A smarter approach to lowering your home loan cost. At IQrate, we believe refinancing should be simple, transparent, and financially optimised for every homeowner. With interest rates adjusting after several volatile years, 2026 presents a timely opportunity to re-evaluate your mortgage loan. If you are moving from an HDB loan to a bank loan or changing bank packages, the right strategy can lower your interest costs.
Here, we present the IQrate method for smart refinancing. It uses real-time data and market insights. We have helped thousands of homeowners in Singapore find better deals.
1. Start Early: Timing Advantage
Most homeowners begin the refinancing process too late. At IQrate, we encourage clients to start comparing rates 3–4 months before lock-in expiry.
Why this matters:
- Banks require 8 weeks for the refinancing/full redemption process + processing of the application request
- You avoid falling into the bank’s higher prevailing rates
- IQrate can lock in a good home loan rate before your bank moves you to higher prevailing rates
IQrate’s app automatically reminds you before your lock-in ends, ensuring you never miss the optimal window.
2. Choose the Right Rate Type Based on Data, Not Guesswork!
With IQrate’s live interest-rate engine, homeowners compare floating, fixed, and hybrid rates side-by-side instantly. Here’s our framework:
Floating Rates (SORA)
When: Home loan rates are stable or trending down
Pros: Lowest initial cost, transparent benchmark
IQrate insight: You can track 1-month and 3-month historical SORA and US FED rate trends in the app. This helps you see when a dip or rise is forming.
Fixed Rates
When: Home loan rates are projected to rise
Pros: Stable monthly instalments
IQrate insight: Fixed-rate premiums often compress during competitive seasons; we flag this for you in real time.
Hybrid Rates
When: You want a balance of safety and flexibility
IQrate insight: Hybrid packages lower risk by dividing your home loan into fixed and floating parts. This is great for managing your risk level.
3. Switching From HDB Loan to Bank Loan
HDB’s 2.6% interest rate is stable but often higher than bank packages.
IQrate’s refinancing calculator instantly shows:
- Your monthly savings
- 3-year cost comparison
- Total interest savings across the loan
When it makes sense:
- You have stable finances
- You want lower instalments
- You prefer optimised long-term savings
When to keep HDB:
- You value maximum repayment flexibility
- You expect the mortgage loan rates to rise sharply
- You need a payment cushioning
IQrate’s recommendation engine computes both scenarios objectively, with no bias, no upselling.
4. Maximise Subsidies and Reduce Upfront Cost
One of the most overlooked strategies is leveraging bank subsidies.
Typical offers:
- $2,000–$2,500 cash rebate/subsidies.
IQrate automatically highlights banks offering the different types of subsidies or rebates for different loan size.
5. Use Short Lock-Ins When Rates Are Expected to Decline
If rate forecasts show potential drops, a shorter lock-in or no lock-in package might be smarter.
At IQrate, clients can view:
- Which banks offer short lock-ins
- Their 3-year effective interest cost
This allows you to move quickly when the market softens.
6. Repricing vs Refinancing
Many homeowners think refinancing is the only way to get a better deal. In reality, internal repricing can sometimes make better economic sense. Comparing the cost of repricing and interest costs is important. You should also consider refinancing, with or without extra expenses.
IQrate compares:
- External refinancing packages
- Subsidies/cash rebate eligibility
- Total switching cost
You get an unbiased comparison across all banks.
7. Move with the Market Cycle — Not Just Your Lock-In Date
Interest rate cycles matter. SORA trends, bank spread movements, and interbank liquidity influence mortgage pricing.
IQrate monitors:
- Daily SORA shifts
- Bank rate adjustments
- Promotional cycles
This data-driven approach ensures you refinance at the right time — not just when your lock-in ends.
8. Avoid Hidden Costs and Penalties
In the mortgage landscape is a lot of fine print.
IQrate flags:
- Lock-in penalties
- Clawback periods
- Owner-occupier vs investment properties restrictions
- Refinancing eligibility rules
- Early redemption fees
This prevents unnecessary losses and improves loan precision.
9. Leverage Technology
IQrate’s digital mortgage platform simplifies the entire process:
- Compare all banks instantly
- Get personalised recommendations
- Receive automated refinancing reminders
- Upload documents through the app
- Talk to our experienced Mortgage Broker whenever you need help. They can discuss loan structuring, interest rates, and help you choose the right loan package.
This combination of automation + expert support shortens approval times and eliminates guesswork.
The IQrate Way: Smarter Decisions, Transparent Rates, Data-Led Insights
Refinancing is not a one-size-fits-all decision. The best strategy depends on your risk appetite, market direction, and refinancing timeline.
The IQrate way is built on three pillars:
1. Transparency
Clear comparison across all banks, no bias.
2. Data Intelligence
Live rates, real-time alerts, and SORA trend tracking.
3. Personalised Guidance
Not just algorithms, a Mortgage Broker who knows the Singapore mortgage market.
With the right strategy and the right tools, homeowners can unlock substantial savings while reducing financial risk.