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The article discusses the experiences of retiree Mr Chong and his three sons when it comes to purchasing properties. Mr Chong provided financial support for his sons when they were setting up their homes. His eldest son bought a private condo, while his younger sons opted for executive condos (ECs).
According to Mr Chong, buying an EC during its launch is a wise decision, even if you sell it shortly after the five-year MOP. He has experienced this scenario himself, as his second son bought a three-bedroom unit at Hundred Palms Residences during its launch in July 2017. The project received 2,000 e-applications and was completely sold out on the first day at an average price of $841 psf. The EC, located on Yio Chu Kang Road, was completed in 2019 and has seen a price gain of 110% in just eight years, with units selling at an average price of $1,769 psf based on caveats lodged in January and February 2025.
Mr Chong further mentions that the recent capital gains may have motivated many to upgrade to private housing. In his family’s case, they sold their 1,260 sq ft three-bedroom unit at The Interlace in 2017, which was their family home for the past decade. In 2021, they purchased a 1,399 sq ft four-bedroom dual-key unit at Twin Fountains, an EC in Woodlands developed by a joint venture between Frasers Property and Lum Chang. The development was launched in 2013 and completed in 2016. As ECs are only available to Singapore citizens and PRs at launch and after the five-year MOP, Mr Chong now has his own privacy in the one-bedroom studio while his son and family occupy the three-bedroom apartment. The dual-key unit provides separate entrances for each apartment.
Despite the higher upfront costs, Mr Chong is not deterred by the rising prices of ECs. He points out that the recent resale prices at Twin Fountains are 30% higher than the prices they bought at, and even higher than the recent launch of Norwood Grand at Champions Way in Woodlands, which set a new benchmark for the area with an average selling price of $2,067 psf.
ERA’s key executive officer Eugene Lim mentions that with rising EC prices and loan quantity caps, buyers will now need to pay a larger cash outlay. The monthly household income ceiling for ECs is $16,000, and buyers must meet the Mortgage Servicing Ratio (30% cap) and Total Debt Servicing Ratio (55% cap) requirements when taking a loan. He also mentions that EC buyers do not incur additional buyers’ stamp duty (ABSD) when buying a new EC, and they have the option of the Deferred Payment Scheme (DPS) with a higher purchase price. This allows buyers to delay their loan payments until after the completion of the EC.
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Despite the higher prices, EC buyers still see value in them, especially HDB upgraders, due to a 42% median price gap between ECs and 99-year leasehold private condos. ERA’s Lim also points out that the price gap between ECs and private condos in the Outside Central Region has narrowed in recent years, with EC prices increasing at a faster pace. Christin Sun from OrangeTee Group adds that this is due to the affordability and lower price psf of ECs compared to private condos.
Looking ahead, there are three new EC launches expected this year, strategically located in different areas to cater to the housing needs of Singaporeans. Despite the higher upfront costs, the availability of the DPS and absence of ABSD make it easier for HDB owners to upgrade to a new EC.…