Executive Summary
The Certificate of Entitlement (COE) market in February 2026 presented a mixed bag for prospective vehicle owners in Singapore. While Category A remained remarkably stable, Category B experienced a notable correction, dropping by $5,889 in the second bidding round despite increased bidding activity. Meanwhile, the Open Category (Cat E) saw intense competition, reflecting strong underlying demand for high-end vehicles and a surge in speculative interest from dealers.
First Bidding Exercise Results
| Vehicle Class | Quota | Bids Received | Bids Success | Premium (SGD) | Over-subscription % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category A | 1,265 | 1,982 | 1,261 | $106,320 | 156.7% |
| Category B | 813 | 966 | 809 | $110,890 | 118.8% |
| Category C | 292 | 420 | 292 | $74,801 | 143.8% |
| Category D | 550 | 645 | 538 | $8,289 | 117.3% |
| Category E | 271 | 462 | 265 | $116,000 | 170.5% |
Second Bidding Exercise Results
| Vehicle Class | Quota | Bids Received | Bids Success | Premium (SGD) | Over-subscription % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category A | 1,289 | 1,975 | 1,289 | $106,501 | 153.2% |
| Category B | 813 | 1,353 | 812 | $105,001 | 166.4% |
| Category C | 294 | 502 | 294 | $74,999 | 170.7% |
| Category D | 548 | 665 | 535 | $7,989 | 121.4% |
| Category E | 239 | 571 | 232 | $112,890 | 238.9% |
Detailed Analysis
Bidding Competition
Demand remained robust across the board, with every category being over-subscribed. Category E (Open) witnessed the most intense competition in the second round, with nearly 2.4 bids for every certificate available. This high over-subscription rate of 238.9% suggests that dealers were aggressive in securing certificates that can be used for any vehicle type, likely anticipating further quota tightening or high-end model launches. Interestingly, Category B saw a massive jump in bids—from 966 to 1,353—representing a 40% increase in participants, yet premiums actually fell. This suggests that the market may have over-corrected in the first round, leading to more cautious, lower-priced bidding in the second.
Premium Movements
The most significant price movement occurred in Category B (larger cars), which fell by 5.31% ($5,889) between the two exercises. In contrast, Category A, which represents smaller cars and electric vehicles with lower power output, showed extreme resilience, ending the month only $181 higher than where it started. Commercial vehicle owners in Category C also saw consistency, with premiums hovering just under the $75,000 mark, indicating a stable environment for business logistics planning.
Category Performance
Category E continues to command the highest premium, closing the month at $112,890. This category often acts as a barometer for luxury car demand. Category D (Motorcycles) was the only category to see a consistent cooling through the month, with premiums dropping from $8,289 to $7,989. While a $300 drop is modest, it offers a slight relief for delivery riders and commuters in the two-wheeler segment.
What This Means for Car Buyers
Category A Buyers (Small Cars)
Price stability is the keyword for Category A. With premiums holding firm above $106,000, there is little sign of a significant downward trend. Buyers should focus on dealer promotions and total package pricing rather than waiting for a substantial drop in COE prices in the near term, as demand remains consistently high at this price floor.
Category B Buyers (Larger Cars)
The $5,889 drop in the second round is a welcome sign for those looking at luxury sedans or larger SUVs. However, the surge in bids received (1,353) suggests that many buyers are waiting on the sidelines for prices to dip. This pent-up demand could act as a support level, preventing prices from falling much further in the upcoming month. If you missed the sub-$110,000 window in the first round, the current price near $105,000 represents a relatively better entry point.
Commercial and Motorcycle Buyers
Category C remains remarkably stable, making it a predictable environment for Singapore businesses to plan their fleet renewals. For motorcyclists, the sub-$8,000 premium is a positive sign, though the competition remains healthy with a 121.4% over-subscription rate. Timing your purchase between rounds seems less critical here than in the car categories.
Market Outlook
The extreme over-subscription in Category E suggests that overall market sentiment remains bullish. Buyers should monitor the next quota announcements closely; any reduction in supply could quickly push these stable prices into another surge. For now, the February results suggest a market that is finding its equilibrium, albeit at a high price point.