Here's the impact of the new property measures on August home sales

Stonger demand for EC segment.

According to OCBC Investment Research, URA reported that a headline total of 1,468 new private homes (including 726 EC units) were sold in Aug 2013, which was up 147% MoM and down 5% YoY.

OCBC noted that the market is still finding its legs after the TDSR measures which have pushed buyers to further focus on issues of availability of credit and affordability.

One key impact is that significant demand has moved to the EC segment, which allows for HDB upgraders to access larger amounts of credit versus private property. EC sales were bullish in Aug 13 with 726 units sold – this constituted 49% of the 1,468 headline number and increased a whopping 548% MoM and 515% YoY.

EC projects launched in Aug 13 showed strong take-up rates, with Ecopolitan (512 total units, Punggol Walk) selling 335 units at a median S$793 psf and Lush Acres (380 total units, Sengkang West Way) selling 311 units at a median S$790 psf.