1. You will need to talk to the banks on how much $ you can borrow. a) If one of you is holding the property in name AND the housing loan, this is going to affect your TDSR of 60%, there will be a limit to what the bank can lend. Talk to a few banks, they can advise you on your combined borrowing power as a couple. b) If one of you is holding the property in name BUT no housing loan, good news, less restrictions, you can borrow more $, you might even be able to leverage on any rental income this property is generating to borrow more $. Just that, the killer is the ABSD. With this information, then you can set a budget and decide on what type of private property you can afford. - The total property price - bank loan = more than 25% of the property price, this is what you need to pay in cash to afford your private property + 12% ABSD, (3% +1% stamp duty) - if, The total property price - bank loan = less than 25% of the property price, you will need to have at least 25% of the total property price in cash for downpayment + 12% ABSD, (3% +1% stamp duty) All these require some math and if the sum is too large for your combined savings to handle, then this plan may not work out as other costs e.g. renovations (will need cash upfront), wedding, furnishings require cash. After these extensive calculations, you might want to speak to both sets of parents to see if they are willing to lend you all some $. 2. With your budget, check on property guru/engage a property agent and discuss with your partner on: an older but larger unit OR newer but shoebox size to 1-2 bedroom unit There are small condominiums 1 bedroom going at 500-700K. In areas that are cheaper, older 2 bedroom condos can be 800K. If the above does not work out, probably have to consider other alternatives: (a) live with either set of parents (b) sell this private property to get your own private/BTO/EC/Resale (c) negotiate to stay in this property in the meantime (d) offer to buy over the current private property