Before signing a lease for a Singapore shophouse unit, check its last approved use in URA SPACE where available. Search by the exact address and unit, then compare the recorded use with what you intend to do there. If the public map does not show the information, URA offers a separate Enquiry on Approved Use of Premises.
If the recorded use and your intended activity differ, check whether you need planning permission for a change of use before committing to the tenancy or renovation. A use that URA identifies as potentially allowable still needs to be checked against the requirements for the specific premises and proposal. Read URA’s change-of-use guidance.
- Take down the street address, storey and unit number.
- Describe the proposed activity and the parts of the premises it would use.
- Check the last approved use and the applicable change-of-use route.
- Confirm any separate operating, building or lease requirements before spending on fit-out.
Jump to a section
Look up the right premises
Start in URA SPACE and look for the information on allowable and approved uses. Confirm that the record covers the exact unit and floor you were shown. A ground-floor unit and an upstairs unit can raise different questions even where both are advertised under the same street address.
| Question | Where to start |
|---|---|
| What use is currently recorded as approved for the unit? | URA SPACE or Enquiry on Approved Use of Premises |
| Could our proposed use be considered? | URA’s change-of-use guidance for the address and activity |
| Do we need permission or another submission? | The applicable URA requirements for the proposed change |
| Can we carry out the fitting-out works and operate? | Check landlord terms and any separate authority requirements for the works or activity |
URA’s approved-use enquiry looks at a single unit. If you are applying and you do not own it, URA says you must obtain written consent from the owner. Its enquiry page also directs users to separate information for certain premises under public agencies. Read the requirements for the approved-use enquiry.
Back to contents · Next section
Turn a listing description into a specific question
Imagine a family considering a second-floor space for small classes. The listing says “commercial unit.” The family can ask the owner for the exact unit details, check its last approved use, and describe how the rooms would be used, who would visit and how often. URA gives a change from shop to commercial school as an example that may need planning permission.
Write down the intended use in enough detail for the owner and relevant agencies to understand it. Keep answers about permitted use, premises works and any operating requirements in separate lines. The landlord’s willingness to lease the premises for your intended activity is one part of that process.
Back to contents · Next section
Record what you need before making a commitment
Save the address, date, search result and any conditions you receive. Ask the owner to confirm what documents they can provide and when. If permission is still outstanding, discuss how the proposed lease deals with approval, payments and any fit-out deadline before you sign.
Back to contents · Next section
Frequently asked questions
Can URA’s approved-use enquiry tell me whether a proposed change will be allowed?
It reports the approved use of the premises. Use URA’s change-of-use guidance for the proposed activity. Open the approved-use enquiry.
Can I use an approval for another unit in the same building?
Check the unit and scope shown on the record. If you need to read a planning decision for the property, see the guide to checking planning approvals in URA SPACE.