May 2026 1st COE Bidding Results: Prices Continue to Surge – Should You Buy or Sell Now?

Marketing SGCD
7 days ago
3 min read

The May 2026 1st COE bidding results are out, and one thing is clear —COE prices are still climbing, with multiple categories hitting new highs again.

Following the strong upward momentum seen throughout March and April, this latest result confirms that the market is still in a bullish phase, with demand continuing to outpace supply.

COE Results Comparison (April vs May 2026)

Category	April 2026 2nd Bidding	May 2026 1st Bidding	Difference
CAT A	$123,010	$124,790	⬆ +$1,780
CAT B	$121,001	$126,236	⬆ +$5,235
CAT C	$83,501	$87,479	⬆ +$3,978
CAT E	$125,002	$127,700	⬆ +$2,698

Key Highlights:

CAT B surged significantly, crossing $126K — a strong signal of premium car demand
CAT C continues steady growth, reflecting business and commercial expansion
CAT E reached a new high, reinforcing overall market strength
Every category recorded an increase — a clear across-the-board uptrend

Market Trend: Sustained Growth Since February

Looking at the broader trend:

February: Market softened
March: Recovery phase began
April: Strong upward momentum
May: Continuation of aggressive price increases

This is now a multi-month upward cycle, which typically indicates:

Strong consumer confidence
Pent-up demand entering the market
Limited COE supply driving competition

Should You Buy or Sell Now?

For Sellers: Prime Time to Cash Out

With COE prices climbing consistently:

Your car’s resale value is likely at or near peak levels
Buyers are willing to pay more due to rising replacement costs
Demand remains strong across most vehicle segments

What this means for you:

This is an ideal time to sell your car at a premium
You can maximise value before any potential market stabilisation
Perfect opportunity to upgrade while demand is high

For Buyers: Be Strategic

Buying in a rising market comes with challenges:

Prices have increased for multiple consecutive biddings
Entering now means paying a premium
However, waiting could still result in even higher prices

Recommended approach:

Buy now if your need is urgent
Consider locking in deals early before further increases
If flexible, monitor the next bidding for possible stabilisation signals

What to Expect in the Next COE Bidding?

Given the strong momentum, here are likely scenarios:

Continued Increase (Most Likely)

Demand remains strong, especially in CAT B and CAT E, which may push prices even higher.

Short-Term Stabilisation

After several rounds of increases, the market may pause briefly as buyers reassess affordability.

Volatility at Peak Levels

At higher price points, bidding behaviour may become more unpredictable.

Overall outlook: Market remains bullish, but approaching a potential resistance zone

Tips to Stay Updated & Predict COE Trends

To stay ahead in the COE market:

Track Consecutive Bidding Movements

Multiple increases in a row indicate strong upward momentum.

Watch CAT B & CAT E Closely

These categories often reflect overall market sentiment and premium demand.

Monitor Dealer Activity

Promotions and inventory levels can signal shifts in demand.

Understand Market Timing

COE trends are influenced by supply cycles, economic outlook, and seasonal demand.

Get Regular Car Valuations

Knowing your car’s latest value helps you act quickly when the market peaks.

Final Thoughts

The May 2026 1st bidding results reinforce a key message: -> COE prices are still rising — and momentum has not slowed.

For sellers, this is a golden opportunity to maximise returns. For buyers, careful planning and timing are more important than ever. As the market continues to climb, staying informed and acting decisively will give you the advantage.

Thinking of selling or upgrading your car? Now might be the best time to take action while prices remain strong. SGCARDEALS is proud to be recognised among Statista’s Top 100 Fastest-Growing Companies, ranking #48 in Asia-Pacific and #14 overall in Singapore — a testament to our trusted results and growing customer base.