🏠 Property · Mortgage & Affordability · Sub-Silo 2 · Tool #7

SORA Mortgage Calculator Singapore 2026
3-Month Compounded SORA + Bank Spread — Rate Scenario Stress Table & Fixed/HDB Comparison

Calculate your monthly mortgage instalment based on the 3-month compounded SORA (Singapore Overnight Rate Average) plus your bank’s spread. SORA replaced SIBOR in 2024 as Singapore’s benchmark for floating-rate home loans. This calculator shows your instalment at the current SORA level, a rate-scenario stress table across 8 SORA levels (1.0% to 4.5%) so you can see how your payment changes if rates rise or fall, and a side-by-side comparison with fixed-rate and HDB concessionary loan alternatives.

✓ 3M SORA + Spread Breakdown ✓ 8-Level Rate Stress Table ✓ Fixed Rate Comparison ✓ HDB 2.6% Benchmark ✓ Instalment Bar Chart
Benchmark3M Compounded SORA
ReplacedSIBOR (2024)
Typical Spread0.65%–1.00%
MAS Stress4% for TDSR
Published ByMAS Daily
📉 SORA Inputs
S$
years
%
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Your effective rate = 3M compounded SORA + bank spread. SORA is published daily by MAS on the MAS website. The bank spread is fixed for your lock-in period but SORA fluctuates. Typical bank spreads in 2026: 0.65%–1.00% during lock-in, 0.80%–1.20% thereafter. Your effective rate is SORA + spread (e.g., 2.50% + 0.75% = 3.25% effective).

% p.a.

Enter a fixed-rate package offer to compare monthly instalment and total interest against the SORA floating rate. Leave blank to skip. HDB 2.6% is always shown for reference.

📉 SORA Analysis
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Enter your loan amount, current 3M SORA, and bank spread to see your instalment, total interest, and the rate-scenario stress table showing how your payment changes across 8 SORA levels.

Monthly Instalment Across SORA Levels (current = teal)

SORA Mortgage Singapore 2026 — How 3-Month Compounded SORA Works for Home Loans & Why It Replaced SIBOR

Since the full transition from SIBOR in 2024, virtually all floating-rate home loans in Singapore are pegged to the 3-month compounded SORA (Singapore Overnight Rate Average). SORA is a backward-looking rate based on the volume-weighted average of actual overnight interbank borrowing transactions in Singapore — making it more robust, transparent, and harder to manipulate than the old forward-looking SIBOR. Your mortgage rate is: 3M compounded SORA + bank spread. The SORA component fluctuates with market conditions (broadly tracking US Federal Reserve rate movements), while the bank spread is contractually fixed for the lock-in period. Understanding this split is critical for budgeting: the spread is within your control (you negotiate it with the bank), but SORA is determined by the market.

How SORA Loan Packages Are Structured

ComponentDescription2026 Typical Range
3M compounded SORAMarket benchmark, published daily by MAS~2.0%–3.0%
Bank spread (lock-in)Fixed for 2–3yr lock-in, negotiable0.65%–1.00%
Bank spread (thereafter)Steps up after lock-in, higher0.80%–1.20%
Effective rateSORA + spread~2.65%–4.00%
MAS stress rate (TDSR)Max(effective, 4%) for TDSR assessment4.00%

SORA vs Fixed Rate vs HDB: When to Choose Which

FeatureSORA FloatingFixed RateHDB 2.6%
Rate riskFluctuates with marketLocked for 2–3yrVery stable
Initial rateUsually lowestSlightly higher2.6% (CPF+0.1%)
Best whenRates falling / stableRates rising / uncertainEligible HDB buyer
TDSR assessmentAt 4% (stress)At actual rateAt 2.6%
Prepay penalty~1.5% during lock-in~1.5% during lock-inNone

How This SORA Calculator Works — Rate Breakdown, Stress Scenarios & Alternative Comparison

Step 1 — Enter Loan and SORA Components

Enter your loan amount, the current 3-month compounded SORA (check MAS website or your bank’s latest statement), and the bank spread from your loan package. The calculator adds them to get your effective rate and computes the monthly instalment, total interest, and total repaid.

Step 2 — Review the Rate Scenario Stress Table

The stress table shows your instalment at 8 SORA levels (1.0% to 4.5% in 0.5% steps), with your current SORA highlighted. This lets you see how much your payment would increase if SORA rises by 0.5% or 1.0%, or how much you would save if it falls. The difference column shows the change from your current instalment. This is essential for budgeting: know your worst-case payment before it happens.

