On 18th October 2022, according to a URA circular, the Singapore govt agency updated new guidelines on proportion of bigger units in non-landed residential developments in Central Area of Singapore.
More bigger size units in CBD with new rules : All new flats, condominiums and residential components of commercial and mixed-use developments will be required to provide a minimum of 20% of dwelling units (DUs) with a net internal area of at least 70 sq m.
Where is The Central Area as defined by URA
The Central Area spans 11 Planning Areas: Outram, Museum, Newton, River Valley, Singapore River, Marina South, Marina East, Straits View, Rochor, Orchard and Downtown Core.
Why this rule of more bigger size units in CBD
URA has observed a persistent trend in declining DU sizes for developments in the Central area, and has introduced the revised guideline to ensure a good mix of DU sizes within the Central Area.
The Central Area used to be a place where people just travel TO for work and go home FROM after work. It used to be pretty much a dead town after office hours. However the govt focus for Central Area has shifted to live, work and play. Look at the sale of GLS sites at Marina South.
So now there have been more dedicated efforts to introduce more mixed uses in the Central Area to encourage more people to live in the once quiet area and inject vibrancy.
The threshold of 70 sq m is a reasonable size for small families, taking into account the tighter space constraints in the Central Area.
URA did not impose a cap on the total number of DUs within the Central Area as new developments are less likely to put a strain on local infrastructure.
However, for developments within the Central Area, URA has observed a persistent trend in declining DU sizes. There is thus a need to ensure a good mix of DU sizes within the Central Area to support the planning intention.
Meanwhile, developers are encouraged to provide a good mix of DU sizes to cater to the needs of all segments of the market, including larger families, and avoid a disproportionately large quantity of smaller DUs.
Does this rule apply to developments outside of Central Area
In 2018, URA also lrevised guidelines on maximum allowable number of DUs in non-landed residential developments outside the Central Area.
The maximum allowable number of DUs is derived by dividing the proposed building gross floor area by 85 sq m. Developers were also requested to provide a good mix of unit sizes and to have 20% or more of the DUs with a nett internal area of at least 100sqm and at most 20% of the DUs with a nett internal area of less than 50sqm.
URA says it will continue to monitor and review the guidelines periodically, taking into account factors such as lifestyle changes and infrastructural developments.
