Is Executive Condo under HDB? Find out now!

If you’re in the market for a new home in Singapore, you may have heard of Executive Condominiums (ECs). These are hybrid public-private housing projects that offer many of the same amenities as private condos, but with certain restrictions on ownership and resale. But when it comes to the question of whether ECs fall under Housing and Development Board (HDB) regulations, the answer can be somewhat confusing.

In this blog post, we’ll clear up some of the mysteries surrounding EC ownership and explore what it means to live in an Executive Condominium.

What is an Executive Condominium (EC)?

An Executive Condominium (EC) is a type of housing unit in Singapore that was introduced in 1994. It is a hybrid of public and private housing catered to middle-income Singaporeans who aspire to live in private homes but are unable to afford them. ECs are developed and sold by private developers and come with certain restrictions for the first 10 years of ownership. They are comparable in design and facilities to private condominiums but are more ‘atas’ than other HDB flats. ECs have a 99-year lease similar to HDB flats and tend to rise in prices after the tenth year. To be eligible to purchase an EC, the buyer must fulfill specific eligibility criteria, including citizenship, family nucleus, and income ceiling requirements.

ECs are built and sold by property developers

As mentioned earlier, Executive condominiums (ECs) are built and sold by private property developers under the supervision of the Housing and Development Board (HDB). This means that ECs are comparable in design and facilities to private condominiums, but come with some restrictions set by the government. The private developers behind ECs build them to a high standard, offering the full suite of condo amenities including a gym, pool, clubhouse, and more. Interestingly, after ten years, ECs are treated as strata-titled private housing, which means that their value increases significantly. All in all, ECs offer a unique hybrid form of public-private housing that combines the best of both worlds.

How do ECs compare to HDB flats and private condominiums?

When it comes to housing in Singapore, the choice between an Executive Condominium (EC), Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat or private condominium can be a difficult decision. ECs are considered a step-up from HDB flats due to their more luxurious amenities and facilities, making them a popular choice among Singaporeans. While they are often more expensive than HDB flats, they are also priced lower than private condominiums.

The main difference between ECs and HDB flats is that ECs are fully privatized after ten years, while HDB flats remain under the HDB rules. On the other hand, private condominiums do not have any HDB rules or regulations at all. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal preference and budget when deciding between these options.

Comparison of ECs and HDB flats in terms of ownership and eligibility

When it comes to ownership and eligibility, Executive Condominiums (ECs) and HDB flats have some similarities, but also some important differences. Firstly, both types of housing are subject to eligibility criteria, such as citizenship and income ceilings. However, ECs are generally aimed at a higher-income bracket than HDB flats, and there are additional eligibility requirements, such as the fact that buyers must not have previously owned an HDB or EC flat.

Additionally, ECs are built and sold by private developers, whereas HDB flats are managed by the Housing and Development Board. While both options provide affordable housing, it’s important to understand these distinctions when deciding which one is right for you.

Comparison of ECs and private condominiums in terms of pricing and amenities

Compared to HDB flats, ECs offer more amenities and facilities typically found in private condominiums. However, ECs are still more affordable than private condos. In fact, ECs are priced 20% less than leasehold private condos of similar size. Additionally, ECs provide a subsidized private condominium experience that is more comparable to private condos than HDB flats. While private condos may offer more privacy and higher quality materials, ECs still provide a comfortable living experience. Ultimately, choosing between an EC and private condo will depend on personal preferences and budget. For those who want the best of both worlds, an EC could be an excellent option.

Who is eligible to purchase an EC?

To be eligible to purchase an Executive Condominium (EC), applicants must meet certain criteria set by the Housing and Development Board (HDB). All applicants must be at least 21 years old, with the exception of those applying under the Joint Singles Scheme, who must be at least 35 years old. You, your spouse, and children (if any) must also be either Singapore citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents. In addition, at least one applicant must have a gross monthly household income that does not exceed $16,000. Applicants who have previously bought an HDB flat, an EC unit or engaged in private property ownership, will have to fulfil a five-year minimum occupation period (MOP) before they are eligible to apply for an EC unit.

What are the income ceiling requirements for ECs?

In order to purchase an Executive Condominium (EC), one must meet the eligibility conditions set by the government. One important factor to consider is the income ceiling, which currently stands at S$16,000 and below for households. This means that in order to purchase an EC, the household income must not exceed this ceiling. Compared to HDB flats, ECs have a higher income ceiling, making it a more viable option for those with a higher income but still cannot afford to purchase a private condo.

