HOW TO SELECT YOUR LANDED PROPERTY (PART I)

3 Things a Home Owner in Singapore can look out for, before shortlisting a potential site (land) for purchase

Tip #1

Observe your neighbour’s building height

The prevailing planning control for landed housing areas in Singapore are typically Good Class Bungalow Areas (GCBA), 2 storey landed areas or 3 storey landed areas. A 2 storey landed will typically imply a total built up height of 12m inclusive of Attic. A 3 storey landed will typically imply a total built up height of 15.5m. (These may be subjected to other height control measures that can only be determined after further site investigation).

A general rule of thumb is that your permitted building height will typically be like your adjacent neighbour’s.

Tip #2

Observe the site for unusual setback

Unusual setback within the compound of your potential house or your adjacent neighbour’s home may imply that there is a hidden minor sewer line on site. For an interlocked land, it is typically easier to spot irregular setbacks or anomalies. For corner lots, it may be harder to observe on site as sewers may cut through the lot at an angle.

It is not uncommon that houses will have to be setback from the minor sewer pipeline. Depending on the sewer depth, the minimum setback distance ranges from 1m – 2m on each side of the minor sewer line.

Tip #3

Observe the potentials for change in property status

For land sited in the mixed landed areas, your property may have the potential to be redeveloped from corner terrace to a pair of semi-detached, or from a semi-detached to a bungalow if your land and the adjacent neighbour’s land meet the following criteria:

The plot size and width are sufficient to allow the change, and
The adjacent neighbour’s land that you are detaching from, may be rebuilt to a property of equivalent status.

You may read more by referring to URA’s prevailing guidelines about redeveloping houses.

Unsure? Write in to us today to book an appointment.

SWING ARCHITECTS is an architectural design & consultancy firm based in Singapore, specialising in boutique Architectural & Interior design.

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