Last updated: 8 Sep 2025 • by CondoListing.sg
Executive Condominiums (ECs) are a unique housing type in Singapore, blending features of HDB flats and private condos. They are popular among middle-income Singaporeans who want condo-style living at more affordable prices. Here’s everything you need to know in 2025.Contents
- What is an Executive Condominium?
- Eligibility to buy an EC
- How ECs differ from private condos
- Privatisation after 5 & 10 years
- Pros and cons of ECs
- FAQ
1) What is an Executive Condominium?
An Executive Condominium (EC) is a type of housing introduced by the government to cater to the “sandwiched class” — households earning too much to qualify for HDB flats, but who may find private condos out of reach.
ECs are built and sold by private developers but subsidised by the government. Buyers can also enjoy CPF housing grants (HDB EC Guide).
2) Eligibility to buy an EC
To buy a new EC, buyers must meet certain eligibility criteria (HDB eligibility rules):
- At least 1 Singapore Citizen (SC) and 1 Singapore Citizen/PR
- Household income ceiling: $16,000/month
- Family nucleus requirement (Public Scheme, Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme, etc.)
- Minimum age: 21 (or 35 for singles buying resale ECs)
- Cannot own other property (local/overseas) within the last 30 months
3) How ECs differ from private condos
While ECs look and function like private condominiums, there are key differences:
- Initial restrictions: ECs are subject to HDB rules in the first 5 years.
- Grants: CPF Housing Grants apply to first-time buyers of ECs, not private condos.
- Subsidised pricing: ECs are usually priced 20–30% lower than comparable condos.
- Facilities: ECs come with similar facilities — pool, gym, BBQ pits — like private condos.
See also our guide on leasehold vs freehold condos to understand tenure differences.
4) Privatisation after 5 & 10 years
One of the defining features of ECs is their staged privatisation:
- First 5 years: ECs can only be sold to SCs/PRs who meet eligibility conditions.
- After 5 years (semi-privatised): ECs can be sold to SCs/PRs without eligibility checks.
- After 10 years (fully privatised): ECs are treated like any other private condo, and can be sold to foreigners.
Read more in our complete guide to buying a condo.
5) Pros and cons of ECs
Like any property type, ECs have both advantages and disadvantages:
Pros:
- Lower entry price compared to private condos
- Government subsidies (CPF Housing Grants)
- Facilities similar to condos
- Potential for value appreciation after privatisation
Cons:
- Initial HDB restrictions (MOP, eligibility rules)
- Resale limited in first 5 years
- Often located in suburban OCR areas
- Household income ceiling excludes higher earners
Don’t forget to budget for hidden costs of condo ownership when upgrading to an EC.
6) FAQ
Can foreigners buy ECs?
No. Only Singapore Citizens/PRs can buy new ECs. Foreigners may only buy ECs after they become fully privatised (10 years).
Are ECs cheaper than condos?
Yes. ECs are typically priced 20–30% lower than comparable private condos at launch, due to subsidies.
Can I use CPF to buy an EC?
Yes. CPF OA funds and housing grants can be used, subject to CPF housing rules.
Do ECs have condo facilities?
Yes. ECs usually have swimming pools, gyms, BBQ pits, function rooms, and other facilities similar to private condos.