Can I buy EC if I currently own an HDB flat?

You can only buy an EC after you have fulfilled your HDB Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) of 5 years. Once MOP is met, you must sell your HDB flat before collecting the EC keys.

Can I keep both HDB and EC at the same time?

No. You cannot own both an HDB flat and an EC at the same time. HDB requires that you dispose of your flat before EC key collection if you buy under Deferred Payment Scheme, or within 6 months under Normal Payment Scheme.

What if I have not fulfilled MOP yet?

If you have not completed your MOP, you cannot apply for an EC yet. However, you may contact us for assistance—we can help with appeal cases or review alternative eligibility paths.

Can I use CPF and bank loan for EC purchase?

Yes. EC buyers can use CPF OA funds and take a bank loan for financing. HDB loans are not available for EC purchases.

Can I Buy EC If I Own HDB?

Understanding EC Ownership Rules in Singapore

An Executive Condominium (EC) is a hybrid property that starts as public housing and becomes fully private after 10 years. Because ECs receive government subsidies, HDB’s eligibility conditions apply — even if they are built by private developers.

If you already own an HDB flat, the question isn’t whether you can buy an EC, but when and how you can do it without breaching HDB rules.

1. You Must Sell Your HDB Before Buying a New EC

If you currently own an HDB flat (new or resale), you must dispose of it before you can collect keys to your new EC.There are two payment options that affect when to sell:

Normal Payment Scheme (NPS)

Sell your HDB within 6 months after EC TOP (key collection).

Deferred Payment Scheme (DPS)

Sell your HDB before EC TOP to qualify.

This rule ensures buyers do not enjoy double housing subsidies.

2. You Must Have Met the 5-Year MOP (Minimum Occupation Period)

Before applying for an EC, you must have completed the 5-year Minimum Occupation Period for your current HDB.If you are still within your MOP, you cannot apply for an EC yet.Once MOP is reached, you are considered an “HDB second-timer,” and you may purchase a new EC, subject to the 30% quota for second-timers during the first month of launch.

3. What If You Own a Privatised HDB (Over 10 Years Old)?

If your flat has passed the 10-year mark and is fully privatised (like HUDC or Design-Build-and-Sell Scheme flats), it is no longer considered an HDB property.You may buy a new EC, but you must still dispose of the existing flat within 6 months of collecting your EC keys.

4. Buying a Resale EC Instead

If you don’t want to sell your HDB yet, you can consider a resale EC that’s more than 5 years old, as resale ECs are considered private properties.However, you must sell your HDB within 6 months of buying a resale EC, as owning both a public and private property concurrently is not allowed.

5. Tips for Smooth Transition from HDB to EC

Plan your sale timeline early to avoid delays.
Use bridging loan options to cover the gap between selling HDB and EC downpayment.
Apply for HDB’s approval if you’re still within the 6-month grace period.
Work with an EC-experienced banker or agent to coordinate CPF refunds, sale proceeds, and EC purchase milestones.

Summary Table: HDB vs EC Ownership Rules

* If you have not fulfilled your MOP, let us know, we can assist you with an appeal .

Final Thoughts

So, can you buy an EC if you own an HDB?Yes — but only after completing your MOP and with a clear plan to sell your HDB before or shortly after EC completion.Buying an EC is a major upgrade step that lets you enjoy private-style living at a subsidised entry price — but timing and eligibility are key.

Disclaimer

Every buyer’s situation is different. Talk to us — we’ve handled many HDB-to-EC upgrade cases and can guide you on which approach gives the best chance of HDB approval.