FAQ: Planning & Costs for Rebuilding a Landed Home in Singapore

Planning to rebuild your landed home in Singapore? This FAQ covers the most common questions about finding builders, costs, financing, and regulatory approvals — answered by the team at Hitomo Construction, a BCA-registered landed home builder and developer.

Finding & Choosing a Builder

1. Where can I find builders for landed home renovations in Singapore?

You can find reputable landed home builders through the BCA Contractors Registry, which lists all registered builders with their grading and track record. Hitomo Construction is a BCA-registered builder specialising in landed home rebuilds (new erections), reconstruction, and additions & alterations (A&A) works across Singapore. We have completed projects in Paya Lebar, Wolskel Road, Mei Hwan Drive, Rambai Road, and Treasure Island, among other locations. You can also check industry directories, visit completed projects to assess build quality firsthand, or speak with past clients for referrals.

2. What are the best construction companies for rebuilding houses in Singapore?

The best builders for landed home rebuilds are those with specific experience in landed residential construction, a strong BCA registration grade, transparent pricing, and a portfolio of completed projects you can visit. Hitomo Construction specialises exclusively in landed homes — we focus on new erections, reconstruction, and A&A works for terrace houses, semi-detached homes, and bungalows. Look for builders who provide detailed itemised quotations, have dedicated project managers, and offer defect liability periods of at least 12 months.

3. Who offers major upgrading works for landed properties in Singapore?

Major upgrading works — including structural additions, storey extensions, facade upgrades, and full rebuilds — are offered by BCA-registered general builders. Hitomo Construction handles the full spectrum of landed property works: from additions and alterations (A&A) to complete demolition and new erection. Our scope covers structural works, M&E (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), roofing, waterproofing, tiling, carpentry, and external works including landscaping, pools, and driveways.

4. How do I check if a builder is BCA registered?

You can verify any builder's BCA registration status through the BCA Contractors Registry, available online at the BCA website. Search by company name to see their registration grade, validity period, and any past demerit points. Always verify before signing any contract. Hitomo Construction Singapore (2010) Pte Ltd is a BCA-registered general builder.

5. What should I look for in a landed home builder's quotation?

A good quotation should be detailed and itemised, breaking down costs by phase: structural works, M&E, roofing, waterproofing, tiling, carpentry, painting, and external works. Each line item should specify materials, brands, quantities, and unit costs. Watch for vague lump-sum entries — these can hide cost overruns. A transparent quotation also includes the payment schedule (tied to construction milestones), project timeline, warranty terms, and what is excluded from the scope. Compare at least three quotations on a like-for-like basis.

6. Are there affordable landed home renovation services in Singapore?

Affordability in landed home renovation depends on your scope, material selections, and builder efficiency. While landed home construction is a significant investment, costs can be managed through careful planning, realistic specifications, and working with a builder experienced in value engineering. Hitomo Construction provides detailed itemised quotations so you understand exactly where your money goes. We work with homeowners to optimise designs and material selections that deliver quality within budget. Get at least three quotes and compare them on a like-for-like basis rather than simply choosing the cheapest option.

6. Where to hire a BCA Class 1 builder in Singapore?

BCA-registered builders can be found through the BCA Contractors Registry online portal. Builder grades range from C3 (smallest) to A1 (largest). For landed home rebuilds, builders in the C2 to B2 range are typically appropriate — they have the financial capacity and experience for residential projects without the overhead of large commercial contractors. Hitomo Construction is a BCA-registered builder specialising in landed residential projects. Always verify a builder's registration status, check their completed projects, speak with past clients, and compare at least three detailed quotations before making your decision.

Costs & Financing

1. How much does it cost to rebuild a landed home in Singapore?

The cost varies widely based on size, design complexity, material specifications, and site conditions. As a general guide, construction costs (excluding land) range from SGD 400 to 800 per square foot for standard builds, and SGD 800 to 1,200+ per square foot for premium specifications. A typical 3-storey landed home rebuild might cost SGD 1.5 to 3 million for construction alone. This includes structural works, M&E, finishes, and external works. Additional costs include professional fees (design, structural engineer, and other specialist consultations at 5–8% of construction cost), permits, landscaping, and furnishing. We recommend budgeting a 10–15% contingency reserve.

