Alvin Lock

Alvin has enjoyed extensive success with more than 11 years of experience and track record in Retail and Private Banking. His core expertise encompasses a full spectrum of wealth management services including Investment Advisory, Portfolio Management and Financing, Margin Trading, Legacy Planning, and Property Loans.

Is It Better to Use CPF or Cash for Monthly Home Loan Repayments?

For most Singaporeans, purchasing a home is one of the most significant financial milestones in life. But beyond selecting the right property and securing a mortgage, another critical decision follows: how should you repay your monthly home loan – using CPF savings or cash? While both options are commonly used and widely accepted, they differ fundamentally in terms of financial impact, retirement planning, and future liquidity. Using CPF from your Ordinary Account can ease cash flow pressures in the short

Alvin Lock July 30, 2025

A Singaporean Guide On Using CPF for Your House

If the recent new development launches like The Collective at One Sophia and Lentor Central Residences have left your senses tingling, you are probably considering getting your own property. Being one of the largest financial commitments you would make, it is only reasonable for you to stop and ponder – how can I pay for my house? We have always heard about Singaporeans using their CPF savings to pay for their new house– but which aspects can it cover, and

Alvin Lock January 27, 2025

All You Need to Know About Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD)

Contents What is Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty? Most homebuyers are familiar with Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD) as it applies to all property transactions. However, one less common form of stamp duty when purchasing residential properties is the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD). While everyone has to pay BSD, not all buyers have to pay ABSD as ABSD is paid on top of BSD. Stamp duties were first introduced in Singapore to regulate property prices. In a similar vein, ABSD was

Alvin Lock November 20, 2024

BTO Launch (October 2024): What to Expect and Navigating Home Loan Options in Singapore

One of the nation’s most eagerly awaited occasions for homebuyers is the October 2024 BTO Singapore launch. Build-to-Order (BTO) flats are still a popular option for Singaporeans searching for housing due to their affordable costs, extensive availability, and range of flat types. As you prepare for the BTO Launch in October 2024, understanding the current home loan interest rate in Singapore is essential for effective financial planning. It is anticipated that this launch will offer fantastic choices for both first-time

Alvin Lock October 2, 2024

Decoupling – What And How It Can Help You Buy A Second Property

Following the increase in Additional Buyer Stamp Duty (ABSD) April 2023, Singaporeans must pay 20% ABSD if they intend to purchase a second property. Hence, would you be interested to find out how you can still purchase a second property without incurring ABSD? With more than 10 years of experience under his belt, Alvin Lock has worked with the most prestigious local and international financial institutions in Singapore. His expertise lies in retail and private banking space, including investment advisory,

Alvin Lock July 30, 2024

Starting the Year Right: Smart Mortgage Planning for 2024

As we step into 2024, navigating the landscape of mortgage planning in Singapore is more crucial than ever. With the global economy witnessing significant shifts, understanding these changes and their impact on mortgage rates is vital for anyone looking to secure a home loan or refinance their property. Understanding 2024 Mortgage Rate Trends The mortgage rate environment in Singapore this year is influenced heavily by global economic policies and market conditions. A key trend is the transition from SIBOR (Singapore

Alvin Lock January 30, 2024

Should I Reprice Or Refinance My Home Loan?

Every owner’s top priority is to maximise interest savings and reduce monthly repayments. However, in the ever-changing interest rate environment, it may be a challenge to decide on whether to reprice or refinance. Let us bring you through each strategy, and hopefully you will be able to make an informed decision on which option better suits you. What is the difference When You Reprice Or Refinance? Repricing refers to switching to a new home loan package under the same bank,

Alvin Lock November 8, 2023

Refinancing Your Mortgage in Singapore: Benefits and Considerations

Refinancing your mortgage can be a smart financial move that offers various benefits and opportunities for homeowners in Singapore. Whether you’re looking to take advantage of lower interest rates, change your loan terms, or access equity in your home, refinancing presents a pathway to potentially save money and improve your overall financial situation. However, it’s essential to navigate the refinancing process with careful consideration and understanding. In this article, we delve into the benefits and considerations of refinancing your mortgage

Alvin Lock September 13, 2023

Everything You Need To Know About Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST)

“MCST” is one of the many property-related words repeatedly thrown around in the real estate market. While this concept is not just limited to residential properties, most people first come across this term in the context of their own homes or during property purchasing journeys. The MCST is an essential aspect of private property living in Singapore. Private developments, such as condominiums, often come with an array of different shared facilities including swimming pools, function rooms and gyms. These amenities

Alvin Lock April 5, 2023

Floating rates for mortgage loans are increasing significantly, should we still choose it?

When it comes to mortgage loans, we have a lot of financing options. But the question is: Which one is the best for us? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of loan we want and how long we plan to hold onto it. With 11 years of experience under his belt, Alvin Lock has worked with the most prestigious local and international financial institutions in Singapore. His expertise lies in retail and private banking space, including investment

Alvin Lock July 27, 2022