However, it’s important to note that ECs are considered to be HDB properties for the first 10 years, and there are also certain restrictions on ownership that buyers must adhere to. Overall, the income ceiling is just one of the many factors to consider when looking into purchasing an Executive Condominium.

ECs are considered HDB properties for the first 10 years

As mentioned earlier in the blog, Executive Condominiums (ECs) are built and sold by property developers. However, what sets ECs apart from private condominiums is that they are considered HDB properties for the first 10 years after they are built. This means that during these initial years, owners of ECs are bound by HDB rules, including the minimum occupancy period (MOP) of 5 years, during which they cannot rent out their unit. Although ECs are managed under HDB during this period, owners still need to finance their purchase with a bank loan instead of an HDB loan. In essence, ECs are a public-private hybrid housing option, where they are built and sold by private developers, but are bound by HDB regulations for the first decade.

ECs are a public-private housing hybrid

One of the unique characteristics of Executive Condominiums (ECs) is that they are a public-private housing hybrid. As mentioned earlier, ECs are built and sold by private developers, but they are subject to HDB rules and regulations for the first 10 years. This means that during this period, EC owners can only sell their units to Singapore citizens or Permanent Residents who meet the eligibility criteria. Additionally, EC buyers must meet certain income ceiling requirements to be eligible for purchase.

The public-private nature of ECs means that they are heavily subsidized by the government to provide affordable housing for middle-income Singaporeans who do not qualify for an HDB flat. ECs offer a unique blend of private condominium-style living with public housing-like restrictions and pricing. This hybrid model aims to cater to the needs and aspirations of middle-class Singaporeans by providing them with the opportunity to enjoy private condominium-style amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, and tennis courts, at a price that is more affordable than traditional private condominiums.

Overall, the public-private housing hybrid model that ECs offer is a testament to Singapore’s commitment to providing its citizens with quality housing options that cater to their diverse needs and aspirations. By creating this unique type of housing, Singapore has enabled middle-income Singaporeans to move up the housing ladder and own a private property without straining their finances.

Private developers develop and sell ECs

As previously mentioned, Executive Condominiums (ECs) are developed and sold by private developers. Unlike HDB flats, EC projects are not under the purview of the government agency, Housing and Development Board (HDB). This means that buyers of ECs can expect quality designs, facilities, and amenities that are comparable to private condominiums. Private developers have the creativity to conceptualize innovative layouts that cater to the home buyers’ needs and preferences. Additionally, developers often provide top-notch facilities, such as a clubhouse, gym, and pool, to attract potential buyers. However, it is important to note that ECs still hold certain restrictions during the first 10 years of ownership, which will be discussed in later sections. Overall, private developers play a crucial role in creating an appealing and inviting living environment for people interested in purchasing an EC.

Restrictions on EC ownership

Restrictions on Executive Condominium (EC) ownership are put in place to ensure that the affordable housing option is targeted at eligible Singaporeans who are looking to upgrade from their HDB flats. Firstly, buyers of ECs must be at least 21 years old, and either Singaporean or a Permanent Resident who has fulfilled the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) of their first HDB property. Secondly, there are income ceiling requirements for EC ownership, which are higher than those for HDB flats. Finally, there are restrictions on second-timer applicants who already own a Housing Board flat or an EC unit. They are only allowed to purchase an EC after their first property has fulfilled the MOP of five years, and they must wait another 30 months before selling it. In summary, these restrictions aim to keep EC ownership affordable and targeted at eligible Singaporeans who are looking to upgrade their housing options.

Why are ECs sometimes referred to as sandwich

ECs are sometimes referred to as “sandwich” flats because they cater to a specific group of middle-income Singaporeans who don’t qualify for HDB flats due to the income ceiling cap, but who also cannot afford private condominiums. This unique positioning of ECs makes them a hybrid of both public and private housing, hence earning the nickname of “sandwich” flats.

Despite being subsidized by the government, ECs offer full condo facilities and are comparable in design and amenities to private condominiums, making them an attractive option for those looking for a stepping stone between HDB flats and private condos. However, there are restrictions on the ownership of ECs, as they are fully privatised after 10 years, and buyers must meet specific eligibility requirements to purchase them.