As a matter of personal opinion, I prefer ECs. The price point is much lower (islandwide around $937 psf vs. over $1,500 psf as of last month) you can get a grant of up to $30,000, and the development is still built by private developers with the pool, gym, etc.
I don't really think it's a huge impediment that you can't sell to companies (how often does this happen) or foreigners (how many are buying with 20% ABSD?) for the first 10 years.
As a lesser-known aside, an EC is more convenient for upgraders. You can buy the EC even before you sell your flat, and you don't have to pay the ABSD upfront. It's different for condos - if you buy the condo before selling your flat, you have to pay the ABSD first, and then seek ABSD remission later (if you qualify).
The only issues are the income ceiling on ECs ($16,000 a month max, so some can't buy even if they want), and how most, but not all, ECs tend to be further from MRT stations.
For condos, you do have a choice of freehold (you won't find a freehold EC), there's a wider range of locations, and it's nice that you can start renting out the whole unit immediately (but that's only an advantage if you intend to do so, while living somewhere else).
This said, I make many exceptions - and you should too - when it comes to _specific _units or developments.
Parc Canberra is just across from Canberra MRT station, for example; and I think Midtown Bay (from the perspective of a pure home owner) is the greatest thing I've seen in years; that's not an EC.
It's best to judge developments on their individual merits, as they apply to you.
As a matter of personal opinion, I prefer ECs. The price point is much lower (islandwide around $937 psf vs. over $1,500 psf as of last month) you can get a grant of up to $30,000, and the development is still built by private developers with the pool, gym, etc.
I don't really think it's a huge impediment that you can't sell to companies (how often does this happen) or foreigners (how many are buying with 20% ABSD?) for the first 10 years.
As a lesser-known aside, an EC is more convenient for upgraders. You can buy the EC even before you sell your flat, and you don't have to pay the ABSD upfront. It's different for condos - if you buy the condo before selling your flat, you have to pay the ABSD first, and then seek ABSD remission later (if you qualify).
The only issues are the income ceiling on ECs ($16,000 a month max, so some can't buy even if they want), and how most, but not all, ECs tend to be further from MRT stations.
For condos, you do have a choice of freehold (you won't find a freehold EC), there's a wider range of locations, and it's nice that you can start renting out the whole unit immediately (but that's only an advantage if you intend to do so, while living somewhere else).
This said, I make many exceptions - and you should too - when it comes to _specific _units or developments.
Parc Canberra is just across from Canberra MRT station, for example; and I think Midtown Bay (from the perspective of a pure home owner) is the greatest thing I've seen in years; that's not an EC.
It's best to judge developments on their individual merits, as they apply to you.