Question 1

What happens if I am still an undischarged bankrupt?

Accepted Answer

You must obtain prior approval from the Official Assignee (OA) or the private trustee if you wish to apply for the purchase of an EC. However, no prior approval is required from the OA or the private trustee for being listed as an occupier.
If you are an undischarged bankrupt, it means you are still under the legal restrictions and obligations associated with bankruptcy. These restrictions will vary depending on the laws in your jurisdiction, but some common aspects include:
Restrictions
1. Financial Transactions:
    • You may not be able to take out credit above a certain amount without informing the lender about your bankruptcy.
    • Opening a new bank account may require disclosure of your bankruptcy status.
2. Business Activities:
    • You may be restricted from acting as a company director or managing a business without court or official permission.
    • Operating a business under a different name while bankrupt may require informing your clients or creditors.
3. Ownership of Assets:
    • Assets may remain under the control of the bankruptcy trustee to pay off creditors.
    • You may need permission to purchase or sell significant assets.
4. Travel Restrictions:
    • In some jurisdictions, you might need permission from the bankruptcy trustee or the court to travel abroad.
Obligations
 • Cooperation with Trustee: You must fully cooperate with the bankruptcy trustee by providing information about your financial situation, assets, and income.
 • Income Contributions: If you earn above a certain threshold, you may need to make payments from your income to the trustee for the benefit of creditors.
 • Disclosure Requirements: You must disclose your bankruptcy status when engaging in certain transactions, such as obtaining credit or entering business agreements.
End of Bankruptcy
Your bankruptcy will typically end when you are discharged, which usually happens after a specific period (e.g., 1 year in some countries) unless extended due to non-compliance. Once discharged, the restrictions are lifted, although some obligations (like repayment plans) may continue.
If you are uncertain about your rights and responsibilities as an undischarged bankrupt, it’s a good idea to seek legal advice or consult your bankruptcy trustee.

Question 2

Am I a First-Timer or Second-Timer Applicant?

Accepted Answer

First-Timer Applicant
 As a first-timer applicant, you will enjoy special privileges and priority in flat allocation. Your application will be considered a first-timer application if you and any of the listed owners or essential occupiers meet all the following criteria:
 • Have not owned a flat purchased from HDB or an EC/DBSS flat from a developer.
 • Have not sold a flat purchased from HDB or an EC/DBSS flat from a developer.
 • Have not received any CPF Housing Grant for buying an HDB resale flat.
 • Have not received any form of housing subsidy (e.g., benefits under the Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS) or HUDC estate privatisation).
If you are a second-timer applicant and your spouse or spouse-to-be is a first-timer, your application as a couple will still enjoy first-timer privileges and priority.
Second-Timer Applicant
 Your application will be considered a second-timer application if any of the following applies to you or any of the listed owners or essential occupiers:
 • Have owned or sold:
    • An HDB flat purchased from HDB.
    • A resale flat purchased with a CPF Housing Grant.
    • An EC/DBSS flat purchased from a developer.
 • Have received any form of housing subsidy (e.g., benefits under the Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS) or HUDC estate privatisation).

Question 3

Are there specific periods when I am not allowed to apply for an EC?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are situations where you may need to wait for a specific period before applying for or being listed in an application for a new EC.
This typically applies if:
 • You have not completed the      Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) for your current flat or EC unit.
 • You previously canceled an HDB      flat application or terminated the Sale and Purchase Agreement for a DBSS      flat or EC.
MOP Requirements: Current Owner/Essential Occupier of a Flat or EC Unit
Before applying for a new EC, ensure that you or any other applicant(s)/essential occupier(s) listed in the EC application meet the following conditions:
 • If you own an HDB flat purchased      from HDB or on the open market, or an EC/DBSS flat purchased from a      developer, you must have completed the 5-year MOP for that property.
 • Essential occupiers must also      fulfill the 5-year MOP requirement before being listed in a new EC      application.
Additionally, for ECs, there is a 30-month waiting period from the effective date of disposal of the EC unit. This will be verified through your Notice of Transfer or other relevant documentation as required.

