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Retiree Mr Chong supported his three sons when they were setting up their homes. His eldest son purchased a private condo, while his two younger sons chose executive condos (ECs). According to Chong, buying an EC at a new launch is a no-brainer. Even if you buy shortly after the five-year MOP (minimum occupation period), it’s still a good entry price.
Chong has experienced both scenarios. His second son bought a three-bedroom unit at the 531-unit Hundred Palms Residences in July 2017. “He wanted a four-bedroom unit, but those were quickly snapped up,” Chong recalls.
The project by Hoi Hup Realty received 2,000 e-applications and sold out on the first day of launch at an average price of $841 psf. The EC on Yio Chu Kang Road was completed in 2019. Based on caveats lodged in January and February 2025, the average selling price of units was $1,769 psf, resulting in a 110% price gain in eight years.
Explore comprehensive data on all ECs, including average profits at 5 and 10 years.
Based on the selling price of $1.95 million ($1,849 psf) for a 1,055 sq ft, three-bedroom unit that changed hands at Hundred Palms in February, Chong estimates that his second son’s EC unit has appreciated by about $1 million since its launch. These capital gains may have motivated many to upgrade to private housing, Chong notes.
Hundred Palms Residences by Hoi Hup Realty, where all 531 units in the EC project were sold out in a single day at an average price of $841 psf (Photo: Agents)
Three years ago, when Chong’s youngest son decided to set up his own home, Chong sold his 1,260 sq ft, three-bedroom unit at The Interlace, which had been their family home for the past decade.
In 2021, the Chongs bought a 1,399 sq ft, four-bedroom, dual-key resale unit at Twin Fountains, a 418-unit EC in Woodlands. The EC was developed by a joint venture between Frasers Property and Lum Chang, and was launched in 2013 and completed in 2016.
ECs are open only to buyers who are Singapore citizens or permanent residents (PRs) at launch and after the five-year MOP. Foreigners can purchase ECs in the resale market only after the 10th year of obtaining Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP).
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Obtaining financing for a condo investment is a critical consideration, especially in Singapore. With numerous mortgage choices available, it is essential to first acquaint yourself with the Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) framework. This framework sets a limit on the amount of loan an individual can take based on their income and current debt obligations. By fully understanding the TDSR and seeking expert guidance from financial advisors or mortgage brokers, investors can make well-informed decisions about their financing options and avoid taking on excessive debt when purchasing a condo from The Condo.
The dual-key unit provides Chong with privacy as he occupies the one-bedroom studio while his son and family occupy the three-bedroom apartment. As a dual-key unit, while the main entrance is shared, each apartment has its own separate entrance.
The 418-unit Twin Fountains by a joint venture between Frasers Property and Lum Chang was completed in 2016 (Photo: Lum Chang website)
Even though they paid $1,000 psf for the unit in 2021 – considered a new high at the time – recent resale prices are even higher, Chong points out.
Read also: Sim Lian to preview Aurelle of Tampines on Feb 22 at prices from $1,651 psf
Based on a caveat lodged in February, the latest transaction of a 1,206 sq ft, four-bedroom unit was $1.62 million ($1,344 psf). “Even if you miss the boat like my youngest son, and we bought in at $1,000 psf, resale prices at Twin Fountains are now 30% higher,” adds Chong.
Last October, City Developments launched the 348-unit private condo Norwood Grand at Champions Way in Woodlands. About 84% of the units were sold during its launch weekend at an average price of $2,067 psf, setting a new benchmark for Woodlands.
Chong points to the launch of Norwood Grand’s average selling price, which is 53.8% higher than the latest resale price at Twin Fountains. He believes that the announcement of revitalization and new infrastructure, including the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) with the Singapore terminus in Woodlands North, has revived interest in the northern region.
Rising EC prices, narrowing price gap with condos
However, amid the rising EC prices and caps on loan quantum, EC buyers will now have to pay a larger cash outlay, says Eugene Lim, key executive officer of ERA Singapore.
For ECs, the monthly household income ceiling is $16,000. Buyers must meet the Mortgage Servicing Ratio (30% cap) and Total Debt Servicing Ratio (55% cap) requirements if they take out a loan.
Assuming a 30-year-old EC buyer with a household income of $16,000 and a maximum loan tenure of 30 years, based on the stress test of a 4% interest rate for MSR, the maximum loan amount the buyer can take on is around $1 million, estimates ERA’s Lim.
Read also: Executive condo launches in 2025 to set new price benchmarks
Despite the higher upfront costs, buyers are not deterred by the higher prices of ECs, says Lim. This is because there is still a 42% median price gap between similar-sized homes in the EC market compared to 99-year leasehold private condos in the Outside Central Region (OCR), he adds.
For instance, the median price of a 900-1,000 sq ft EC unit is about $1.48 million, while that of a similar-sized unit in a private condo is about $2.1 million. “Hence, in terms of absolute price, buyers, particularly HDB upgraders, still see value in ECs,” Lim states.
In 2024, the average transaction price of new non-landed private condos in the suburbs or OCR crossed the $2,200 psf mark. Meanwhile, new ECs in 2024 were sold at a median price of $1,539 psf based on lodged caveats, says Ismail Gafoor, CEO of PropNex. That reflects a price gap of 44.2%. He expects the median price for new condos this year to surpass $2,200 psf again.
Christine Sun, OrangeTee Group chief researcher and strategist, found that the median price gap between new ECs and new private condos in the OCR has narrowed in recent years. Based on data from URA Realis, the gap has narrowed from 49.4% in 2023 to 44.2% in 2024 and to 43.6% in January 2025.
Sun attributes this narrowing gap to EC prices rising at a faster pace of 9.6% from 2023 to January 2025, compared to a 5.3% increase in non-landed home prices in the OCR over the same period.
Three-bedroom premium showflat at the 760-unit Aurelle of Tampines sales gallery, which is aimed for launch on Mar 8 (Photo: Samuel Isaac Chua/EdgeProp Singapore)
Affordability, deferred payment
Demand for ECs is therefore sustainable due to their affordability and lower price psf compared to 99-year leasehold private condos in the same area, says ERA’s Lim.
Aside from the lower price relative to new private condos, EC buyers do not need to dispose of their existing home before making their purchase, notes Lim. HDB upgraders also do not incur additional buyer’s stamp duty (ABSD) when buying a new EC, he points out.
Moreover, EC buyers may opt for the Deferred Payment Scheme (DPS) at a slightly higher purchase price. Under the DPS, they only need to pay a deposit, and their loan is deferred until after the completion of the EC.
“This way, buyers will not need to service two mortgages while waiting for the new home to be completed,” says Lim. “With no ABSD payable and the availability of the DPS, HDB owners find it easier to upgrade to a new EC.”
He adds: “Although three new EC launches are expected this year, they are strategically spaced out across different locations – Tampines, Pasir Ris and Tengah – and will cater to the housing needs of Singaporeans across the island.”
Check out the latest listings for Hundred Palms Residences properties with Ask Buddy.…