Using CPF Funds to Finance Your HDB Flat or Private Property in Singapore: A Comprehensive Guide
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TLDR
Building a landed property in Singapore can be a costly endeavor, with prices ranging from $300 to $500 per square foot for a built-up area. For a 3,000 square foot home, expect to spend around $1.2 million on construction alone, excluding land costs. Factors like the number of levels, basement inclusion, and demolition of existing structures can increase expenses. Additions and Alterations (A&A) offer a cost-effective alternative but come with restrictions. Professional fees for architects and engineers should also be budgeted. Overall, plan for a budget of approximately $1.5 million for a basic 3,000 square foot landed property, including construction and professional fees.
For a built-up area of 3,000 square feet, anticipate a budget of at least $1.2 million, not counting the land cost.
In Singapore, most real estate is acquired as finished units from developers. Whether it’s a new HDB flat, a condominium, or a landed property, the purchase price usually encompasses the construction expenses. In the case of HDB flats, condominiums, or cluster homes, the price also includes the amenities offered within the development.
As a homeowner in Singapore, you typically only need to pay for the construction of your home if you own land and choose to build or renovate a landed property. But what would this expense entail?
Cost Of Building A Landed Property
The expense of constructing a landed property can differ greatly based on your particular needs, but you can typically anticipate a price range of $300 to $500 per square foot (PSF) for the built-up area. If we take an average cost of $400 PSF, building a landed property with a built-up area of 3,000 square feet would roughly amount to around $1.2 million. This estimate does not include the price of the land, interior furnishings, or any specialized carpentry work.
Additionally, there are several other factors that may contribute to an increase in your overall costs.
Levels Count: The cost of construction is influenced by the number of levels in a home. For example, a 3,000 square foot residence distributed over three levels (with each level being 1,000 square feet) will incur higher building expenses compared to one that is spread over two levels (1,500 square feet per level). This is due to the fact that multi-level constructions require more structural support and materials.
Incorporating a basement into a structure can be quite costly, primarily because of the extra excavation and reinforcement needed. Industry experts suggest that building a basement can greatly elevate the total expenses. Typically, it is more economical to expand vertically by adding additional floors to enhance the gross floor area, rather than opting for a basement construction.
Dismantling of the Current Structure: Should you require the demolition of an existing building, expenses will fluctuate based on the state of the current structure and its closeness to adjacent properties. As a general guideline, it’s wise to allocate a budget ranging from $100,000 to $200,000 for the demolition process.
The usual timeframe for constructing a landed property is around six months. Nevertheless, this duration can stretch to a year or longer based on the project’s scale and any unforeseen challenges or delays that may arise.
Another aspect to consider is the variation order. Although the original contract might fit your budget, unforeseen additional work can lead to an increase in the construction costs of your property.
Additions & Alterations (A&A)
To save on expenses, homeowners might opt for Additions & Alterations (A&A) rather than undertaking a complete rebuild.
As per URA regulations, any proposed A&A work must not exceed 50% of the previously approved gross floor area. Furthermore, the removal and replacement of external walls cannot exceed 50% of the approved external wall area. Changes or replacements to the roof should not include the addition of an extra storey. Essentially, there are restrictions on what can be done in A&A projects.
Generally, the total cost for A&A works is lower due to the more limited scope of work involved. However, it’s important to consider that A&A projects may encounter greater construction challenges, as contractors will need to navigate around the existing structure. This can lead to increased complexity and potential issues throughout the project.
Professional Fees
Alongside construction expenses, it is essential to allocate funds for the professional fees of external consultants involved in the project. These fees encompass services like architectural design, engineering, and project management.
Overall Budget
To reconstruct a basic landed property roughly measuring 3,000 square feet, it’s advisable to allocate a budget of around $1.5 million. This estimate encompasses construction expenses, professional fees, and various associated costs.
Should You Buy, Sell or Wait?
If you’re reading this, you must be trying to figure out the best course of action right now: is it the right time to buy or sell?
It’s difficult to give an exact answer since everyone’s situation is unique and what works for one person may not necessarily work for you.
I can bring you a wealth of on-the-ground experience and a data-driven approach to provide clarity and direction. From beginners to experienced investors, our top-down, objective approach will help you on your real estate journey.
I can help you by:
- Offering Strategic Real Estate Advice – I can help create a comprehensive plan to guide you through your property journey.
- Connecting Your Home with the Perfect Buyers – Through stunning visuals, an effective communication strategy, and an in-depth knowledge of the market, we’ll ensure your home is presented in the best possible way to fulfill your goals.
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