5 Biggest Mistakes I Made When Starting Out In Singapore Property Investing
Investing in Singapore property can be an excellent way to generate passive income and build long-term wealth. However, like any...
Read More
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.
You May Also Like …
Property Unpacked: Is GLS Impacting Property Values?
TLDR The Government Land Sales (GLS) program in Singapore is critical for developers to obtain development land, with sites released...
Read More
6 Indicators and Measures to Determine if Your Home Has Unrecognized Profits
TLDR The booming real estate market presents opportunities for homeowners to profit from selling their properties. Two key signs that...
Read More
Top 5 : Greatest Challenges That Investors Face In Singapore’s Real Estate Market
Singapore's real estate market is a dynamic and attractive investment landscape for both local and international investors. Known for its...
Read More
Looking To Buy An Older HDB Flat? Here’s What You Need To Know Before You Sign On The Dotted Line!
TLDR When considering purchasing an older flat, ensure to thoroughly inspect wet areas for leaks, check balcony conditions, watch out...
Read More
Top 5 Key Factors that Affect Singapore’s Property Prices?
Singapore's property market has always been a topic of interest for both local and international investors. The city-state's real estate...
Read More
5 Key Factors that Affect Singapore’s Property Prices
Singapore, a thriving city-state known for its impressive skyline and robust economy, has one of the most dynamic and competitive...
Read More
Top 5 Tips: Gain an Edge in the Singapore Property Market: Steps to Boost Your Investment Returns
The Singapore property market has always been a hotbed for investors looking to make substantial returns on their investments. As...
Read More
5 Exciting Trends Shaping Singapore’s Property Market for Future Buyers After 2024
TLDR When it comes to the evolving landscape of property development in Singapore, developers are facing new challenges and opportunities....
Read More
5 Insider Tips From Real Estate Experts On How To Get The Best Deal On Property In Singapore
Investing in property can be a great way to build wealth and secure your financial future. However, with Singapore's highly...
Read More
How to Maximise Your Home Value Before Selling : 6 Simple Steps
TLDR When looking to sell your home, consider simple ways to boost its value without costly renovations. Organize living spaces,...
Read More
Resale Viewing Do’s and Don’ts: Expert Advice from a Singapore Real Estate Agent
TLDR The blog post provides valuable insights for first-time buyers on navigating the resale property market in Singapore. It covers...
Read More
Top 5 Rooftop Bars in Singapore with Amazing Views
Top 5 Rooftop Bars in Singapore with Amazing Views Singapore, the Lion City, is known for its stunning skyline and...
Read More
5 Must-Know Questions Before Investing in Real Estate
TLDR When considering whether to buy a new development or a resale property, it can be challenging. In the blog...
Read More
What Is The Best Location To Purchase A House To Ensure Your Child Has The Highest Probability Of Attending A Well-Renowned Primary School?
TLDR Parents often seek homes within 1km of desired primary schools to increase enrollment chances. Consider oversubscription rates and population...
Read More
Here’s How Property Data Can Be Misleading: Navigating Through Common Misunderstandings
TLDR When comparing property prices, discrepancies can arise due to various factors like timing of purchase, scarcity in niche projects,...
Read More
Why Aren’t Spacious, Wallet-Friendly Homes Our Reality Yet?
TLDR The article discusses the current housing market in Singapore, focusing on the challenges faced by individuals like Sherlyn Tan...
Read More
Powering The Lion City: The Top 5 Industries Driving Singapore’s Economy
Powering The Lion City: The Top 5 Industries Driving Singapore's Economy Singapore is widely recognized as one of the most...
Read More
Top 5 : Key Reasons to Invest in Industrial Property in Singapore
Singapore, a small yet densely populated country, has emerged as a significant player in the global industrial property market. Its...
Read More
HDB Loan Vs Bank Loan: Pros & Cons
TLDR When deciding between an HDB loan or a bank loan for purchasing a property in Singapore, consider key factors...
Read More
