Executive Condominium EC Complete Buying Guide 2025 FAQ: Quick Overview
An Executive Condominium (EC) in Singapore is a hybrid public–private housing type that starts with HDB rules and subsidies, then becomes fully private after 10 years, often at a 15%–20% discount to nearby condos.[1][3] For 2025, ECs remain one of the most sought-after options for the "sandwich class"—households earning too much for BTO subsidies but finding private condos expensive.[4]
This focused cluster guide supports Homejourney’s main pillar article Executive Condominium (EC) Complete Buying Guide 2025 – Homejourney Singapore by answering the most common Executive Condominium EC Complete Buying Guide 2025 FAQ questions with clear, step‑by‑step explanations, updated rules, and practical examples. The goal is to help you buy an EC safely and confidently, with transparent information and verifiable data.
What Exactly Is an EC in Singapore (and Why It Matters in 2025)?
An executive condominium is developed and sold by private developers but governed by HDB rules in the first 10 years.[1][3] In the first 5 years, only eligible Singapore Citizen (SC) or SC+SPR households can buy and you must physically occupy the unit; after 5 years, you can sell to eligible SC/SPR buyers; after 10 years, it becomes fully privatised and can be sold to foreigners like a normal condo.[1][3]
In 2025, new EC launch prices typically range around S$1,300–S$1,700 psf, with 3‑bedroom units commonly around S$1.3m–S$1.95m depending on location and level.[2][4] Recent projects like Novo Place in Tengah, Lumina Grand in Bukit Batok and North Gaia in Yishun have indicative prices in this band, with most units booked quickly at launch.[5] This price gap versus nearby private condos is what still makes ECs attractive for long‑term upgraders.
EC Eligibility 2025: Can You Buy an EC?
To maintain a safe and fair allocation of subsidised housing, ECs have strict EC eligibility conditions. These are the core checks you must clear before you even look at floor plans.
Basic EC Eligibility Criteria
- Citizenship: At least one Singapore Citizen, plus at least one other SC or Singapore Permanent Resident in the household.[1]
- Household structure: Must apply under an HDB scheme (e.g. Public Scheme with family nucleus, Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme, or Joint Singles Scheme).[1][3]
- Age: At least 21 years old (or 35 if applying under Joint Singles).[1]
- Income ceiling: Combined household income must not exceed S$16,000 per month for new ECs.[1][2]
- Property ownership: Generally, you must not own or have disposed of any private property in the last 30 months and must not have bought more than one subsidised flat/EC previously.[3]
Official details are set out on HDB’s EC page (HDB.gov.sg), and Homejourney always recommends cross‑checking there as rules can be refined over time. When in doubt, speak to HDB or a licensed real estate professional for clarification.
New EC vs Resale EC Eligibility
A key 2025 FAQ is the difference between buying a new EC from developer and a resale EC (5 years old or more). Rules differ significantly.[3][4]
How Much Cash Do You Need to Buy an EC in 2025?
Because ECs are financed via bank loans (no HDB loans), your budget depends on Loan‑to‑Value (LTV) limits, Mortgage Servicing Ratio (MSR) and Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR), as well as CPF usage rules set by MAS and CPF Board.[2][4]
Typical Downpayment & Loan Rules
- Minimum 25% downpayment for ECs purchased with a housing loan: at least 5% must be cash, the remaining 20% can be CPF Ordinary Account (OA) and/or cash.[2]
- Bank loan LTV: Up to 75% if you have no existing home loan; lower if you already have a housing loan (subject to MAS LTV framework).
- MSR: Your monthly EC mortgage cannot exceed 30% of your gross monthly income (MSR applies to ECs as they are considered HDB‑subsidised housing).[2][4]
- TDSR: Your total debt obligations (including EC loan, car loan, credit cards) cannot exceed 55% of gross monthly income under MAS rules.[2]
For example, if you are a couple earning S$15,000 combined and looking at a S$1.5m 3‑bedroom EC in Bukit Batok, you should budget at least S$75,000 cash (5%) plus S$225,000 CPF/cash for the remaining downpayment, plus Buyer’s Stamp Duty and other fees. Homejourney’s Bank Rates tool can help you compare current bank packages and interest rates.
Stamp Duties & Other Upfront Costs
- Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD): Payable on the purchase price or market value, whichever is higher, using IRAS’s tiered BSD rates. Many buyers use CPF OA for this.
- Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD): For most first‑time Singaporean EC buyers, ABSD is not payable; but if you still own another residential property at the point of purchase, ABSD may apply under prevailing IRAS rules. Always check latest ABSD rates.
- Legal fees and conveyancing: Typically S$2,000–S$3,500 depending on law firm and loan arrangement.
- Home insurance, renovation & furnishing: For a 3‑bedroom EC, basic renovation can range from S$40,000–S$70,000 depending on scope and design, especially in areas like Punggol, Sengkang or Tengah where many young families customise open‑plan living spaces.
After key collection, do not forget ongoing costs like monthly maintenance fees, property tax and servicing of air‑conditioning. For reliable upkeep, Homejourney connects owners to vetted service partners via Aircon Services .
Step‑by‑Step: How to Buy an EC Safely in 2025
Buying an EC is more structured than many expect. Below is a simplified 6‑step process adapted from market guides and HDB procedures.[1][2]
- Check EC eligibility & financial health
Confirm HDB eligibility, income ceiling and past property history. Use MAS TDSR and HDB MSR rules to estimate maximum loan, and check real‑time bank offers via Homejourney’s Mortgage Rates . - Shortlist EC projects
Use Property Search and Projects Directory on Homejourney to shortlist ECs by location (e.g. Tengah, Bukit Batok, Yishun, Sengkang), layout, and price per square foot. Cross‑reference with URA and EdgeProp (EdgeProp Property News ) for recent transacted prices. - Submit e‑application with developer
Before launch day, file an e‑application with the developer (not HDB) during the marketing period.[1] You will receive a ballot number or selection slot. - Balloting & unit selection
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