Are you looking to buy a flat or condo? If so, how much is your budget? I’m sure most people would answer that their budget is S$300,000 and below. This is valid since the average price of a resale apartment costs about S$400,000 today. However, if you are looking for more than just an apartment to live in, there are some other options for you to consider other than just buying the average condo.
One alternative option is to buy low-cost condominiums (known as ECs). It may sound like it has nothing special compared to other homes, but ECs provide another opportunity for people looking for homes with lower budgets.
One thing you need to understand about ECs is that they are not like regular apartments. ECS, which stands for Estate Condominiums, are like houses built on top of each other in a high-rise building. They come with their exclusive facilities such as swimming pools and car parks; hence, giving them the feel of freehold properties even though they’re not.
Another option you might be interested in is buying resale HDB flats. Although HDB flats are primarily associated with public housing, many Singaporeans choose to buy HDBs because it’s much cheaper than purchasing private condos.HDB flats also have good amenities provided by the government, so they are very convenient to live in. If you are looking for relatively cheap properties, HDB flats can be your best choice because they cost less than S$400,000, which is the average price of a freehold condo for sale in Singapore today. Read more about Best Rooftop Restaurants in Singapore.
Some people may think that buying HDBs or ECs will ruin their investment portfolio since these properties have depreciating values rather than appreciating ones. But there’s nothing wrong with choosing HDBs and ECs as long as you know what you’re getting yourself into, so it doesn’t kill your dreams of owning a luxurious Freehold condo for sale in Singapore someday. Another thing worth mentioning about buying resale HDBs or ECs is that it is much more difficult, if not impossible, to get bank loans. So, if you plan to finance your freehold condo for sale in Singapore property using bank loans, these types of properties are not suitable for you.
Lastly, people should consider resale ECs or HDB flats as short-term options only. People might buy them to stay in the meantime while waiting for their new homes to be built. The reason behind this is that it takes a long time for HDB units and EC units to get en bloc, so buying one would ensure you have a roof over your head while waiting for the value of your land to go up so you can sell it at a higher price quickly when the market turns around.
So basically, three things make freehold condos for sale in Singapore different compared to other properties:
- They give the feel of freehold houses even though they are not;
- Unlike average apartments and condos, HDB flats and ECs have exclusive facilities such as swimming pools and car parks provided by the owner (government or management), so it is pretty convenient to live in them; and
- HDBs and ECs take a long time to go en bloc, so buying these types of properties would ensure you have a roof over your head while waiting for your new homes to be built.”
In conclusion, “Freehold condo for sale Singapore” is one option for those looking for more than just an apartment to stay in – they provide a feel of freehold houses due to their exclusive facilities and high-rise buildings.
Freehold vs Leasehold: What Is the Difference?
| Feature | Freehold | Leasehold (99-year) |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | You own the land and the unit forever | You lease the land for 99 years |
| Value over time | Holds value better as the lease never runs out | Value falls as the lease gets shorter |
| Price | Usually costs more | Usually costs less |
| En bloc sale | Easier, as owners hold the land | Harder, needs approval and time |
In Singapore, most private homes are either freehold or 99-year leasehold. A freehold property means you own the land and the unit forever. There is no expiry date. A 99-year leasehold property means you lease the land for 99 years. When the lease ends, the land returns to the state. This is why freehold condos hold their value better. Their value does not fall as time passes. A leasehold condo loses value as the lease gets shorter. This matters when you sell. A buyer will pay less for a property with 40 years left on the lease than for one with 90 years left. Freehold condos also cost more to buy. The price gap between freehold and leasehold can be 10 to 20 percent. Think about your budget and your plans. If you want a home to keep for life, a freehold condo is a good choice. If you want a lower price and a shorter stay, a leasehold condo may suit you. Check the lease term before you buy. Ask the seller or agent for the exact lease start and end dates.
Correction: What Is an EC in Singapore?
An EC is an Executive Condominium. It is a type of public-private housing in Singapore. It is built by private developers. It is sold with government grants and rules. ECs are cheaper than private condos. They have facilities like swimming pools and car parks. They look and feel like private condos. But they have rules. You must be a Singapore citizen or permanent resident to buy a new EC. You must meet income limits. After 10 years, an EC becomes a private condo. It can then be sold to anyone, including foreigners. The older part of this post says EC stands for Estate Condominiums. That is not correct. EC stands for Executive Condominium. HDB flats are public housing built by the Housing and Development Board. They are the most common type of home in Singapore. About 80 percent of Singaporeans live in HDB flats. HDB flats are cheaper than private condos. They are sold with rules on who can buy and resell them. Resale HDB flats can be bought by citizens and permanent residents. They are a good choice for buyers with a smaller budget.
Buying a Condo in Singapore: Key Rules to Know
Before you buy, check the rules. Singapore has cooling measures to control property prices. Buyers pay Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD). The rate depends on your citizenship and how many properties you own. Citizens pay a lower rate than foreigners. Foreign buyers pay a higher rate. Check the current ABSD rates on the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) website. The rates change from time to time. Buyers also face the Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR). The TDSR limits how much you can borrow. It is based on your income and your debts. Banks check your income before they lend. Foreigners can buy condos in Singapore. They do not need special approval for a condo unit. But they need approval to buy landed property. Landed property means houses with land, like bungalows. The Singapore Land Authority handles these approvals. Check the current rules before you buy. Talk to a licensed property agent. Talk to a bank about your loan. Talk to a lawyer about the contract. Buying a home is a big decision. Get good advice first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a freehold condo in Singapore?
A freehold condo is a condo where you own the land and the unit forever. There is no expiry date. Freehold condos hold their value better than leasehold condos, but they usually cost more.
What is an EC in Singapore?
An EC is an Executive Condominium. It is a type of public-private housing built by private developers. It is cheaper than a private condo. After 10 years, an EC becomes a private condo and can be sold to anyone, including foreigners.
What is the difference between freehold and leasehold?
A freehold property means you own the land forever. A 99-year leasehold property means you lease the land for 99 years. When the lease ends, the land returns to the state. Leasehold values fall as the lease gets shorter.
Can foreigners buy a condo in Singapore?
Yes. Foreigners can buy condo units in Singapore without special approval. They need approval to buy landed property. Foreign buyers pay a higher Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty. Check the current rates on the IRAS website.
What is an HDB flat?
An HDB flat is public housing built by the Housing and Development Board. About 80 percent of Singaporeans live in HDB flats. They are cheaper than private condos and are sold with rules on who can buy and resell them.
Disclaimer: This guide gives general information about property in Singapore. This guide gives no investment advice for readers. Property prices, taxes, and rules change often. Check the current rules on the IRAS and Singapore Land Authority websites and talk to a licensed property agent and lawyer before you buy.
Last Updated: 6 November 2026