Executive Summary
The Certificate of Entitlement (COE) bidding exercises for April 2026 concluded with a general upward trend across most categories. While Category B remained remarkably flat between the two bidding rounds, Category A and the Open Category (Category E) saw notable increases, reflecting a persistent appetite for new vehicles in the Singapore market despite high price levels.
First Bidding Exercise Results
| Vehicle Class | Quota | Bids Received | Bids Success | Premium (SGD) | Over-subscription % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category A | 1,265 | 2,537 | 1,203 | $118,000 | 200.55% |
| Category B | 811 | 1,406 | 796 | $121,000 | 173.37% |
| Category C | 295 | 539 | 292 | $80,001 | 182.71% |
| Category D | 534 | 657 | 531 | $10,000 | 123.03% |
| Category E | 245 | 475 | 245 | $121,001 | 193.88% |
Second Bidding Exercise Results
| Vehicle Class | Quota | Bids Received | Bids Success | Premium (SGD) | Over-subscription % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category A | 1,265 | 2,410 | 1,265 | $123,010 | 190.51% |
| Category B | 811 | 1,194 | 810 | $121,001 | 147.23% |
| Category C | 290 | 494 | 288 | $83,501 | 170.34% |
| Category D | 563 | 684 | 563 | $9,290 | 121.49% |
| Category E | 241 | 494 | 239 | $125,002 | 204.98% |
Detailed Analysis
Bidding Competition
Competition remained fierce throughout April, particularly for smaller passenger cars and the Open Category. Category A saw over-subscription rates hovering near the 200% mark in both rounds, meaning there were twice as many applicants as there were available certificates. The highest level of competition was observed in Category E during the second round, where the over-subscription rate peaked at 204.98%, driving the premium to its monthly high of $125,002.
Premium Movements
The most significant movement occurred in Category A, which jumped by 4.25% (+$5,010) between the first and second rounds. This suggests a renewed urgency among buyers of mass-market cars. Conversely, Category B premiums were uncannily stable, moving by just $1. Commercial vehicles (Category C) also saw a healthy increase of 4.37%, while Category D (Motorcycles) provided the only relief for buyers, with premiums dropping by 7.10% to end the month at $9,290.
Category Performance
Category E continues to lead the market in terms of price, acting as a bellwether for high-end demand. The convergence of Category B and Category E prices (separated by only $1 in the first round) suggests that the market for larger cars has found a temporary ceiling near the $121,000 mark, even as the Open Category pushed higher to break the $125,000 barrier in the second exercise.
What This Means for Car Buyers
Category A Buyers (Small Cars)
The sharp increase in Round 2 suggests that the floor for Category A is rising. Prospective buyers should be prepared for premiums to stay above $120,000 in the near term. If you are looking for a small car, it might be worth watching if the over-subscription rate cools in the coming month before committing.
Category B Buyers (Larger Cars)
With prices holding steady at $121,001, Category B currently represents a smaller premium gap over Category A than usual. For buyers on the fence between a high-end Category A model and a Category B model, the current price proximity may make the larger vehicle class more attractive than it was previously.
Commercial Vehicle and Motorcycle Buyers
Commercial vehicle buyers face rising costs as Category C trends upward. However, the motorcycle market (Category D) is showing signs of cooling. The 7.10% drop in premiums may offer a strategic window for riders to secure a COE before any potential quota adjustments in the next quarter.