Dear forumers,
Good day to all. I have a very technical question in mind. Recently I’ve just got my housing loan approved with few banks. Below are some of the details:-
Bank A:
BR (2.27) + spread (0.58) = 2.85%
Bank B:
BR (2.63) + spread (0.22) = 2.85%
Question:
Assuming everything in the offer is the same, it seems like the interest rates are equal. However, due to the revised Reference Rate Framework which will take effect by 1 Aug 2022, which will replace the current BR with a standardized SBR across all banks, shall we take into consideration the difference in the current spread ie. 0.58 against 0.22 into our decision making process?
I will leave the link to BNM’s revised Reference Rate Framework here for your references.
https://www.bnm.gov.my/documents/20124/9380...uide_RRF_EN.pdfJust in case the link doesn’t work, can just do a quick search via google.
Important note:
It states very clearly that BR and BLR loans taken prior to 1 Aug 2022 will continue to be priced against the BR and BLR until the loan is fully repaid. HOWEVER, it also states that at the end of the day, the BR and BLR will all move EXACTLY IN TANDEM WITH THE OPR (where the SBR is tied to). Refer to the illustration provided in the link.
Which also means all BR and BLR quoted currently will continue to be termed the same, BUT it will follow suit against the newly quoted SBR. On a side note, it also mentioned that banks are not allowed to simply vary the spread above the SBR during the entire loan tenure, unless there is a change in your credit risk profile ie. if you fail to service your loan on time.
Hence, does that mean the offer from Bank B is a safer bet given the circumstances?
Feel free to discuss.
No difference, BR and spread are both up to bank.
If the rate is the same, just choose the more reliable bank.