You may be able to extend an older strata landed home in Singapore if the proposed work meets the applicable planning controls. URA says new additions and alterations to units approved under earlier landed housing guidelines must comply with the permissible building envelope. If the existing building already exceeds that envelope, new works must not further increase its bulk, and URA assesses such applications case by case.
Before pricing an extension, ask a Qualified Person to compare the approved drawings, the existing building and the proposed work. The building envelope depends on the landed housing type, setbacks and storey height. Read URA’s envelope control guidance for strata landed homes.
- Confirm the type of strata landed unit and obtain its approved drawings.
- Describe the proposed work in plan and elevation.
- Ask how the current envelope applies and whether the work increases building bulk.
- Check any separate requirements for estate approval and other permissions.
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Check the drawings together
| What you want to know | What to compare |
|---|---|
| How far the house currently extends | The approved drawings and what exists on site |
| Where the new space would go | The proposed plan and the applicable envelope |
| Whether the work affects the height or bulk | Elevations and sections reviewed by the Qualified Person |
| Whether it affects shared property or the estate | The strata documents and applicable estate requirements |
Suppose a family wants to enclose an outdoor space for a study. Ask the Qualified Person to mark the enclosure on the drawing and check the building envelope, any change in bulk and other requirements. If the house was built under earlier rules, ask how the existing approved building is treated for the particular proposal.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I copy the extension on the unit next door?
A neighbouring extension may reflect different approvals or site details. Use your unit’s records and the current controls to assess your own proposal.
What if I am buying the house and the extension is already there?
Ask for the approved drawings and check how the work is recorded. See how to check a landed home’s extension before buying.