Executive condominiums (EC) provide an affordable alternative for Singaporeans who can’t afford a private condo in Club Street Singapore, subsidized by the government and restricted only for sale to Singapore citizens and permanent residents for 10 years after purchase.
But what are the advantages of an EC? They also come with various grants from CPF Housing Trust to make them more cost-effective. But what are its main benefits?
1. They are more affordable than private condos
Demand for ECs has always been high because they provide the best of both worlds: government-subsidized properties that tend to be cheaper than private condos while appreciating over time as investments.
Executive condominiums (ECs) are affordable public/private hybrid homes created for middle-class Singaporeans who cannot afford HDB flats but find private condos too costly. However, unlike regular condos, ECs are treated as public housing during the first 10 years of ownership; therefore owners must abide by certain strict rules during that period such as not renting or selling it during this period and being subject to a Minimum Occupancy Period of five years; after which point, however, they can be sold to anyone and are no longer subject to Minimum Occupancy Period restrictions making ECs an excellent option for buyers seeking housing without incurring high upfront costs upfront costs upfront costs upfront costs upfront costs upfront costs upfront costs upfront costs; making ECs an excellent option for prospective homebuyers looking to make an initial investment but without incurring high upfront costs upfront costs upfront costs when buying.
2. They are more spacious than HDB flats
ECs have become so popular as they offer more space than HDB flats, better amenities, and are located near public transport hubs – making them perfect for families with young children.
However, ECs come with some restrictions; only Singaporeans and Permanent Residents are eligible to buy them, thus narrowing your pool of potential buyers significantly.
Even with their restrictions, ECs are still highly popular among young homebuyers. These units tend to be located on larger estates, which may be distant from city centers if you don’t own your own vehicle.
3. They are more luxurious than HDB flats
ECs are hybrid properties designed for Singaporeans in the “sandwich class”. Built and sold by private developers, but government subsidies make ECs more cost-effective than condos.
However, ECs remain subject to HDB restrictions, including minimum occupancy period (MOP) requirements and eligibility standards that differ slightly from flats but stricter than private condos. Therefore, it is crucial that you first confirm EC eligibility before beginning your search process.
Location is also one of the main advantages of ECs; typically located nearer the island’s edge to keep prices competitive, they also tend to offer more amenities than private condos like swimming pools and gyms – making ECs an excellent solution for people wanting a desirable location but can’t afford private condo ownership.
4. They are more accessible than private condos
ECs provide an affordable middle ground between HDB flats and fully private condos, catering to the “sandwich class” Singaporeans. These units typically feature all of the facilities found in full private condos but with government subsidies and lower upfront costs – making them popular choices with buyers.
An EC is an excellent investment that should increase in value over time, but first it is important to determine your affordability before buying one. Use DBS MyHome Planner’s affordability calculator for assistance when calculating how much is needed to afford one.
ECs are hybrid housing units, meaning that at the time of purchase they are considered public housing but will eventually be privatised after 10 years. Therefore, these properties are only open for sale to eligible Singaporeans and residents.
5. They are more convenient than HDB flats
ECs offer an ideal living solution for people seeking central locations close to schools, shopping malls, parks and other amenities – and are typically more cost-effective than private condos. Furthermore, their value tends to appreciate over time making ECs an excellent investment choice.
The EC housing scheme was specifically created to meet the needs of Singaporeans who fall within what’s known as “the sandwich class”, with incomes exceeding public housing ceilings but falling short of affording private properties. These hybrid units of public and private ownership are created by private developers at subsidised prices and feature modern amenities.
Once an EC reaches its 10th year, it becomes privatised and can be sold directly to Singaporeans or Permanent Residents (PRs), creating an expanded market for them.