Arc EC is completely SOLD OUT.
Arc EC . Tampines EC by Hoi Hup Sunway . Artist’s Impression
Update 12 June 2022: Arc at Tampines has been fully sold for some time. If you have been looking for an executive condominium in a good location, the good news is that Copen Grand EC will be launching soon, possibly in the 4th quarter of this year 2022 or early next year.
This upcoming executive condo has the advantage of Arc EC in being within walking distance of an MRT station, the Tengah station on the Jurong Region Line (JRL). On top of that, it is also within walking distance of Tengah town centre, known as The Market Place. Should you wish to know more, refer to the Copen Grand page. The Copen Grand EC launch is being highly anticipated, as there are not many executive condos that have been given such a convenient site.
In addition, Tengah estate is a new HDB township, that promises to be eco-friendly and sustainable. It is being planned from the ground up with a full suite of amenities, and set amidst plenty of greenery, parks and waterbodies. The developers for this Copen Grand EC is a joint venture of MCL Land and CDL, two of Singapore’s brand-name developers with a wealth of experience and expertise, and solid track records.
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Arc is an executive condominium. It comes with full condominium facilities and gardens, and is set in Tampines Town, which is prized for being a big regional center. Complete range of amenities: malls, supermarkets & food outlets, library, commercial hub, sports & swimming complexes, good schools, and easy access by road or MRT.
In fact, this Tampines EC is just across from Temasek Polytechnic, beyond which is Bedok Reservoir and the greenery of Bedok Reservoir Park, and close to Tampines Quarry Park. Arc EC is distinctive architecturally too – with its sleek forms, curvilinear balconies and Miami style pool.
Reasons to Buy Arc EC
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. Located in Tampines Town, short distance to Tampines Regional Centre and full range of amenities.
. About 1000m from future Tampines West MRT station (upcoming Downtown Line 3).
. In green, quieter part of Tampines: views of Bedok Reservoir & unblocked views to Quarry Park.
. Near educational institutes like St Hilda’s, Tampines JC, Temasek Polytechnic, United World College.
. Full condominium facilities (includes 50m lap pool, jacuzzis, tennis court, etc).
. First time buyers eligible for $30,000 CPF housing grant.
. Deferred Payment Scheme available.
After paying 5% cash + 15% (from CPF) + stamp duty, you don’t have to pay anything more till TOP.
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Arc EC Investment Value
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Reap potential capital gain here when the future Tampines West MRT station comes up nearby.
About $200K cheaper than similar new private condominiums. Proximity to Tampines & Changi Business Parks, Changi Aerospace Park and the airport is likely to offer good potential resale value after 5 year MOP.
The Sunday Times 17 October 2010 reported that “…ECs that have met their MOP has shown a 66.9 per cent price appreciation from 2004 to this year” which is “…higher than the 51.8 per cent price increase in mass market residential homes…”
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Buying Arc EC
This Tampines EC launched for sale end-August 2011. Over 80% sold as of November 2011.
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But what if one doesn’t qualify to buy an executive condominium? Not to worry – there are other, some would say better, options. You could get a private condominium instead. And the advantage is that some of these are within walking distance of an MRT station. Such as the Antares condominium.
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THE ANTARES CONDO @ MATTAR MRT STATION
The Antares is a new condominium project that is being developed by FSKH Development, a joint venture of Keong Hong, Hock Lian Seng Holdings and TA Corporation. Like Arc at Tampines, it is located in the east of Singapore.
However, the Antares condo is more conveniently located than Arc, being right beside Mattar MRT station, barely 100 metres away from it. That it is a prime parcel of land is borne out by the fact that there were 10 bids for this Government Land Sale (GLS) site.
This is hardly surprising as the Antares condo occupies a city fringe site in between the mature residential estates of Potong Pasir and Paya Lebar, that is a growth area. It should appeal to both investors looking for a place that would attract tenants, as well owner-occupiers looking for a home for their family.
Having the Canossa Convent Primary School, and MacPherson Primary School next door and within less than 3 minutes walk away respectively from the Antares condo site, should help too.
The Antares showflat opened for its initial preview the first half of 2019. The floor plans are available.
ALTERNATIVE CONDOMINIUM LAUNCHES
Besides the Antares, there are other private condominiums to consider as well. If you are a die-hard Tampines fan, there is Treasure at Tampines. At around the same time as the Treasure condo is launching, there is Florence Residences too.
Both are mega-launches, likely at the end of 2018, or more probably in early 2019. Florence Residences is located at Hougang in the Kovan area, while the Treasure condo at Tampines, as its name implies, sits in the Tampines neighbourhood on the other side of the estate from Arc at Tampines.
Treasure at Tampines will have a massive 2,203 units and was originally the Tampines Court HUDC site. It was sold in a collective tender, one of the largest around. See the news report of the en-bloc sale.
While the Florence Residences that sits on a slightly smaller plot of land that was the original Florence Regency HUDC site, will have at most 1,300 units. Both parcels of land are zoned for 2.8 plot ratio, that typically equates to 14 storey apartment blocks occupying around 30% of the site area.
The remaining land will be used for landscaping and communal facilities. In these two cases, we can expect a pretty sumptuous spread of facilities, including probably a few pools and water features too.
The unit mix for both Treasure at Tampines and the Florence Residences will cover the same types. These will include one bedders, one bedroom + study, 2 bedroom, 2 bedroom + study, 3 bedroom, 3 bedroom premium, 3 bedroom + study, 4 bedroom and 5 bedroom units.