Step 3 — Compare with Fixed and HDB Alternatives

Optionally enter a fixed-rate package offer to compare. The calculator always shows the HDB 2.6% benchmark as a reference. The comparison box reveals the monthly and total interest difference between all three options at a glance.

3 Real Singapore SORA Examples — New Condo, HDB Switcher & Rate Rise Stress Test

New Condo, SORA 2.5% + 0.75%

LoanS$750,000
Effective rate3.25%
Monthly (25yr)S$3,635
If SORA rises to 3.5%S$4,006 (+S$371)
vs HDB 2.6%S$3,401 (-S$234)
Total interestS$340,500

HDB Switcher, SORA 2.0% + 0.65%

LoanS$400,000
Effective rate2.65%
Monthly (20yr)S$2,145
HDB 2.6% monthlyS$2,135
Saving vs HDB-S$10 (barely saves)
Risk if SORA +1%S$2,366 (+S$221)

Stress: S$600K if SORA Hits 4.5%

LoanS$600,000
SORA 2.5% + 0.75%S$2,908/mo
SORA 3.5% + 0.75%S$3,205/mo
SORA 4.5% + 0.75%S$3,516/mo
Increase from current+S$608/mo
Annual extra cost+S$7,296/yr

3 Expert SORA Tips — Spread Negotiation, the 4% Stress Trap & When Fixed Beats Floating

1

Negotiate the Spread, Not the SORA — It Is the Only Part You Control

SORA is set by the market — you cannot negotiate it. The bank spread is the only negotiable component. A difference of 0.10% in spread on a S$750,000 loan over 25 years = approximately S$14,500 in total interest. During the lock-in, competing banks offer spreads ranging from 0.65% to 1.00% — a 0.35% range that translates into S$50,000+ in total interest difference. Always compare at least 3–4 bank packages on the spread (not just the headline rate, which changes with SORA). After lock-in, the spread typically steps up by 0.15%–0.25% — this “thereafter spread” is equally important and often overlooked in the initial comparison. Use a mortgage broker to access the most competitive spreads without visiting every bank.

2

The 4% Stress Trap: SORA Packages Reduce Your Maximum Borrowing

MAS requires banks to assess TDSR at the higher of your effective rate or 4% for SORA loans. If your effective rate is 3.25%, the bank assesses TDSR at 4% — a significantly higher instalment. This reduces your maximum borrowable amount compared to: (1) a fixed-rate package (assessed at the actual fixed rate, e.g., 3.20%); (2) an HDB loan (assessed at 2.6%). On a S$10,000 income, the TDSR-based max loan at 4%/25yr = about S$760,000, but at 3.20% fixed = about S$845,000 — an extra S$85,000 borrowing capacity just from the assessment rate. This is one reason some buyers choose a fixed package even if SORA is lower: to maximise their TDSR headroom and qualify for a larger loan.

3

When Fixed Beats Floating: The Rate Environment Decision

Choose SORA floating when: rates are stable or falling, you are comfortable with payment volatility, and you want the lowest possible initial rate. Choose fixed when: rates are rising or uncertain, you value payment certainty (e.g., for tight budget planning), or you want to maximise TDSR borrowing capacity (assessed at actual rate, not 4%). In Singapore’s 2026 environment, with SORA broadly tracking US Fed movements, the decision depends on your view of global rate direction. A pragmatic approach: take a 2–3 year fixed package for certainty during the initial ownership period (when cash is tightest due to renovation and moving costs), then reassess at lock-in expiry. Use this calculator’s stress table to see if you can handle the worst-case SORA scenario — if the highest stress payment is still comfortable, SORA floating may be the cheaper long-term choice.