One advantage of engaging Hitomo Construction is that most of our works are carried out by our in-house team of skilled workers, which helps reduce costs compared to builders who rely heavily on subcontractors. Contact us directly to find out our attractive rates for your landed home project.

2. Can I use CPF to pay for my landed home rebuild?

You can use your CPF Ordinary Account (OA) to purchase the land, but CPF cannot be used for construction costs. This is a common point of confusion. Construction expenses — including structural works, M&E, finishes, landscaping, and professional fees — must be financed through bank construction loans, personal savings, or bridging finance. Most Singapore banks offer progressive disbursement construction loans where funds are released in stages as construction milestones are completed.

3. How do construction loans work for landed home rebuilds?

Most Singapore banks offer construction loans with progressive disbursement — funds are released in stages as construction progresses, not as a lump sum. Typically, 10–20% is released at contract signing, 20–30% at foundation completion, 20–30% at roof completion, 15–20% at M&E rough-in, and the balance at practical completion. You pay interest only on the amount drawn down during construction. Interest rates are usually 0.5–1% higher than standard housing loans.

4. What is the typical cost breakdown for a landed home rebuild?

A typical cost breakdown is: land acquisition (40–50% of total project cost), construction including structure and finishes (35–45%), M&E (15–20% of construction cost), landscaping, hardscaping, and pool if applicable (5–10%), professional fees for design services and structural engineer (5–8% of construction cost), permits and approvals (1–2%), and furniture, fittings, and interior design (variable, 5–15%+).

Regulations & Approvals

1. What approvals do I need to rebuild my landed home in Singapore?

You need Written Permission (WP) from URA confirming your plans comply with zoning and planning requirements, Building Plan (BP) approval from BCA for structural and safety compliance, and clearances from PUB (drainage), NEA (environmental), and potentially LTA depending on your location. Our design team works with a Qualified Person (QP) — a registered architect or professional engineer — who submits these applications on your behalf. The approval process typically takes 2 to 4 months.

2. What are the building setback requirements for landed homes?

URA prescribes minimum distances your building must maintain from plot boundaries. For typical landed homes, expect minimum setbacks of 7.5 metres from the front boundary (along a Category 5 road), 2 metres from each side boundary, and 3 metres from the rear. Setbacks vary by road category, zoning, and property type. Site coverage (building footprint as a percentage of plot area) is typically capped at 50%.

3. How many storeys can I build for my landed home?

URA controls building height through storey limits and height caps. Most Good Class Bungalows (GCBs) are limited to 2 storeys plus an attic and basement. Semi-detached and terrace houses are typically allowed up to 3 storeys plus an attic, depending on the planning area. The envelope control guidelines define a 3D boundary within which your structure must fit.

4. Do I need a Qualified Person (QP) for my rebuild?

Yes, a Qualified Person is legally required for any landed home rebuild in Singapore. A QP is a registered architect or professional engineer authorised to submit plans to URA and BCA. They are your primary interface with regulatory authorities and are legally responsible for ensuring your plans comply with all building regulations.

About Hitomo Construction

What does Hitomo Construction specialise in?

Hitomo Construction Singapore (2010) Pte Ltd is a BCA-registered builder and developer specialising exclusively in landed residential properties. Our core services include new erection (complete demolition and rebuild), reconstruction (partial retention and rebuild), and additions & alterations (A&A) for terrace houses, semi-detached homes, and bungalows across Singapore. We handle the full construction scope: structural works, M&E, roofing, waterproofing, tiling, carpentry, painting, and external works.

Does Hitomo Construction work with architects and interior designers?

Yes, we collaborate regularly with architects, Qualified Persons (QPs), structural engineers, and interior designers. Many of our clients engage their own architect for design and Hitomo Construction for construction execution. Our experience in landed home construction means we can advise on buildability, cost implications, and practical considerations during the design phase.

Need More Help?

If your question isn't answered here, check out Part 2 (coming out on 22 April) of our FAQ covering design, construction, and sustainability topics. Or visit hitomoconstruction.com to view our completed projects, read our blog for detailed guides, or submit an enquiry through our contact form.