The first Certificate of Entitlement (COE) bidding exercise for September 2025 closed with a continuation of the upward trend in most categories, pushing car ownership costs even higher. Categories A, B, and E all recorded significant gains, while Category C showed a slight correction and Category D saw a modest rise. These results reinforce the broader narrative of strong underlying demand meeting limited supply, with premiums in several categories now firmly above six-figure territory.
Table of September 2025 1st bid COE results
Category A (Small Cars and EVs)
Category A premiums jumped to $107,889, an increase of $3,365 from the last round. Quota rose slightly to 1,275 COEs, but demand remained high with 1,844 bids received. Despite a higher allocation, the sharp rise in premiums demonstrates strong competition in this segment.
The demand for compact cars and entry-level EVs reflects their relative affordability compared to larger vehicles. With COE prices here crossing the $100,000 mark, families and budget-conscious buyers are under pressure, yet the willingness to pay more suggests confidence in long-term car ownership. Buyers who delay may face further increases if demand sustains.
Category B (Large Cars and EVs)
Category B closed at $127,501, up $3,101. With 1,186 bids for 790 available COEs, competition remained intense. This category has consistently been one of the most expensive, reflecting strong demand for luxury sedans, SUVs, and high-performance EVs.
The steady increase indicates that buyers in this segment are less sensitive to price hikes. Many are affluent individuals or fleet operators who prioritize securing certificates over cost. While the rate of increase is slower than in previous months, the absolute premium is at record-high levels, suggesting little relief for buyers in the near future.
Category C (Goods Vehicles and Buses)
Category C bucked the broader trend with a decline, closing at $71,556, down $634. Quota increased to 283 COEs, and bids totaled 401, resulting in a more balanced ratio compared to earlier bidding rounds.
The correction suggests that recent sharp increases may have dampened some demand, particularly among smaller operators sensitive to costs. However, this level is still significantly higher than early-year benchmarks, highlighting the ongoing demand for commercial transport. Businesses should continue to factor in elevated COE costs when planning fleet expansions.
Category D (Motorcycles)
Category D premiums rose slightly to $9,101, an increase of $292. With 633 bids chasing 540 COEs, demand remains steady but not overheated.
The stability in this category reflects both increased quota allocation and moderated demand growth. While premiums are higher than earlier this year, the category remains the most affordable entry point to vehicle ownership. For riders, this round’s result confirms that motorcycle COEs are holding steady, though the modest rise warns that prices may climb again if supply tightens.
Category E (Open Category)
Category E surged to $127,901, up $2,900. There were 489 bids for 256 COEs, indicating strong oversubscription. This category, often used by bidders for larger cars when Category B is highly competitive, is now closely aligned in price with Cat B, reflecting the spillover demand.
The result underscores the premium buyers are willing to pay for flexibility, especially when seeking high-powered or luxury vehicles. For many, the open category has become a necessary option despite the high cost, signaling continued robust demand at the top end of the market.
Market Overview and Key Trends
The latest September 2025 1st bid COE results highlight several themes:
- Broad-based demand: Categories A, B, and E all recorded significant increases, showing strong consumer appetite despite higher costs.
- Commercial adjustment: Category C’s slight drop points to some resistance in the business sector, though overall levels remain elevated.
- Motorcycle resilience: Category D is stable, providing the only relatively affordable entry point into vehicle ownership.
- Psychological thresholds broken: With Cat A now firmly above $100,000 and Cat B/E near $128,000, the market is adapting to record-high costs as the new normal.
Strategic Advice for Car Buyers
For prospective buyers, these results underscore the importance of timing and strategy:
- Small car buyers (Cat A): Delaying purchases risks facing even higher premiums. If securing a vehicle is essential, it may be prudent to commit sooner.
- Luxury buyers (Cat B/E): Expect little relief in the short term. Consider whether immediate ownership outweighs potential cost savings from waiting. Fleet operators should budget for sustained high costs.
- Commercial buyers (Cat C): Use the slight correction to your advantage, but plan for continued elevated prices in the longer term.
- Motorcycle buyers (Cat D): This remains the most stable segment and an opportunity for those considering two-wheelers as a more affordable alternative.
Conclusion
The latest September 2025 1st bid COE results reaffirm the resilience of demand in Singapore’s vehicle market. With premiums climbing in most categories, car buyers must adopt a pragmatic strategy: act quickly if ownership is urgent, or stay patient and monitor quota announcements for potential relief. In either case, the market shows no sign of returning to lower levels, making informed decision-making more important than ever.
