Singapore reviews rules to ease upkeep for owners of conserved buildings

National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat said on November 10 that Singapore is reviewing its conservation rules, with a view to exempting some 'low-impact works' from application requirements to ease the maintenance burden on owners of conserved buildings. Singapore has conserved more than 7,200 buildings and structures since 1989.

What may be eased

Chee announced the review at the URA Centre, where the 2026 Architectural Heritage Awards were presented. The authorities are studying whether some 'low-impact works' can be exempted from application requirements — generally works that do not require historic fabric or structures to be removed, or add floor area to the building — so owners can carry out routine upkeep more easily. 'Common code-compliant solutions' for conserved shophouses and bungalows may also be developed to give owners and building professionals clearer guidance on renovation and upgrading works.

Study of the conservation sector

The Urban Redevelopment Authority has commissioned Verian Group to carry out a Built Heritage Sector Consultancy Study, starting in mid-November and running for 12 months, to assess the size and profile of the conservation sector, including architects, engineers, contractors and other specialists, in support of its long-term development.

This year's heritage awards

The 2026 Architectural Heritage Awards winners include the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Parochial House of St Joseph's Church on Victoria Street, and 21 Carpenter Street, with three special mentions recognising owners and project teams for their work restoring historic buildings.