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Decoupling is a strategic procedure in which one of the joint owners of a property is removed, enabling the separated party to pursue additional property purchases without incurring additional stamp duties as the primary buyer. This results in substantial tax savings during property transactions. Various factors can influence the suitability of decoupling for your specific situation. I can offer personalized advice to determine if this strategy aligns with your goals, whether you're buying or selling a house.

Indeed, it's a reality, albeit not as daunting as it may seem. The CPF funds utilized for the down payment or financing of your current flat, along with the potential interest you could have earned by leaving them in your account, must be reimbursed. However, the silver lining is that you're then able to utilize the balance in your Ordinary Account to offset the expenses of your next purchase.

When deciding between BTOs and resale flats, it boils down to affordability and priorities. BTOs are ideal for first-timers and young couples due to their affordability and access to grants, making them a practical choice for those just starting out. However, with the introduction of the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant in 2019, resale flats have become more accessible, particularly for those in mature estates. The difference primarily lies in lease length; while BTOs offer longer leases for potential capital appreciation, resale flats with shorter leases can be more affordable and serve as investment opportunities or rental income sources. Additionally, proximity to family can be a deciding factor, as it allows for support networks and potential childcare assistance. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual preferences and financial circumstances.

In essence, you're not permitted to own two HDB flats simultaneously. This necessitates providing evidence that you're actively attempting to sell your current flat while already in possession of a new one. There are inherent risks associated with both buying before selling and selling before buying. Purchasing before selling carries the risk of needing to offload your current flat within a six-month timeframe. Conversely, opting to sell before buying presents the risk of not finding a suitable replacement in time, potentially leaving you without accommodation.

Certainly, it's necessary to inform HDB of your decision. You can find further details on the procedure here. Upon notification, you can maintain organization by utilizing Tenancy Agreement forms provided by the government agency Council for Estate Agencies (CEA). These forms comprehensively outline essential details such as names, NRIC numbers, addresses, and additional terms regarding utility bill payments, safeguarding all involved parties, including the facilitating agent. Additionally, if you choose to rent out a portion of your flat while locking up a room, it may not be classified as a complete unit, but HDB regulations still apply.

Housing loans, car loans, and credit card bills Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) rates and whether they are payable in addition to the existing Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD) Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD) for properties sold within the first three years of purchase Loan-to-Value (LTV) limits; assuming it's your first property purchase, the maximum LTV is 75% for bank loans and 80% for an HDB-granted loan Minimum cash downpayment amount, which represents the smallest sum that must be paid by the buyer upfront. Any disparity between the loan and downpayment may also necessitate a cash payment. Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) is capped at 55% Mortgage Servicing Ratio (MSR) for HDBs and ECs, which restricts monthly loan repayments to banks at 30% to prevent borrowers from overextending themselves.

Absolutely! It all hinges on the type of loan you opt for, which determines the portion of your downpayment that can be covered by your CPF savings. If you're embarking on your maiden flat purchase and have clinched a loan hitting the maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) limit, here's how it pans out: Acquiring a new or resale HDB flat through an HDB loan: You can utilize CPF savings to cover the entire 20% downpayment. Purchasing private property or a new/resale HDB flat through a bank loan: For this scenario, a 25% downpayment is required, with at least 5% needing to be paid in cash. The remaining 20% can be funded through CPF savings and/or cash.