Singapore unveils new regulations to halt the spread of tiny ‘shoebox’ flats
Stricter regulations will limit the number of units in new blocks of private flats and condominiums
Singapore on Wednesday announced stricter guidelines on the maximum number of units in new blocks of private flats and condominiums in a move to tackle what authorities have called “excessive development of shoebox units” in the island-state.
The guidelines, which apply to applications for developments outside the central area received on or after January 17 next year, tighten rules first introduced in 2012.
Singapore this year unveiled its strongest property cooling measures in five years, including extra taxes on developers that had been paying record sums to buy land for residential use.
“With the revised guidelines, developers are encouraged to provide a wide range of unit sizes that will cater to the diverse needs of all segments of the market, including larger families,” the Urban Redevelopment Authority said in a circular posted on its website.
“The guidelines will also help moderate the reduction in dwelling unit sizes, safeguard the liveability of our residential estates and ensure that the local infrastructure will not be overly strained.”