Answer
Condo vs EC Maintenance Fees — Singapore 2026
Executive Condos and private condos look similar but the monthly maintenance bill can differ by $150–$400/mo. Here is what you are actually paying for.
Answer: EC maintenance fees range from $200–$450/mo depending on unit size, while private condo fees run $300–$800/mo. The gap comes from fewer luxury facilities, simpler landscaping, and more units sharing costs in ECs. Over 10 years, you save $24,000–$35,000 in maintenance on an EC vs a comparable private condo.
Maintenance Fee Comparison by Unit Size
Includes MCST contribution + sinking fund. Ranges reflect OCR/RCR developments.
| Unit Type | MCST Fee | Sinking Fund | Total/Mo |
|---|---|---|---|
| EC (2-Bed, ~700 sqft) | $200–$280 | $60–$85 | $260–$365 |
| EC (3-Bed, ~1,000 sqft) | $280–$380 | $85–$115 | $365–$495 |
| EC (4-Bed, ~1,300 sqft) | $350–$450 | $105–$135 | $455–$585 |
| Condo (1-Bed, ~500 sqft) | $250–$350 | $75–$105 | $325–$455 |
| Condo (2-Bed, ~750 sqft) | $350–$500 | $105–$150 | $455–$650 |
| Condo (3-Bed, ~1,100 sqft) | $450–$650 | $135–$195 | $585–$845 |
| Condo (4-Bed, ~1,500 sqft) | $600–$800 | $180–$240 | $780–$1,040 |
What You Get for Your Money
Typical facilities comparison — EC vs private condo
| Facility | EC | Private Condo |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming Pool | Standard (1 pool) | Multiple (lap, kids, jacuzzi) |
| Gym | Basic equipment | Full gym, yoga/pilates studio |
| Tennis Court | Rare | Common in mid/large developments |
| BBQ Pits | 2–4 pits | 4–8+ pits, pavilions |
| Function Room | 1 room | 1–3 rooms, clubhouse |
| Security | Guard + CCTV | Guard + CCTV + smart access |
| Concierge | No | Some luxury developments |
| Landscaping | Basic | Premium, rooftop gardens |
10-Year Total Maintenance Cost
Assumes 3-bedroom unit, ~3.5% annual fee increase
| Property Type | Current/Mo | Year 1 | 10-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| EC (3-Bed) | $380 | $4,560 | $52,700 |
| Private Condo (3-Bed) | $580 | $6,960 | $80,400 |
| Luxury Condo (3-Bed) | $850 | $10,200 | $117,800 |
EC vs private condo difference over 10 years: ~$27,700 on a 3-bedroom unit.
When Maintenance Fees Tip the Decision
On a $1.2M EC with $380/mo maintenance vs a $1.5M condo with $580/mo maintenance, the condo costs you $200/mo more in fees alone. That is $2,400/yr or $24,000 over 10 years — on top of the higher purchase price. Factor maintenance into your total cost of ownership, not just the sticker price.
Compare the full cost of EC vs condo
Factor in purchase price, stamp duty, maintenance, and monthly mortgage to see which is the better deal for you.
Affordability CalculatorFAQ
Why are EC maintenance fees lower than private condo fees?
ECs typically have fewer luxury facilities (no tennis court, smaller pools, fewer lifts), lower land costs, and more efficient layouts with higher unit counts to spread costs across. MCSTs for ECs also tend to be more cost-conscious since residents are mostly young families on tighter budgets.
Do EC maintenance fees increase after privatisation?
Not automatically. Privatisation at year 10 changes the legal status (foreigners can buy) but does not change MCST operations. However, older developments naturally face higher maintenance costs — lifts, pool equipment, repainting — which push fees up. Expect 3–5% annual increases regardless of privatisation status.
What is included in condo and EC maintenance fees?
Both cover the same categories: common area cleaning, security, lift maintenance, pool and gym upkeep, landscaping, pest control, fire insurance for common property, and sinking fund contribution (typically 25–30% of the total fee). The difference is the scale and quality of facilities maintained.
Can the MCST increase maintenance fees without owner approval?
The management council can propose increases, but significant changes must be approved at an Annual General Meeting (AGM) by majority vote. In practice, most MCSTs raise fees 3–5% annually to keep pace with costs. Owners can vote against increases at the AGM.
How do I check maintenance fees before buying?
For new launches, the developer provides estimated maintenance fees in the sales brochure. For resale, ask the agent for the latest MCST statement or check the most recent AGM minutes. You can also request the audited accounts from the managing agent. Always check the sinking fund balance — a low balance may mean a special levy is coming.
Related
Last updated Feb 2026. Fees based on OCR/RCR developments. Actual fees vary by development, unit share value, and MCST decisions.