Both projects are not within easy walking distance of an MRT station. However if you don’t mind walking a slightly longer distance, then it is possible to get to Simei MRT station within about 9 minutes from Treasure at Tampines. Whereas from the Florence Residences to Kovan MRT station takes around 11 minutes, going via the smaller lanes like Simon Lane and Simon Road.
Access to amenities is similarly tied to the MRT stations. There are neighbourhood malls at both locations. Besides the Heartland Mall at Kovan, and even Kovan wet market and food centre, residents at the Florence Residences can also opt to walk over to Hougang Town Centre and MRT station as an alternative.
Whereas where executive condos are concerned, there are not many. In fact, there was only one launch in 2018, Rivercove EC in Sengkang. The next executive condo to launch after that is the Piermont Grand EC in Punggol, at Sumang Link and fronting a narrower stretch of the Punggol Waterway. The developer for that is City Developments in conjunction with TID (part of the Hong Leong Group).
Piermont Grand will likely launch its showflat for e-applications somewhere around June to July 2019. Like Arc EC, it will be subject to all the eligibility conditions of sale. Expectations are that the Piermont Grand EC will sell out quickly too, just like for Rivercove EC, given the lack of new EC launches lately. Analysts expect the pricing to be in the $1,1xx to $1,2xx PSF range, which will make it the highest priced EC on average to date.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Arc EC open for booking?
Tentative Launch Dates
Showflat Viewing & E-Application: Opens 31st August to 5th September 2011
Balloting & Booking: 8th September 2011
Basically whoever wants to book a unit on 8th September, must do the e-application by 5th September latest.
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What must I do to book a unit?
Let us know of your interest and we will send you the application form and procedures.
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Am I eligible to buy The Arc?
You are if:
. You are a Singapore citizen and a member of your family nucleus is a Singapore citizen or PR.
. At least 21 years old.
. Your total monthly household income does not exceed $12,000. (Note: this has been revised upwards to $16,000 for the ECs launched after 2019, such as the Piedmont Grand and Copen Grand EC launch. See the Copen Grand EC launch page if interested.)
. You form an essential family nucleus as defined by HDB.
. You & your partner have not bought a flat direct from HDB or with a grant more than once.
. None of your family nucleus has owned private property within the last 30 months.
That was the quick answer; for details and full criteria, see Arc EC Eligibility.
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What makes Arc EC a good buy?
While subject to the usual EC purchase & sale restrictions, in exchange Arc Tampines EC is:
. Priced at average $700+ psf, which is about 20% lower than new private condos.
. You still get a full condo with complete facilities & quality finishes and fittings.
. Can be sold to Singapore citizens or PRs after 5 years, or rented out then.
. Fully privatized after 10 years and can be sold to foreigners or developers then.
. Value then typically rises to match private condos – potentially reaping capital gains.
In addition:
. Unique architecture: curved wave-like balconies & Miami-styled resort pool.
. Design of Arc EC is extremely functional and well thought out; a joy to live in.
. Efficient layouts in the units maximizes space with little wastage.
. Cruciform blocks which is very good for cross-ventilation & light; some units with dual frontage.
. Some units get reservoir or Quarry Park views.
. Eco-green Bauwerk timber flooring from Switzerland (real hardwood parquet) in bedrooms.
Eligible first-timers who buy Arc can also apply for the CPF housing grant of up to $30,000, which can be used to help pay the 15% downpayment.
Second-timers do not have to pay a resale levy.
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Do I have to pay any admin charges or commissions or agent fees?
No, no charge at all. We will provide you all the information, and help you book your unit directly from the developer, without charging you a cent.
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What is an EC?
An Executive Condominium, or EC, is like a private condominium with facilities, except that it is sold with eligibility and ownership restrictions similar to that for public (ie. HDB) housing. (See Arc EC Eligibility for what the restrictions are.)
The maximum household income ceiling is $12,000 instead of the $10,000 for HDB flats.
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What’s the payment schedule like for Arc EC?
If you are NOT currently paying off a housing loan:
- First 5% cash (via a cheque) at time of booking the unit.
- Next 15% within 9 weeks (typically) of booking the unit. This 15% can be from CPF Housing Grant, or from CPF funds, or from cash.
- The remaining 80% can be from CPF funds, bank loan, or cash. This is payable progressively, which means you (or the bank if you take a loan) pays out the money as and when construction work reaches certain stages. If you take a loan, your monthly instalments start small and slowly increase.
If currently paying off a housing loan:
- First 5% cash (via a cheque) at time of booking the unit.
- Next 15% within 9 weeks (typically) of booking the unit. Of this 5% must be from your own cash, and the remaining 10% can be from CPF Housing Grant (if eligible), or from CPF funds, or from cash.
- When foundation works complete, another 10% is payable to the developer. This can be from CPF funds, or cash.
- When reinforced concrete (RC) framework is completed, another 10% is payable to the developer. This can be from CPF funds, or cash.
- The remaining 60% can be from CPF funds, bank loan, or cash. This is payable progressively, which means that you (or the bank if you take a loan) pays out the money as and when construction work reaches certain stages. So if you take a loan, your monthly instalments start small and slowly increases.
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Can I take a HDB loan instead of a bank loan?
ECs are not eligible for HDB loans.
Source: HDB Website
