Top 5 Things to Know Before Rebuilding a Landed Property in Singapore

New Erection / Rebuild @ Mei Hwan Drive

🏠 Top 5 Things to Know Before Rebuilding a Landed Property in Singapore

Rebuilding your landed home can be one of the most exciting — and complex — property journeys you’ll ever take in Singapore. Whether you’re upgrading a dated terrace or tearing down a semi-D for a fresh start, a new erection project requires serious planning, compliance, and the right professional team.

Here are the top 5 things every homeowner should know before starting a rebuild in 2025.

1. ✅ You Need Planning Permission from URA and Approval from BCA

A new erection project isn’t just about hiring a contractor and knocking down walls. You must first get:

• Planning permission from URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority)

• Building Plan approval from BCA (Building and Construction Authority)

• Additional clearances from SCDF, PUB, and NParks where applicable

Even if your rebuild falls within envelope control guidelines, it still needs formal approval. Your Qualified Person (QP) — an architect and engineer — will manage this, but the homeowner is ultimately responsible for compliance (aka homeowner has to give the ultimate green light to proceed).

2. 👷 Only a BCA-Registered Builder Can Handle New Erection Projects

According to BCA regulations, you must appoint a licensed builder (with a Builder Licence under the Building Control Act) to execute new erection works. For full rebuilds of landed property, a Class 1 Builder is recommended, especially for:

• Complex structural elements

• ERSS (excavation retention) works

• Hoarding, and temporary works coordination

At Hitomo Construction, we are proud to be a BCA Class 1 Builder, trusted for high-end landed rebuilds throughout Singapore.

3. 📏 There Are Envelope Control Rules and Site Constraints

Landed rebuilds must comply with:

• Envelope Control Guidelines (max height, setbacks, attic rules)

• Site coverage and platform level controls

• Tree protection (if under NParks’ list)

• Driveway alignment and gradient (for corner plots or sloped sites)

What you imagine on Pinterest may not fit your URA zoning or site footprint.

This is why engaging your architect and builder early together can save you costly rework and approval delays.

4. 🧱 Soil Conditions and Foundation May Affect Cost Significantly

Not all landed plots are equal — the soil condition beneath your home can drastically impact construction cost and complexity.

For example:

• Clayey or loose soil may require deep piling

• Sloped land may need retaining structures and cut/fill works

• Sites near drains may need additional PUB or NEA clearances

💡 A soil investigation (SI) is highly recommended before finalizing structural design.

5. 💸 You’ll Need a Budget Beyond the Construction Quote

The construction cost is just one part of the total rebuild investment.

Common cost components:

• Construction (e.g., $320–450 psf depending on finish)

• Professional fees (architect, engineer, surveyor)

• URA/BCA submission fees

• Temporary services (water, electricity, site toilet)

• Interior design and furnishings

• Retaining walls, drainage, or piling (if needed)

Always include a 10–15% contingency buffer for site variation works or material upgrades.

📞 Ready to Rebuild the Right Way?

At Hitomo Construction, we’ve helped homeowners rebuild their homes with confidence, compliance, and quality. From design coordination to authority submissions and on-site execution, we guide you through every step of your landed rebuild.

👉 Contact us today to schedule a site visit or project briefing session.