Types of Private Properties in Singapore Part 1
Navigating the Singapore housing market can be tricky at the best of times. With industry specific jargon, numerous acronyms and an ever changing landscape – both figuratively and literally – it is sometimes hard to know where to begin. In this, the first of two articles, we hold your hand and take you through the different kinds of private properties that are available, highlighting the differences and pros and cons between them all.
These, along with HUDC flats (see below) occupy a space in between private and public housing, having some of the purchasing restrictions of the public sector while enjoying many of the features and qualities that are characterised in the private one.
Executive condos start out as public housing, before morphing into private after a fixed ownership period. This means that initially EC’s can only be purchased by Singaporeans, who then have to live in the property for a minimum of five years before they are able to sell it. Even then, restrictions mean that they can only sell to Singaporeans or PR’s, and it cannot be put on the open market until after a further 5 years of occupancy. ECs’ are fully privatised after 10 years of occupation and not restricted to foreign buyers.
These types of units are aimed at young professional couples who are looking for and can afford more than a HDB, but are not ready to move into the fully privatised sector. EC’s provide all the amenities found in regular private condominiums such as gyms, swimming pools, tennis courts etc. Though they are cheaper than private condominiums on account of government subsidies, they are only offered on a 99 year leasehold basis. Those wishing to buy an EC from a developer can also take advantage of the Central Provident Fund (CPF) grants.
HUDC (Housing and Urban Development Company) Flats
The forerunner to EC’s, these were developed between the mid 1970’s and 80’s before being phased out. Characterised by larger roomy interiors, and enhanced amenities such as covered car parks and landscaped grounds they were seen as a step up from HDB’s. Today, all remaining 18 HUDC estates are either already privatised or are undergoing privatisation.
These start out in life what EC’s finally become after 10 years. These multi storeyed developments feature a whole raft of amenities that are shared by all residents. These include swimming pools, tennis courts, security, bbq areas and gyms with developers offering more and more wonderful facilities in an attempt to differentiate themselves from the competition. The extended facilities and landscaped gardens aren’t merely a marketing tool however. Current legislation dictates that the site coverage for condos should not exceed 40% of the total area.
Unlike EC’s, regular private condo’s in the markets can be holding leasehold (99 years to 999 years) or freehold tenure and foreigners are eligible to purchase them. Neither are the owners restricted from Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) too. Singapore Condos are ideal for ex-pats and anyone looking for private housing who either doesn’t want to or cannot afford landed property.
Very similar in many aspects to condominiums but apartments are usually less expensive. This is due to the fact they more often than not are part of smaller developments – condos require a total footprint of at least 4,000sqm, something that doesn’t apply to apartments. Also because apartments are not bound by the 40% rule (see above), they tend to have less shared recreational amenities.
Interested to know what are the upcoming new launch condos in Singapore’s housing market now? Click links below to find out more!
Current New launches