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Cancellation of an HDB Flat Application After Booking
 If you have booked a new HDB flat but later canceled the booking, you will need to wait for 1 year from the date of cancellation before you can apply for or be listed as an essential occupier in the following:
 • A new HDB flat
 • A DBSS flat or EC purchased from      a developer
 • A resale flat purchased with a      CPF Housing Grant
 • A resale flat announced under the      Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS)
Termination of Sale and Purchase Agreement for an EC/DBSS Flat
 If you previously purchased a DBSS flat or EC using a CPF Housing Grant and terminated the Sale and Purchase Agreement, you must wait for 5 years from the termination date before you can apply for or be listed as an essential occupier in an EC application.

Question 4

Am I eligible to purchase a new EC flat if I currently own or previously owned full or partial interest in local or overseas non-HDB property?

Accepted Answer

No, you may not be eligible. For an EC flat application, all listed owners and essential occupiers must not own, have disposed of, or hold any estate or interest in local or overseas properties:
 • Within 30 months prior to the EC application date, and
 • Up to the date of taking possession of the EC.
The properties considered include, but are not limited to:
 • Privatised HUDC flats
 • Properties acquired as gifts
 • Properties inherited as      beneficiaries under a will or through the Intestate Succession Act
 • Private properties
 • Properties owned, acquired, or disposed of through nominees, regardless of their location.

Question 5

Am I eligible to purchase a new EC if I currently own or previously owned an HDB flat, DBSS flat, or EC?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you may be eligible, provided you have owned only one of the following properties before your application:
 • A flat purchased directly from HDB
 • An EC or DBSS flat purchased from a developer
 • An HDB resale flat purchased with a CPF Housing Grant (applicable only to first-time applicants)
In summary, a Singapore Citizen is allowed to purchase the above properties a maximum of two times in total, not twice for each property type.

If you have already purchased two such properties, you will no longer be eligible to apply for an EC or be listed as an essential occupier in an application.

Question 6

I am currently undergoing divorce proceedings that are not yet finalized. Can my fiancé or fiancée and I apply to purchase an EC unit from a developer?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot. If you and your fiancé or fiancée wish to purchase an EC unit, you will need to wait until your divorce is finalized. This means you must first obtain one of the following documents: the Certificate of Making Decree Nisi Absolute, Certificate of Final Judgment, Certificate of Making Interim Judgment Final, or Certificate of Divorce from the Syariah Court.

Question 7

I am behind on my HDB housing loan mortgage payments for my current flat. Do I need to settle these arrears before applying to purchase an EC unit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you are required to settle any outstanding amounts owed to HDB, including applicable interest, before applying for a subsidized flat, such as a DBSS flat or an EC unit from a developer. Payments can be made at your HDB Branch, and you will need to provide proof of payment to the developer when booking an EC unit.

Question 8

I have submitted a flat application with HDB but have not booked a unit yet. Am I eligible to apply for an EC unit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can apply for and book an EC unit with the developer if you have not yet booked a flat with HDB. Once you have booked an EC unit, HDB will cancel your flat application.

Question 9

I have booked an HDB flat and signed the Agreement for Lease. Can I still purchase an EC unit?

Accepted Answer

If you cancel a flat booking, you will not be eligible to apply for an EC unit within one year following the cancellation.

Question 10

What is the forfeiture if I were to give up my EC unit after I have paid the booking fee and obtained the Option To Purchase (OTP) but before I execute the Sale and Purchase Agreement?

Accepted Answer

If you are eligible and choose to give up your EC unit before signing the Sale and Purchase Agreement (S&P), the developer will impose a forfeiture of 25% of the booking fee, as outlined in the Option To Purchase (OTP).

Question 11

I have been granted an Option to Purchase for an EC unit in a different project. Am I allowed to purchase an EC unit in this project now?