16 FAQs — SORA Mortgage Singapore 2026, 3-Month Compounded Rate, Spread & SIBOR Transition

What is SORA and how does it affect my mortgage?+
SORA (Singapore Overnight Rate Average) is the benchmark interest rate for Singapore home loans, replacing SIBOR since 2024. It is based on actual overnight interbank borrowing transactions and is published daily by MAS. Your mortgage rate = 3-month compounded SORA + bank spread. When SORA rises, your floating-rate instalment rises; when it falls, your instalment falls. SORA broadly tracks global interest rate movements, especially the US Federal Reserve rate.
What is the difference between SORA and SIBOR?+
SIBOR was a forward-looking rate based on banks’ estimates of future borrowing costs (panel-based, subject to manipulation risk). SORA is backward-looking, based on actual completed overnight transactions (volume-weighted, transparent). SORA is more robust and reflects real borrowing costs. MAS mandated the transition from SIBOR to SORA, fully completed by 2024. All new floating-rate home loans are now SORA-based. Existing SIBOR loans were converted to SORA equivalents.
What is the 3-month compounded SORA?+
The 3-month compounded SORA is the geometric average of daily SORA rates over the most recent 3-month (roughly 90 calendar days) period. It smooths out daily fluctuations and provides a more stable reference for mortgage pricing than the daily overnight SORA. Banks use the 3-month compounded SORA because it is less volatile and provides a quarterly-like reference for instalment calculation. It is published on the MAS website and updated daily.
What is a typical bank spread on a SORA mortgage in 2026?+
Typical spreads for new SORA packages in 2026: Lock-in period (2–3 years): 0.65%–1.00%. Thereafter: 0.80%–1.20%. The spread is fixed for the lock-in duration and then steps up. A lower spread during lock-in is the primary selling point; a lower “thereafter” spread is important if you plan to stay beyond lock-in. Compare both when evaluating packages. Mortgage brokers often access exclusive spreads not available on bank websites.
Where can I find the current 3-month compounded SORA?+
The 3-month compounded SORA is published on the MAS website (mas.gov.sg) under “Domestic Interest Rates.” It is also available on your bank’s website or mortgage statement. Financial news sites and mortgage comparison platforms (e.g., MoneySmart, PropertyGuru Finance) also track and report current SORA levels. The rate is updated daily. For mortgage purposes, your bank will specify which SORA publication date applies to your instalment reset.
How often does my SORA mortgage instalment change?+
Most SORA mortgage packages reset the rate every 3 months (quarterly). Your bank specifies the reset dates (e.g., 1st of January, April, July, October). At each reset, the bank applies the latest 3-month compounded SORA to your loan, adds the contractual spread, and recalculates your instalment. Between resets, your instalment is fixed. This means your payment can change up to 4 times per year, depending on SORA movements. Some banks offer monthly or 1-month SORA packages (more volatile but more responsive to rate drops).
Is SORA the same as the US Fed Funds rate?+
No, but they are correlated. Singapore does not set interest rates directly — MAS manages the exchange rate, not rates. However, Singapore’s domestic rates (including SORA) are heavily influenced by US rates because: (1) the Singapore dollar is managed against a basket of currencies (heavily weighted to USD); (2) capital flows between Singapore and the US mean local rates broadly track US rates. When the US Fed raises rates, SORA tends to rise (sometimes with a lag). When the Fed cuts, SORA tends to fall. The correlation is strong but not exact — local liquidity conditions and MAS policy also affect SORA.
Should I choose SORA or fixed rate for my mortgage?+
It depends on your risk tolerance and rate outlook. SORA floating: usually starts lower, but your payment can increase if rates rise. Best when you expect rates to remain stable or fall. Fixed rate: slightly higher initial rate but payment certainty for 2–3 years. Best when rates are rising or you need budget predictability. Also, fixed rates are assessed at the actual rate for TDSR (not 4%), giving higher borrowing capacity. Many borrowers alternate: take fixed when rates are rising, switch to SORA when rates stabilise. Use this calculator to stress-test SORA scenarios before deciding.
Can my SORA instalment ever decrease?+
Yes. If SORA falls, your effective rate decreases and your instalment at the next quarterly reset drops accordingly. Singapore experienced this during 2020–2021 when global rates were near zero — SORA fell to about 0.2%–0.5%, and SORA mortgage holders enjoyed very low effective rates (often below 1.0%). This is the key advantage of floating rates: you benefit immediately when rates fall, unlike fixed-rate borrowers who are locked in at the higher rate. However, the reverse is also true — when rates rose sharply in 2022–2023, SORA borrowers saw their instalments jump significantly.
