and Livable City
Mandarin Top 5

From Garden City to Smart Nation: Singapore’s Top 5 Goals Building a Sustainable and Livable City

Singapore is a small island city-state with a population of over 5 million people. Its urban landscape is constantly evolving,...
Read More
Is Lentor Mansion: The 5th New Lentor Condo in 2 Years Still Worth Your Attention?
All Buying Tips Opinion

Is Lentor Mansion: The 5th New Lentor Condo in 2 Years Still Worth Your Attention?

TLDR for "Exciting Updates from Lentor Mansion" Lentor Mansion, a new project in the vibrant Lentor region, is set to...
Read More
What Might Occur If We Ease Property Cooling Measures?
All Opinion

What Might Occur If We Ease Property Cooling Measures?

TLDR To assess if Singapore’s property cooling measures are working, compare our actions with China, which is applying the opposite...
Read More
The Impact of a Real Estate Agent on Your Property’s Selling Price
All Buying Tips Opinion

The Impact of a Real Estate Agent on Your Property’s Selling Price

TLDR In the world of real estate, the value of property agents lies in their ability to create competition among...
Read More
Top 5 : Singapore’s Most Desirable Properties: A Look at the City’s Most Coveted Real Estate
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 : Singapore’s Most Desirable Properties: A Look at the City’s Most Coveted Real Estate

Singapore, a bustling city-state known for its impressive skyline and thriving economy, is home to some of the most desirable...
Read More
5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Investing in Singapore Property: Insights and Advice from Experts
Mandarin Top 5

5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Investing in Singapore Property: Insights and Advice from Experts

Investing in Singapore property can be a lucrative venture for investors, but it's important to avoid common mistakes that can...
Read More
Top 5 Trends And Developments That Will Shape Singapore’s Property Market In The Next 5 Years
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Trends And Developments That Will Shape Singapore’s Property Market In The Next 5 Years

Singapore's property market has always been a dynamic and evolving landscape, attracting both local and international investors. As we look...
Read More
5 Tips : How To Invest In Singapore Property Without Losing Sleep Over It
Mandarin Top 5

5 Tips : How To Invest In Singapore Property Without Losing Sleep Over It

Investing in Singapore's property market can be a lucrative venture, but it's important to approach it with caution and a...
Read More
5 Tips : Riding the Wave: How to Profit from the Upcoming Boom in Singapore’s Property Market
Mandarin Top 5

5 Tips : Riding the Wave: How to Profit from the Upcoming Boom in Singapore’s Property Market

Singapore's property market has always been a hot topic among investors and homebuyers alike. With million-dollar HDBs being sold and...
Read More
What is Your Next Step in the Property Market?
All Buying Tips

What is Your Next Step in the Property Market?

When you flip open the papers or turn on the news nowadays, the common buzzwords are "INFLATION", " INTEREST RATE...
Read More
Buying a Mega Development Condo? Here are 5 Overlooked Issues You Should Know
All Buying Tips

Buying a Mega Development Condo? Here are 5 Overlooked Issues You Should Know

TLDR In the world of mega-developments, living in a large condo with over 700 units can bring challenges like ongoing...
Read More
Should Foreign Buyers Be Deterred By the 30% ABSD?
All Buying Tips

Should Foreign Buyers Be Deterred By the 30% ABSD?

TLDR Foreign buyers interested in private residential properties in Singapore is a common sight due to the country's positive reputation...
Read More
Transaction Volumes Remained Subdued Due To The Dearth Of Inventory In Q4 2022
All Reports

Transaction Volumes Remained Subdued Due To The Dearth Of Inventory In Q4 2022

TLDR The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) Flash Estimates for Q4 2022 show a 0.1% increase in non-landed private home prices...
Read More
1 22 23 24 25 26 33

Compare Listings