Accepted Answer

If you choose not to exercise the Option to Purchase (OTP) for the EC unit you previously booked, you must notify the other developer of your decision and cancel the booking before purchasing an EC unit in this project. A portion of your booking fee will be forfeited by the other developer as per the terms of the earlier OTP.

Question 12

I have signed the Sale and Purchase Agreement for an EC unit in a different project. Am I eligible to purchase an EC unit in this project now?

Accepted Answer

If you have signed the Sale and Purchase Agreement (S&P) for another EC unit, you should consult the other developer to determine whether you are allowed to purchase another EC unit. Be aware that the developer may forfeit 5% of the purchase price upon termination of the S&P and could take additional actions as outlined in the agreement.

Question 13

My fiancé or fiancée and I have booked an EC unit under the Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme. What financial penalty will I incur if I choose to give up the EC unit after signing the Sale and Purchase Agreement (S&P)?

Accepted Answer

Under the Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme, you must provide your marriage certificate for verification by the developer (refer to the EC terms and conditions for more details on the scheme). If the fiancé/fiancée relationship ends at any point, you will no longer be eligible to proceed with the EC purchase. In this case, the developer may terminate your Sale and Purchase Agreement (S&P) and forfeit 5% of the purchase price.
If you received a CPF Housing Grant for the purchase, both you and your fiancé/fiancée must repay the grant amount along with accrued interest. If the full repayment cannot be made immediately, the outstanding balance will be treated as a debt owed by both parties to the Government. Until this debt (including interest) is fully paid, neither of you will be eligible to rent, purchase, or take over ownership of an HDB flat or EC unit.

For further assistance, please contact the developer directly.

Question 14

What happens if my EC unit purchase is terminated after signing the Sale and Purchase Agreement?

Accepted Answer

If your Sale and Purchase Agreement (S&P) with the developer is terminated under its terms (e.g., due to losing eligibility to purchase the EC unit), the developer will impose a financial penalty of 5% of the EC unit's purchase price. Additionally, consult your solicitor regarding other expenses that may arise from the termination. 
It is crucial to ensure you remain eligible to purchase the EC unit both before and after signing the S&P. Your eligibility must be maintained from the time of application through the end of the EC unit's 5-year minimum occupation period. 
For further assistance, please contact the developer directly.

Question 15

How much is required to pay when booking an EC unit with the developer? If I proceed to sign the Sale and Purchase Agreement (S&P), what additional amount will I need to pay?

Accepted Answer

When booking an EC unit, you are required to pay an option fee equivalent to 5% of the purchase price. This can be paid via cheque, cashier's order, telegraphic transfer, FAST, MEPS, or GIRO. Additionally, you must pay the remaining 15% of the purchase price within the timeframe specified in your Option to Purchase (OTP). Eligible buyers may use their CPF Housing Grant to cover this balance down payment.
The developer may offer either a Normal Payment Scheme (NPS) or a Deferred Payment Scheme (DPS) for EC purchases. For details about the payment schedule, please check with the developer.

Other costs include legal fees payable to your solicitor, as well as stamp and registration fees for the transaction's legal documents. For more information on financing, consult your bank or solicitor.

Question 16

I’ve noticed that some developers offer both a Normal Payment Scheme (NPS) and a Deferred Payment Scheme (DPS). Are there any differences between these two schemes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are differences. The Normal Payment Scheme (NPS) follows the standard payment schedule outlined in the Sale and Purchase Agreement. The Deferred Payment Scheme (DPS), on the other hand, allows buyers to pay in a different manner than the standard schedule. Choosing DPS may impact the purchase price of the EC unit. For more details, please consult with the developer.

Question 17

Can I use CPF savings to finance the purchase of an EC unit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, only buyers are allowed to use their CPF savings to pay for an EC unit. Occupiers listed on the application are not permitted to use CPF savings for the purchase. The usage of CPF for the EC is subject to applicable limits, which will be determined based on detailed purchase information. The CPF Housing Grant will be considered part of the buyers' CPF savings and will be included in the calculation of the limits on the total CPF savings that can be used for the EC purchase.

