What Is Mortgage Servicing Ratio (MSR)?

Unlike the Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR), which applies to all housing loans, the Mortgage Servicing Ratio (MSR) in Singapore applies only to loans for HDB flats and Executive Condominiums (ECs).

As with the TDSR, while the idea is straightforward in theory, but the HDB MSR becomes slightly more complicated in its application. Here is a guide on the MSR and how it affects you. 

Mortgage Servicing Ratio (MSR) Overview

What Is Mortgage Servicing Ratio (MSR)? 

If you’re planning to buy a property in Singapore, chances are you’ve heard of the Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR), which states that only 60% of a borrower’s gross monthly income may be spent on debt repayments.

Less well-known, but just as important when it comes to qualifying for a loan, is the Mortgage Servicing Ratio (MSR) for HDB flats.  As mentioned, the MSR only applies to HDB flats and ECs bought from the developer. The MSR caps the amount that may be spent on mortgage repayments to 30% of a borrower’s gross monthly income.

For example, if you earn $5,000 per month, your monthly home loan instalments cannot exceed 30% of that, which is $1,500. 

History of The Mortgage Servicing Ratio (MSR) in Singapore 

In long-ago times, the Mortgage Servicing Ratio, or MSR, cap of 40% of a borrower’s gross monthly income. Then in January 2013, it was lowered to 35%. At the same time, the Monetary Association of Singapore (MAS) set an MSR limit of 30% for bank-issued loans for HDB flats.

In August of the same year, the MSR cap for HDB-issued loans was lowered again to 30%, bringing it into line with the banks.

Then on 9 December, the same 30% MSR was introduced for loans issued by banks for ECs bought directly from property developers.

This means that now all HDB-issued loans, and loans issued by banks for both HDB flats and ECs, have an MSR of 30%.

How to Calculate Mortgage Servicing Ratio (MSR)

MSR is calculated by dividing a borrower’s monthly mortgage obligations (including debts secured by property) by total gross monthly income. In the case of joint borrowers, their total monthly mortgage obligations is divided by their total gross monthly income. 

MSR Formula

(Monthly repayment instalments for all property loans / Gross monthly Income) x 100% ≤ 30%

MSR Calculator

For convenience, PropertyGuru has a Mortgage Servicing Ratio or MSR calculator. Just indicate whether you’re making a single or joint application and fill up your income and deposit details, and the MSR calculator will work out your MSR limit. 

Another useful tool we have is the Mortgage Affordability Calculator, which helps you with budgeting. Read more about how to use the Mortgage Affordability Calculator or test it out here yourself.

Other Factors to Take Note Of 

When calculating the loan repayments, it’s worth reading the fine print below as well. 

For bank loan applications:

• a medium-term interest rate(currently between 3% and 4%) is used to calculate the loan repayments,
• variable income, such as commission and performance-based bonuses, is taken at 70% of its value,
• financial assets must be pledged with the bank for four years, and
• the maximum loan tenure is 30 years assuming the maximum Loan-to-Value ratio amount possible is to be borrowed.

For HDB loans:

• the maximum loan tenure is 25 years, or 65 years minus the buyer’s age (whichever is shorter),
• the loan is calculated based on the HDB concessionary interest rate (prevailing CPF interest rate plus 0.1% – currently 2.6%), and
• there is a loan ceiling of 90%.

If the MSR comes out above 30%, the borrower can try extending the loan tenure, selling or reducing the repayments on any other properties, or reducing the amount borrowed by increasing the cash down-payment.

Related articles:

• HDB Loan vs Bank Loan: The Complete Guide to Financing your HDB
• How to Refinance from HDB Housing Loan to Bank Loan

Mortgage Servicing Ratio (MSR) Exemptions

The MSR does not apply to the refinancing of loans for HDB flats and ECs that are owner-occupied, and that were purchased before 12 January 2013 (for HDB flats) and 10 December 2013 (for ECs purchased directly from a property developer). 

If you’re just starting out, familiarise yourself with our Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Mortgage Loans or check out our glossary of common housing loan terms and acronyms. 

For more property news, resources and useful content like this article, check out PropertyGuru’s guides section. 

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