Less than 250 new EC units left in the market, should you consider buying one?

Executive condominiums (ECs) are becoming increasingly rare, with fewer than 250 new launch units available across Singapore as of July 2025. Recent EC launches, such as Aurelle at Tampines and Novo Place in Tengah, are already fully sold out. The spotlight is now on Otto Place EC, which launched over the weekend and remains the only major EC project with a significant number of units still available for purchase.

Table of contents

  • Otto Place EC launch: 58.5% sold over the weekend
    • Otto Place’s unique selling points
    • High demand from HDB upgraders
  • Third EC in Tengah: How it compares with Novo Place and Copen Grand
  • Upcoming EC launch in 2025: Jalan Loyang Besar EC
  • ECs as a smart investment play
  • Should you buy now?

Otto Place EC launch: 58.5% sold over the weekend

Otto Place EC launch
Third EC in Tengah launched at S$1,700 on average.

Otto Place EC, located in Tengah’s Plantation District, saw a brisk 58.5% take-up on launch day, with 351 out of 600 units sold. The average price achieved under the Normal Payment Scheme (NPS) was S$1,700 psf, while buyers opting for the Deferred Payment Scheme (DPS) paid a 3% premium.

The project’s unit mix caters to families and upgraders, with 3-bedroom deluxe units starting from S$1.41 million (S$1,617 psf) and larger 4-bedroom plus study luxury units priced at S$2.18 million (S$1,824 psf).

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What’s notable is that larger layouts sold particularly well. According to Huttons Asia, over 70% of the 3-bedroom luxury and 4-bedroom units were taken up. This strong demand reflects the preferences of HDB upgraders seeking spacious homes with flexible layouts.

Otto Place’s unique selling points

3-bedroom deluxe units at Otto Place EC were priced from $1.41 million ($1,617 psf).
3-bedroom deluxe units at Otto Place EC were priced from S$1.41 million (S$1,617 psf).

Otto Place EC stands out with its location and accessibility. Situated next to Novo Place EC, it is within walking distance of Tengah Park and Bukit Batok West MRT stations on the upcoming Jurong Region Line (JRL), which is expected to significantly improve connectivity to the rest of Singapore.

Families are also drawn to its proximity to schools, particularly Princess Elizabeth Primary School, which is within 1km and remains one of Singapore’s most oversubscribed schools. The site is also near Anglo-Chinese School (Primary), which will open its Tengah campus in 2030, and a cluster of other primary and secondary schools.

The Tengah area itself is designed as Singapore’s first eco-friendly, car-lite new town, featuring integrated greenery, smart energy management, and a pedestrian-friendly town centre. These urban planning features are expected to raise the long-term appeal and resale value of ECs located here.

Read more: Otto Place EC: Nature-inspired living in Singapore’s first smart forest town

High demand from HDB upgraders

One key factor driving Otto Place’s success is the popularity of the Deferred Payment Scheme (DPS). About 72% of buyers reportedly chose DPS, which allows them to secure a unit now but defer a portion of the payment until the project is completed. This flexibility is especially attractive to HDB upgraders who may still be servicing a loan on their existing flat.

ECs continue to appeal to buyers who want the benefits of private condominium living at a lower entry price, thus popular among upgraders. In comparison, new 99-year leasehold condos in the OCR averaged S$2,343 psf in 1H 2025, which is about 33% higher than the S$1,700 psf pricing of Otto Place.

Third EC in Tengah: How it compares with Novo Place and Copen Grand

Otto Place is the third EC launch in Tengah after Copen Grand in 2022 and Novo Place in 2024. Both earlier projects achieved rapid sell-outs, highlighting the strong appetite for ECs in this up-and-coming area.

  • Copen Grand launched at S$1,300 psf average price in 2022, selling 73% of units on the first day. Within a month, all units were fully sold.
  • Novo Place launched in November 2024 at an average price of S$1,654 psf, with 57% sold at launch and the remaining units snapped up by July 2025.

Compared to Novo Place’s launch price of S$1,654 psf, Otto Place’s S$1,700 psf represents a 2.8% increase in just eight months. This upward trend suggests that ECs in Tengah are steadily appreciating as demand outpaces supply, especially with limited new launches.

Upcoming EC launch in 2025: Jalan Loyang Besar EC

Jalan Loyang Besar EC site in Pasir Ris.

Otto Place marks the second EC launch of 2025, following the overwhelming success of Aurelle at Tampines, which was fully sold within a month of its February launch. Looking ahead, the next EC launch will be the Jalan Loyang Besar EC in Pasir Ris, expected in late 2025 or early 2026.

This upcoming 710-unit EC will likely draw strong interest due to its proximity to Pasir Ris MRT, the Cross Island Line (CRL), and popular schools in the area. On top of that, the last EC launch in Pasir Ris was over twelve years ago — Sea Horizon in 2013.

With just three EC launches in 2025, demand is expected to remain high, particularly among buyers who missed out on Aurelle or are still evaluating options like Otto Place.

ECs as a smart investment play

Beyond affordability, ECs are known for their strong investment potential. Once they reach the 10-year mark, ECs are fully privatised, meaning they can be sold to foreign buyers, significantly widening the pool of potential purchasers.

To get a glimpse of what to expect after ECs are fully privatised:

Next year, 11 ECs with a total of 5,485 units will hit their 10-year milestone. Data indicates that these ECs have recorded price increases ranging from 54.7% to 95.1% since their launch.

Some of the best performers include:

  • The Topiary: 94.8% price growth (now averaging S$1,459 psf)
  • Waterbay: 93.6% growth (now S$1,444 psf)
  • Citylife @ Tampines: 89.1% growth (now S$1,507 psf)

For Otto Place prospective buyers, this history of capital appreciation demonstrates the strong potential for long-term gains, especially as Tengah matures into a vibrant new town.

Should you buy now?

With fewer than 250 EC units left in the primary market and no other launches until year-end, Otto Place offers a rare opportunity. Its strategic Tengah location, competitive pricing, and proximity to MRT stations and top schools make it a compelling choice.

As private property prices continue to rise and new condo launches trend above S$2,000 psf even in the Outside Central Region (OCR), ECs stand out as an affordable alternative for HDB upgraders and first-time homebuyers.

Looking at the strong take-up at launch, Otto Place is expected to follow the previous project’s success with rapid sell-out. Furthermore, as Tengah’s transformation accelerates, early buyers at Otto Place may enjoy a price advantage once the estate’s connectivity and amenities are fully realised.

Have plans to sell your current home for a new launch condo? Book a FREE consultation with 99 advisors or let us help by connecting you with a property agent. 

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