The two money questions Singaporeans ask first: can I use CPF? and who will lend to me? Short answers: no to CPF, and yes to a loan, but with conditions.
1. CPF
CPF cannot be used. The CPF Board's position, as cited in published guides, is that CPF savings can only be used for property in Singapore. That covers both the down payment and the monthly instalments, so you need cash or other savings.
2. Two loan routes
- Malaysian bank loan, in ringgit. A May 2026 lender guide says non-Malaysian citizens can borrow up to about 70% of the price (Malaysians can borrow up to 90% for a first or second home). Because the loan is in ringgit, your repayments move with the exchange rate.
- Singapore bank overseas-property loan. A 2018 EdgeProp article says some Singapore banks offer these, but not all. They apply the Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR), with reported loan-to-value of 50% to 80% depending on the bank and country. This information is old, so ask the bank for current terms.
3. How Malaysian banks count your Singapore income
They convert your S$ income to ringgit and then apply a discount. Reported ranges are about 10% to 20% for tier-1 banks (for MNC or government-linked employees), about 20% to 30% for tier-2 banks, and about 40% to 50% for variable income such as commissions. One example converts S$6,000 a month to roughly RM20,000 to RM21,000 before the discount.
4. Documents banks usually ask for
- 3 to 6 months of payslips and bank statements
- CPF contribution records
- IRAS tax assessment
- Employment contract
5. Cash you still need
With a 70% loan, the down payment is 30% of the price, plus foreign-buyer stamp duty, the Johor state levy, legal fees and loan fees. Our extra-costs guide shows a RM1 million example.
6. Singapore-side caveats
- HDB owners: a 2018 article says HDB owners must have met the MOP before buying overseas and cannot hold HDB and private property at the same time. Rules may have changed, so check with HDB.
- ABSD: the same article says overseas residential property is not counted for ABSD. Confirm with IRAS or a Singapore lawyer.
Next steps
- Decide cash or loan and get a written bank quote.
- Test your budget at a weaker S$.
- Follow the step-by-step buying guide.
新加坡人最先问的两个钱的问题：可以用公积金吗？和谁会借钱给我？简单回答：公积金不可以；贷款可以，但有条件。
1. 公积金（CPF）
公积金不能用。已发表的指南引述 CPF 局的立场：公积金只能用来买新加坡的房产。这包括首期和每月供款，所以你需要现金或其他储蓄。
2. 两条贷款路线
- 马来西亚银行贷款（令吉）。2026 年 5 月的一份贷款指南说，非马来西亚公民最多约可贷房价的 70%（马来西亚人买第一或第二间房最多可贷 90%）。因为是令吉贷款，你的还款会跟着汇率变动。
- 新加坡银行的海外房产贷款。2018 年 EdgeProp 的文章说，有些新加坡银行提供，但不是每家都有。银行会套用总债务偿还比率（TDSR），报道的贷款成数是 50% 至 80%，视银行和国家而定。这份资料较旧，请向银行查询最新条款。
3. 马来西亚银行怎么算你的新加坡收入
他们先把新币收入换成令吉，再打折扣。报道的范围：一线银行（跨国公司或政联公司员工）约 10% 至 20%；二线银行约 20% 至 30%；佣金等不固定收入约 40% 至 50%。一个例子把每月 S$6,000 换成约 RM20,000 至 21,000，再打折扣。
4. 银行通常要的文件
- 3 至 6 个月的薪单和银行月结单
- 公积金供款记录
- IRAS 税务评估单
- 雇佣合约
5. 你仍然需要的现金
贷款 70% 的话，首期是房价的 30%，另外还有外国买家印花税、柔佛州征费、律师费和贷款费用。我们的额外费用指南有一个 RM100 万的例子。
6. 新加坡这边的注意事项
- 组屋业主：2018 年的文章说，组屋业主必须完成 MOP 才能买海外房产，也不能同时持有组屋和私人房产。规定可能已改变，请向 HDB 确认。
- ABSD：同一篇文章说，海外住宅不计入 ABSD。请向 IRAS 或新加坡律师确认。
下一步
- 决定用现金还是贷款，并取得银行的书面报价。
- 用较弱的新币测试你的预算。
- 照着买房一步一步指南走。