Strengthening The Executive Condominium Housing Scheme and Supporting First-Time Home Buyers
Longer ownership restrictions and the end of deferred payments could reduce speculative or financially stretched demand, while materially improving first-timers’ access to EC units.
For EC sites closing from 8 May 2026, the Minimum Occupation Period will double to 10 years and first-timer allocation will rise from 70% to 90%.
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The Ministry of National Development (MND) will implement three measures for Executive Condominium (EC) developments to further support first-time home buyers (FTs) and focus ECs on meeting occupation needs. These measures will apply to all EC Government Land Sale sites with tender closing dates on or after 8 May 2026.
Background
ECs were introduced in 1995 to provide a more affordable option for Singaporeans who aspire to own private housing. ECs are strata-titled and are developed and sold by private developers, with design features and facilities similar to private condominiums. They are priced by developers at around 20 to 30 percent lower than comparable private condominiums due to initial eligibility and ownership restrictions, such as an income ceiling and a Minimum Occupation Period (MOP).
(I) Extension of the MOP for ECs from five years to 10 years
Currently, buyers of new ECs must fulfil a five-year MOP, before they can sell their EC unit on the open market to Singapore Citizens (SCs) and Permanent Residents (PRs). After the 10th year, EC homeowners can sell their EC unit to any buyer, including foreigners and corporate entities. During the MOP, they are not allowed to rent out their whole unit or purchase another residential property.
MND will extend the MOP for ECs from five years to 10 years. With the extension, buyers of new ECs will need to fulfil a 10-year MOP before they can rent out their whole unit, purchase another residential property, or sell their EC unit to SCs and PRs. After the 15th year, EC homeowners can sell their EC unit to any buyer.
(II) Sunsetting the Deferred Payment Scheme (DPS)
Under the DPS, EC buyers pay 20 percent of the purchase price upfront, with the remaining 80 percent deferred until the project obtains its Temporary Occupation Permit, rather than making progressive payments based on construction milestones under the Normal Payment Scheme. Buyers who opt for the DPS would generally incur a 2 to 3 percent premium over the EC unit purchase price.
To encourage financial prudence and to align with the arrangements for other uncompleted private residential properties, developers can no longer offer the DPS for uncompleted ECs. The Normal Payment Scheme will apply to all EC home buyers.
(III) Revision of FT quota and priority period
Currently, developers must reserve 70 percent of EC units for FTs during the first month from the project’s date of launch. After this one-month period, developers can sell the remaining units to all eligible buyers, including second-time buyers.
MND will increase the FT quota from 70 to 90 percent, and extend the priority period from one month to two years. This will provide greater support for young married couples and families looking to buy their first home. With this measure, FTs will have a better chance of securing ECs.