When buying a home in Singapore, two popular options are Executive Condominiums (ECs) and Private Condominiums. Both offer modern living and condo-style homes. However, they target different buyers and have unique rules, eligibility requirements, and investment factors.
Here’s a breakdown of the key differences to help you decide which is most suitable for you.
1) Eligibility & Ownership Restrictions
| Criteria | Executive Condominium | Private Condominium |
| Eligibility | Must meet HDB eligibility (e.g. family nucleus, income ceiling ≤ S$16,000/month) | Open to anyone, including foreigners |
| Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) | 5 years before selling | No MOP |
| Ownership Restrictions | Cannot buy if already own private property (must dispose first for a period of more than 30 months) | No restrictions |
Key Point: ECs are initially public housing with ownership restrictions, while condos are fully private.
2) Price & Financing
| Criteria | Executive Condominium | Private Condominium |
| Purchase Price | ~20–30% lower than comparable condos | Higher upfront cost |
| Use of CPF | Allowed | Allowed |
| Housing Grants | Eligible for CPF Housing Grants (up to S$30,000) | Not eligible |
Key Point: ECs are more affordable due to government subsidies and grant eligibility.
3) Facilities & Design
| Criteria | Executive Condominium | Private Condominium |
| Facilities | Similar (pools, gyms, BBQ pits) | Often more premium or extensive |
| Build Quality | Comparable, but varies by developer | Higher-end finishes in most cases |
Key Point: Both offer condo-style living, but private condos usually come with more luxurious features.
4) Resale & Investment Potential
| Criteria | Executive Condominium | Private Condominium |
| Resale | After 5 years (sell to SC/PR); fully privatized after 10 years | Anytime to anyone |
| Capital Appreciation | Strong potential after privatisation | High, but depends on location/market |
| Rental Demand | Moderate until privatised | Higher, especially in central areas |
Key Point: ECs often see strong appreciation after the 5 and 10-year marks.
5) Location & Supply
| Criteria | Executive Condominium | Private Condominium |
| Locations | Mostly in non-mature estates | Wider range, including prime areas |
| Availability | Limited supply from government land sales | Larger and continuous supply |
Key Point: Private condos have more variety and are available in central areas.
Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?
| If you are… | Consider… |
| A first-time buyer looking for affordability and grants | Executive Condominium |
| A foreigner or investor seeking flexibility and no restrictions | Private Condominium |
| Wanting to buy in prime Districts (e.g. D9, D10) | Private Condominium |
| Willing to wait through MOP for future gains | Executive Condominium |
IQrate mortgage brokers assist in determining your loan eligibility and securing the best home loan rates for new property purchases or refinancing, whether it’s for an HDB, EC, or private condo. Would you like to work out your mortgage affordability before starting the search and confirmation of a property purchase?