For more information on using CPF savings for property purchases, please visit the CPF Board's website at www.cpf.gov.sg/propertyusage.(http://www.cpf.gov.sg/propertyusage)

Question 18

How can I finance the purchase of an EC unit?

Accepted Answer

HDB does not provide housing loans for EC purchases. Similar to private property buyers, EC buyers must arrange their own mortgage financing through financial institutions regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Please ensure that you are eligible to obtain a home loan from a financial institution before applying to purchase an EC unit.

Question 19

How do I apply for the CPF Housing Grant?

Accepted Answer

When booking an EC unit, you must complete and sign the application form for the CPF Housing Grant and submit it to the developer. The required supporting documents (e.g., income documents, marriage certificate) can be found in the procedures and terms and conditions outlined in the EC brochure and the CPF Housing Grant application form. The form can be obtained from the developer.
If you do not bring all the necessary supporting documents at the time of booking, you must submit the outstanding ones to the developer within one week from the booking date. If the complete set of documents is not received by the one-week deadline, you will not be considered for the CPF Housing Grant. 
If your housing grant application is successful and you have booked an EC unit, you must complete and submit the application to the CPF Board through your solicitor for processing. This will allow you to use your CPF savings and/or the CPF Housing Grant towards the payment of your EC unit. However, if the developer has issued a Notice to Take Vacant Possession, you will not be eligible for the CPF Housing Grant.

Question 20

How will the CPF Housing Grant be disbursed?

Accepted Answer

The CPF Housing Grant will be provided to eligible Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents who are the core applicant(s) and core occupier(s) designated for housing subsidy benefits. Specifically, this includes the primary buyers and occupants of an Executive Condominium (EC) who meet the eligibility requirements for EC purchase under current government schemes.

Question 21

Can I use the CPF Housing Grant as a downpayment for my EC unit?

Accepted Answer

Key Points for EC Purchase:
 • Initial Payment: The first 5% of your EC unit's purchase price must be paid by Cashier's Order, cheque, or electronic transfer (e.g., FAST, GIRO).
 • CPF Housing Grant: The remaining 15% of the downpayment can be paid using the CPF Housing Grant. However, this is only available after signing the Sale and Purchase Agreement (S&P).
 • Core Occupier Restriction: If a core occupier in your EC application receives the CPF Housing Grant, they cannot use their CPF savings for the EC purchase, loan repayments, or other related expenses.
 • Timely Document Submission: To ensure the CPF Housing Grant is available, submit all required documents to the developer within one week of booking your EC unit. Also, immediately submit your CPF savings application to the CPF Board through your solicitor.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively manage the financial aspects of your EC purchase.

Question 22

What happens to the CPF Housing Grant if I don't complete the EC purchase?

Accepted Answer

If you decide not to proceed with the purchase of the EC unit, you will be required to repay the CPF Housing Grant, along with accrued interest, to the Government. Please refer to the CPF Housing Grant Form for specific terms and conditions. If you have further questions, please contact the developer.

Question 23

Can I still get the CPF Housing Grant if the EC unit has already received its TOP?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you are eligible for the CPF Housing Grant as long as you fulfill the necessary conditions for the grant and the developer has not yet issued the Notice of Vacant Possession for the EC unit.

Question 24

Will I be required to refund the CPF Housing Grant to the Government when I sell my EC unit in the open market?

Accepted Answer

No, you are not required to return the CPF Housing Grant to the Government when you sell your EC unit. However, you must repay all CPF savings, including the CPF Housing Grant, that were used for the purchase of the EC unit, along with accrued interest. These funds will be returned to your CPF account and can be used for your next property purchase.

Question 25

Am I eligible for both the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant and the Proximity CPF Housing Grant for my EC unit?

