Just Ask Des

08/05/2026

Fresh hot from oven!
🚨 Big changes to Singapore ECs announced!

Key updates:
• EC MOP extended from 5 years → 10 years
• Cannot rent out whole unit or buy another property during the 10-year MOP
• 90% of units reserved for first-time buyers for the first 2 years
• Deferred Payment Scheme (DPS) removed

These changes aim to keep ECs more affordable and focused on genuine home buyers instead of investors. 🏡🇸🇬

08/05/2026

🚨 Singapore EC Policy Major Update 🚨

The Government has announced new measures to make Executive Condominiums (ECs) more affordable and prioritise genuine homebuyers over short-term speculation.

Here’s the quick summary 👇

🏠 Key Changes for NEW EC launches:
• Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) increased from 5 years → 10 years
• 90% of EC units reserved for first-time buyers
• Priority access for first-timers extended to 2 years
• Deferred Payment Scheme removed to encourage prudent buying

📈 Why this is happening:
EC prices have risen sharply over the years:
• Median EC price increased from around $797 psf (2015) → $1,754 psf (2025)
• More second-time buyers/upgraders were dominating EC purchases
• Government wants ECs to return to their original purpose, helping middle-income families own homes affordably

⚠️ What this means for buyers:
✅ Better chances for first-time buyers
✅ Less speculation and flipping
✅ ECs may become more “own stay” focused
❌ Longer commitment period before selling
❌ Harder for buyers relying on deferred payment arrangements

💬 My thoughts:
This is a big shift for Singapore’s EC market. Future EC buyers will likely be more serious long-term homeowners rather than short-term investors. It may also help cool EC prices over time and improve affordability for younger families.

New rules for executive condominiums include a 10-year MOP and more units for first-time buyers to address affordability. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

09/08/2024

🎉 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝟓𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐞! 🇸🇬

May Singapore remain prosperous, healthy, and united forever! The future brings more glory to our great nation! Cheers to many more years of prosperity and success ahead. ✨

Happy National Day, everyone! 🙌🏻🥳

01/03/2024

𝟐𝟎% 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐃!

𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐎𝐧 𝟏𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡. 𝐃𝐌 𝐌𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬.

16/02/2024

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/budget-2024-single-singaporean-seniors-get-absd-refund-when-right-sizing-lower-value

SINGLE Singaporeans aged 55 and above will now be able to claim a refund of Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), when they purchase a lower-value private property to replace their existing residential property. Read more at The Business Times.

18/06/2023

“Being a great father is like shaving. No matter how good you shaved today, you have to do it again tomorrow.” 😃—Reed Markham
The greatest journey of all, full of love, humor, and priceless moments, is fatherhood. 🙂
Happy Father’s Day! Sending love and gratitude to all the best dads in the world! 😎

14/05/2023

Mom is just a title above queen. You make it look easy. The fact is it’s really hard and you do it anyway. I look back on my childhood and thank the stars above. For everything you gave me, but mostly for your love.
“To the world, you are a mother. To our family, you are the world."
God has given me a woman that has proven to be a beautiful mother, a wonderful wife, and an amazing friend. I’m thankful to God for you being such a blessing in my life. Happy Mother’s Day!

30/04/2023

Latest update from Housing Development Board (HDB) Look forward to a more seamless flat buying experience from 9 May!

🆕 The new HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter, which replaces the HLE letter, will let you know your eligibility to buy a new or resale flat, receive housing grants, and obtain an HDB housing loan. More on the HFE letter, how it works, and when you'll need it: https://go.gov.sg/hdb-hfe-fb

Your Interest Is My Priority
Desmond Loo
www.desmondloo.house

27/04/2023

What is ABSD- Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty

a. ABSD rate raised from 17% to 20% for Singapore Citizens (SCs) purchasing their 2nd residential property;

b. ABSD rate raised from 25% to 30% for SCs purchasing their 3rd and subsequent residential property, and Singapore Permanent Residents (SPRs) purchasing their 2nd residential property;

c. ABSD rate raised from 30% to 35% for SPRs purchasing their 3rd and subsequent residential property;

d. ABSD rate raised from 30% to 60% for foreigners purchasing any residential property; and

e. ABSD rate raised from 35% to 65% for entities or trusts purchasing any residential property, except for housing developers.

Your Interest Is My Priority
Desmond Loo
www.desmondloo.house

26/04/2023

At 12am new announcement! New Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty is effective from 27th April 2023 onwards. Singapore Citizen's second property 20%! Permanent Resident
second property 30%! Foreigner ABSD 60%