Are ECs a better long-term investment than condos?OrangeTee study suggests they are, and makes a case for executive condos as an investment home By　Lee Meixianleemx@sph.com.sg@LeeMeixianBT PRICES of executive condominiums (ECs) do catch up with private condos after the initial five-year minimum occupation period (MOP), and even more so when they are fully privatised 10 years after purchase. A study by OrangeTee has found that the average price gap between new condos and ECs starts at around 20 per cent, due to the sales restrictions that apply to ECs, as well as their lower land and construction costs. But upon fulfilling the MOP and at privatisation, the discount narrows to 9 per cent and 5 per cent respectively. At the end of the MOP, ECs can be sold in the open market to Singaporeans and permanent residents; upon privatisation, ECs can be sold to foreigners. This is not to say that buying an EC is a sure-profit investment, as history shows that much still depends on the initial purchase price. By match (more...)