Accepted Answer

Neither the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant nor the Proximity CPF Housing Grant can be used for the purchase of an Executive Condominium (EC) unit.

Question 26

Do second-time buyers of EC units need to pay a second-timer's premium or resale levy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you and your family members have previously received a housing subsidy, you will be required to pay any applicable premium or resale levy to HDB before taking possession of the EC unit from the developer.

Question 27

Can I use CPF savings to pay the resale levy for my EC purchase, even if I still own my first subsidized flat?

Accepted Answer

You are given a six-month period from the date of taking possession of your EC unit to sell your existing HDB flat. The resale levy will be deducted from the net proceeds of the HDB flat sale. If the proceeds are insufficient to cover the full amount of the resale levy, you will be required to pay the remaining balance in cash. The specific amount of the resale levy will vary depending on the type of subsidized HDB flat you currently own.

Question 28

If I purchase an EC unit now, either with or without the CPF Housing Grant, what is the resale levy I will have to pay if I sell it and buy an HDB flat in the future?

Accepted Answer

After you have waited out 30 months from the sale of the EC unit and if you are eligible to buy a second subsidised flat, you must pay a resale levy of $55,000. This levy has to be paid via Cashier's Order (in favour of "HDB") in one lump sum before you can collect the keys to the second subsidised flat.

Question 29

Is it mandatory to pay the premium or resale levy before completing the EC purchase?

Accepted Answer

You will be not able to proceed with the EC purchase as paying the 20% premium or resales levy is one of the essential eligibility criteria.

Question 30

Is it possible to sell an EC unit before the five-year MOP is completed, even after taking possession?

Accepted Answer

Owners are prohibited from selling their EC unit before the completion of the five-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP). Doing so would be a violation of the Executive Condominium Scheme Act.

Question 31

If an EC owner sells their unit before the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP), what are the potential penalties under the Executive Condominium Housing Scheme Act 1996?

Accepted Answer

If an owner violates the Executive Condominium Housing Scheme Act 1996 or its associated regulations, the government has the authority to compulsorily acquire the EC unit. The compensation payable to the owner will be determined by the Executive Condominium Housing Scheme (Compensation & Order of Priority) Regulations.

Question 32

Is it permissible to sublet specific rooms in an EC unit under the Executive Condominium Housing Scheme Act?

Accepted Answer

EC owners are permitted to rent out bedrooms in their units, subject to the terms and conditions outlined on HDB InfoWEB. While prior approval from HDB is not necessary, owners are required to register the rented rooms with HDB within seven days of the tenancy commencement. Additionally, owners must notify HDB of any changes, such as tenancy renewals, terminations, or changes in tenant information.

Question 33

Can an owner rent out bedrooms in a dual-key EC unit to tenants while occupying the other unit?

Accepted Answer

Dual-key EC units are marketed as a solution for multi-generational families, providing both shared and private living spaces. This concept is particularly relevant in Singapore's aging population. However, to ensure the intended purpose, multi-generational families are required to reside in the dual-key EC unit for a minimum of five years after the Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) is issued. EC owners who wish to rent out bedrooms must adhere to HDB's guidelines and regulations, which can be found on HDB InfoWEB. It is mandatory to register any rented rooms with HDB within seven days of the tenancy commencement.

Question 34

Can I buy a private property in Singapore or invest in overseas property after owning an EC unit?

Accepted Answer

You are not permitted to purchase or invest in private property, both locally and internationally, from the time you apply for the EC unit until the expiry of the five-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP).

The MOP is calculated from the Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) date of the EC development. You can only acquire private property after the completion of the five-year MOP.

Question 35

What is the earliest I can sell my EC unit?

Accepted Answer

You may sell your EC unit in the open market to Singapore Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents after the expiry of the five-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP), which commences from the Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) date of the EC development. However, after ten years from the TOP date, you may sell the EC unit to any person, regardless of their nationality or residency status.

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