What happens if SORA goes negative?+
If SORA were to go negative (extremely unlikely in Singapore’s environment), most bank mortgage contracts include a floor clause: the effective rate cannot go below the bank spread alone (i.e., SORA is floored at 0%). So if your spread is 0.75% and SORA goes to -0.5%, your effective rate would be 0.75% (not 0.25%). In practice, SORA has never gone negative in Singapore and is unlikely to do so given MAS’s monetary policy framework. The lowest SORA has been was approximately 0.17% in 2020–2021.
How does SORA affect my TDSR assessment?+
For TDSR purposes, MAS requires banks to assess SORA loans at the higher of the effective rate or 4% (the medium-term stress rate). If your effective rate is 3.25%, TDSR is assessed at 4%. This higher assessment rate reduces your maximum borrowable amount. Fixed-rate loans are assessed at the actual fixed rate (not 4%), and HDB loans at 2.6%. This is why SORA packages result in lower maximum borrowing than fixed or HDB loans at the same income level — the 4% stress rate is the limiting factor.
Can I switch from SORA to a fixed-rate package mid-loan?+
Yes — this is called repricing (if staying with the same bank) or refinancing (if switching to a different bank). After your SORA lock-in expires, you can reprice to a fixed package at your current bank (typically S$500–S$800 repricing fee) or refinance to a different bank’s fixed package (legal fees apply). During lock-in, switching incurs the prepayment penalty (~1.5%). Many borrowers switch between SORA and fixed depending on the rate environment — this flexibility is a key advantage of the Singapore mortgage market’s competitive structure.
What is the “thereafter” rate on a SORA package?+
The “thereafter” rate is the bank spread that applies after the lock-in period ends. During lock-in (Years 1–2 or 1–3), you pay SORA + lock-in spread (e.g., 0.75%). After lock-in (Year 3+), the spread steps up to the “thereafter” rate (e.g., 0.95% or 1.00%). This increases your effective rate by 0.15%–0.25% even if SORA has not changed. The thereafter rate is the bank’s incentive structure: offer an attractive lock-in spread to win the loan, then increase the spread after. This is why most borrowers refinance when the lock-in ends rather than continuing on the higher thereafter rate.
Is there a 1-month SORA option, and is it better?+
Some banks offer 1-month compounded SORA packages (resetting monthly instead of quarterly). The 1-month SORA is more volatile — your instalment can change every month. The advantage: it responds faster to rate drops. The disadvantage: it also responds faster to rate increases, and monthly payment changes are harder to budget for. Most borrowers prefer 3-month SORA for its balance of responsiveness and stability. 1-month SORA is sometimes marginally lower than 3-month SORA (because the yield curve can be inverted), but the difference is typically small (0.05%–0.15%).
How much would my instalment change if SORA rises by 1%?+
As a rule of thumb: a 1% increase in SORA increases your monthly instalment by approximately S$45–S$50 per S$100,000 of outstanding loan (for a 25-year tenure). On a S$500,000 loan: +1% SORA ≈ +S$225–S$250/month. On a S$750,000 loan: +1% ≈ +S$340–S$375/month. The exact amount depends on the remaining tenure — shorter tenures have a slightly larger absolute change per rate point because each payment represents more principal. Use this calculator’s stress table to see the precise change for your specific loan amount and tenure.
Will SORA rates go up or down in 2026–2027?+
No one can predict rates with certainty. As of mid-2026, market expectations broadly reflect: (1) US Fed rate trajectory (the primary driver of SORA direction); (2) global economic conditions; (3) Singapore’s domestic liquidity. If the US Fed is in a rate-cutting cycle, SORA is likely to drift lower — beneficial for floating-rate borrowers. If the Fed holds or hikes, SORA stays elevated or rises. The best approach is stress-testing: use this calculator to check whether you can comfortably service your mortgage if SORA rises 1%–2% from current levels. If the worst-case instalment is still manageable, SORA floating is a reasonable choice. If it would strain your budget, consider a fixed-rate package for certainty.
Legal Disclaimer & Editorial Transparency. SORA (Singapore Overnight Rate Average) is published daily by MAS. 3-month compounded SORA is the standard benchmark for floating-rate home loans since SIBOR transition in 2024. Your effective rate = 3M compounded SORA + bank spread. SORA fluctuates with market conditions. Bank spread is fixed during lock-in, steps up thereafter. TDSR assessed at max(effective rate, 4%) for SORA loans. Rate scenarios are indicative for stress-testing purposes. Actual SORA may differ from modelled levels. HDB concessionary loan rate is 2.6% (CPF OA + 0.1%). Always verify rates with your bank. Check current SORA at mas.gov.sg. Not financial advice. Operated by MAFHH INTERNATIONAL LTD.