Refinancing

A deleveraging nudge from fine-tuning of TDSR rules on refinancing

The Monetary Authority of Singapore’s recent fine-tuning of refinancing rules relating to the total debt servicing ratio (TDSR) governing property loans is a strong nudge towards deleveraging. Stretched borrowers who hold investment properties will have to think about actively managing down their debt, especially as rental income is under pressure and economic growth is easing. Far from stimulating...

Refinancing home loans no longer attractive after 35-year cap: analysts

The current low interest rate environment has led to a trend of home buyers refinancing their loans to take advantage of promotional rates. Most analysts agree that it may no longer be attractive for investors with longer loan terms to do so, given the 35-year cap on new home loans. Most home buyers refinance their mortgages in the third or fourth year of their loan repayment period. This as interest...

To refinance or not to refinance?

Should you join the crowd? If you have top-notch credit, and expect to stay in your home for several years, refinancing may make financial sense. You probably won't have any difficulty getting a loan, provided you have adequate income that you can document. But for everyone else, the calculations have become increasingly complicated. And you're unlikely to qualify for the lowest advertised...

Group asks for govt’s help in refinancing S$4b REIT debt due in 2009

A group representing Asian property investors and developers has asked the Singapore government to step in, if necessary, to help real estate investment trusts (REITs) to refinance an estimated S$4 billion in debt due this year. The Asia Pacific Real Estate Association (APREA) has written a background paper on the issue. It said that real estate is a capital-intensive business, but at present there is...

More looking to refinance home loans with lower interest rates

More people are looking to refinance their home loans in the past few months with lower interest rates, but not without difficulties. Key benchmark interest rates have been dropping since governments around the world embarked on their rate cutting campaign a few months ago to revive the slumping economy. As a result, the Singapore Interbank Offered Rate (SIBOR) has more than halved in the past three to...

Testing time for Commercial-Mortgage Backed Securities refinancing

The global credit crunch and increasing competition for funding spell tough times ahead for Commercial-Mortgage Backed Securities (CMBS) in Singapore. Fitch Ratings says such securities will face difficulties when it comes to refinancing this year. This is due in part to growing competition for funding from various real estate and casino developments in Singapore. However, the recent strong cash flow...

Asian developers offer biggest opportunities

ASIAN debt managers expect real estate developers and companies in China, South Korea and Australia to provide them with the most investment opportunities next year, an industry survey shows. Economic recession, slowing consumer spending and shrinking bank lending indicate a growing number of Asia-Pacific companies will face difficulty refinancing debt next year, according to a survey of 100 hedge fund...

REITs face refinancing risks from credit crunch

Investment trusts are losing their attraction as good defensive options for investors in the current turbulent markets. As lending from banks begins to dry up, these trusts are facing refinancing difficulties. Analysts said their once attractive yields no longer seem as enticing, and real estate investment trusts (REITs) are no exception. REITs that have the backing of sponsors such as Mapletree and City...

Not to Do(s) When Financing / Refinancing

If you are looking to finance or refinance your home, here are a few things NOT TO DO: Don’t Kick The Tires. How much you put down, credit affects your interest rate. It drives lenders crazy to pick up the phone and be asked what their best rate is. How much you put down on your home and how good your credit is directly affecting the interest rate on your loan. You can shop for rates, but be prepared to...

Compare listings

Compare