TLDR
The Executive Condominium (EC) scheme, once intended as affordable “sandwich class” housing, is now acting more like a lottery ticket due to rising prices and shrinking price gaps with private condos. Projects like Hundred Palms have shown huge resale gains, making ECs attractive for profit rather than genuine long-term living. Affordability is a growing concern, as even buyers at the income ceiling struggle with down payments and loan limits. Enhanced quality in new ECs has further blurred lines with private condos, raising doubts about their continued role in bridging public and private housing. The current EC model may need review to ensure it still serves middle-income families. For those considering buying or selling an EC, personal financial goals and market timing are key—there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
The Executive Condominium (EC) scheme, conceived in 1995 as a bridge between public housing and private condos, is facing a critical question: Does it still serve its original purpose? The resounding success of projects like Hundred Palms EC, coupled with the rising cost and enhanced quality of new ECs, suggests that a reassessment may be warranted.
EC as a Lottery Ticket?
It’s becoming increasingly evident that ECs, much like Central Area BTO flats before the introduction of Plus and Prime models, have become more of a coveted lottery prize than genuine affordable housing for the “sandwich class.”
Many buyers view ECs as a guaranteed windfall, anticipating significant price appreciation within a mere five years. The performance of Hundred Palms exemplifies this trend, and numerous other ECs have delivered impressive gains. This expectation of guaranteed profits contradicts the original intent of providing affordable housing for middle-income families.
Affordability Concerns: A Growing Discrepancy
The affordability of ECs is also under scrutiny. Buyers earning at or below the $16,000 monthly income ceiling may struggle to afford the required down payment. The Mortgage Servicing Ratio (MSR) limits monthly loan repayments to 30% of income, capping the loan amount for those at the income ceiling.
With three-bedroom units at projects like Aurelle priced around $1.689 million, buyers need to borrow substantial sums to cover the minimum 25% down payment. While raising the income ceiling could alleviate this issue, it would further indicate that EC prices are becoming increasingly unaffordable. Maintaining affordability is crucial to ensure that ECs remain a viable housing option for the intended target group.
The Shrinking Price Gap with Private Condos
The price difference between resale ECs and private condos has narrowed in recent years, particularly with the emergence of higher-end ECs. As more expensive new ECs enter the market and resale gains climb, the price gap may continue to shrink, potentially blurring the lines between the two segments. Transactions like Hundred Palms’ $3 million+ sale exemplify this trend.
This convergence raises questions about the continued relevance of ECs as “sandwich housing.”
Enhanced Quality: A Double-Edged Sword
The higher prices of new ECs reflect a significant improvement in quality, which sets them apart from earlier EC projects.
ECs launched since around 2017 boast layouts, facilities, and finishing comparable to fully private condos. Identifying the differences between ECs and private condos based solely on project details has become increasingly challenging.
This enhanced quality contributes to the narrowing price gap. In Punggol, for instance, the average price per square foot (psf) of Prive, an EC, is comparable to or even higher than that of nearby private condos like River Isles and Flo Residence.
These examples suggest that the price gap between ECs and condos is closing, potentially impacting other neighborhoods over time.
The Future of “Sandwich Housing”
While the need for a “sandwich housing” scheme remains, the nature of that scheme may need to evolve. The current EC model, with its rising prices and enhanced quality, is increasingly blurring the lines with private condos. It may be time to explore alternative approaches to providing affordable housing options for middle-income families in Singapore.
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