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.

Should You Sell Your Home Without an Agent?

Here’s the honest answer — and why the S$30,000 you think you’re saving might not be the number that matters most. Picture this. You’ve just sold your flat. Handled the whole thing yourself, no agent, no commission. You’re telling the story at a dinner party and everyone’s impressed. Until your neighbour mentions, very casually, that the unit directly below yours just went for S$80,000 more. Suddenly the story has a different ending. This isn’t a scare tactic — it’s just

Alvin Lock May 28, 2026

Is Decoupling Still the Best Way to Build Household Wealth in Singapore?

In Singapore, property is the most powerful wealth-building tool most people will ever have access to. While we’ve seen everything from stocks to crypto explode in recent years, a well-planned property investment offers something few other assets can match: clarity and long-term stability. Thanks to our government’s long-term planning, the residential property market has consistently shown steady growth. But to truly unlock its potential, especially for a family, you have to think beyond just one home. The question then is,

Alvin Lock March 24, 2026

Repricing vs Refinancing: How to Choose the Better Option in Singapore

Updated 05 Mar 2026 The Singapore mortgage landscape has shifted dramatically in 2026, creating a rare opportunity for homeowners. With interest rates falling, sticking to your old loan package could mean overpaying by thousands annually. Inaction is now a costly mistake for both HDB and private property owners. We break down exactly how to capitalize on these changes today. Why do Singapore homeowners review their home loans? Homeowners review loans to maximise interest savings and reduce monthly repayments. In the

Alvin Lock March 5, 2026

Floating Rate Mortgages: The Smart Choice in Today’s Market?

It feels like just yesterday I was helping a client secure financing for his landed home. The year was 2023, and mortgage rates were at a 20-year high. With the 3-month SORA at 3.70%, we went with a 2-year fixed rate package at a competitive 3.05%. It was the safe, sensible option at the time. Fast forward to today, and we just had his refinancing review. The market has changed dramatically. The same “safe” choice from 2023 might now be

Alvin Lock January 27, 2026

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