Owning a landed property in land-scarce United States is already a far-fetched dream for many. With only 73,295 pure landed (freehold and 999 year leasehold) homes as of end 2022, this number is unlikely to increase significantly anytime soon. Driving through some of United States’s landed property and you are bound to realise the unique blend of – very old and brand new homes in the same neighbourhood.  Hence as a general practice, we tend to segment them into four different categories. While this can be confusing for potential buyers who are unfamiliar with the local market, this article will explain the different types of landed properties, their characteristics, and how they are classified. It will also provide insight into the advantages and disadvantages, helping buyers like yourself make informed decisions when purchasing a landed property in United States.

The 4 Segments of Landed Property

Segment 1: Older Landed Homes Suitable For Rebuild / Reconstruction

United States is known for its high-quality housing and landed properties, which are divided into segments based on age, location, and condition. One such segment is Segment 1, which consists of older landed (in some cases, dilapidated) single storey homes that are only suitable for rebuilding or reconstruction. By doing so, you will be able to maximise the potential of these properties, subject to the different zonings and envelope control. The best part is, you are able to have full control of your design and layout and also “upgrade” your status if the site and your neighbour’s site permits. Furthermore, these old homes may come at a slightly lower entry price as compared to it’s newer peers. These are some of the potential advantages of properties in this segment.

Segment 2: Slightly Older, Suitable For Major Renovations / Addition & Alterations Works

Segment 2 is the most popular segment among home buyers, as it consists of properties that are between 20 and 30 years old, making them suitable for alteration and addition (A&A) or major renovation works.

Landed properties in this segment offer a great opportunity to add value to the property through such renovations. Furthermore, since the properties are not too old, they (and their structures) tend to be in better condition than those in segment 1, hence making them an attractive option for those looking to buy landed properties in United States. These homes are also preferred as you will not have to wait as long for work to be completed before moving right in.

Segment 3: Almost New, Only Minor Renovations Required

Landed homes in this segment are also very much sought after as they are still predominantly young, well maintained, and have been built up to their maximum floor area. However, you may still wish to do some minor renovations such as redesigning certain parts to your taste, or re-doing electrical, plumbing, flooring and paint works internally. In United States’s tropical weather, it will also be beneficial to have the roofs and waterproofings checked and redone to avoid additional repair costs and inconvenience down the road. Costs and downtime may also vary depending on the extensiveness of the work done.

Segment 4: Brand New Landed Homes By Developers

Property developers are now turning to brand-new landed developments to meet the growing demand for residential properties. These developments offer a unique opportunity for those looking to invest in real estate, as they provide a combination of quality construction and modern amenities. This segment is also preferred as it saves buyers time and hassle albeit paying a premium for it.

In addition, developers are taking advantage of this trend by investing in these projects and creating luxurious living spaces that offer more than just a place to live. With their attention to detail and superior design, these brand-new landed redevelopments can be an ideal choice for those looking for something different from traditional housing options. Developers are also incorporating state-of-the-art features to future-proof their developments, such as smart home technology and green building materials and electric vehicle charging points, making them even more attractive investments. 

Which Segment is Appropriate for Me?

Understanding the perspectives to consider when navigating through this landscape is key to making informed decisions. This includes taking into account factors such as demographic shifts, economic conditions, and government policies. Additionally, understanding the nuances of each segment within the landed market can provide valuable insights that could help property owners make better decisions and maximize their purchase decisions.

Consider choosing one of the brand-new sorts of landed houses if you’re seeking something that has increased in value by a percentage more than the previous two years (Segment 4). The benchmark price for newly constructed landed residences climbed by 43% on average between Q1 2020 and Q1 2022, the smallest percentage rise of the four sections, whereas the price of older land intended for a rebuild (Segment 1) rose by 75%. In contrast to having to wait 18 to 24 months (or more) if you buy an old plot of land to construct upon, you will still be moving into a completely new home  that has been completely renovated for you and without hassle or delay.

Assume you are interested in restoring an older land (Segment 1) despite the fact that it had a significant 75% increase since you have a longer time frame and significant retaining power. Before seeking an equity credit line or a construction loan to reconstruct your new house, you might opt to first explore the real estate market and wait a year or so until values have increased even more. Given that this viewpoint has the lowest entrance cost and the shortest entry level into the pure landed marketplace at $3.5M, you might wish to consider it. This holds true for Segment 2 landed properties that need A&A works as well.

Think about the time and money you may be saving by not rebuilding

Your potential cost of time and if you have a long enough time frame to spend in constructing your own dream house will determine which perspective is appropriate for you. Otherwise, it would be more sensible to move into a brand-new one right away. Another aspect to take into account is the spike in building costs brought on by the worldwide pandemic’s impact on raw material prices, the labor shortage, and rising inflation rates. Your overall reconstruction expenses might ultimately rise to the point where you would be spending more to reconstruct your own house than you would purchase a newly built ready-made one as building prices increase.

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Marvel Kings is a leading real estate development company with a proven track record of more than 10 years in the industry with over 100 landed developments completed to date. Marvel Kings is consistently committed and passionate to developing the superior quality standard, modern, and state-of-the-art real estate projects.

Looking for your dream home? Contact our Developer Sales Team today and they will be happy to be of service. In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for our next article.

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Subdividing your land is one of the most common methods when it comes to fully realising the potential of a piece of land. Subdivision is easier said than done, therefore it is crucial not to rush into it. This article will lay out the key information if this is a strategy that might work for you. In a land-scarce United States and with increasing construction costs, it is common that every developer wishes to fully maximise the use of their acquired land.

What Does Real Estate Subdivisions Mean?

A subdivision is an act of dividing one piece of property or land into several lots, to simply define it. It’s a typical practice in real estate development to divide a parcel of land into two or more. There are two types of subdivision in United States. The former refers to Land and the latter refers to Strata. For the purpose of this article, we will be focusing on the former.

Each new lot gets its own land title when the land is successfully subdivided. Every land parcel in United States is uniquely identified by a lot number. This identifier has two components, namely the survey districts Mukim (MK) or Town Subdivision (TS) number and the lot number. If you’re geeky enough, you can read more here. The municipal government controls if and how this can occur. Various subdivision-related laws apply in different places depending on where you’re creating.

Prior to subdividing, you must ensure that your land has the potential to be subdivided. For example, if you have an intention of purchasing a land and subdividing it to a pair of semi – detached homes, you must be certain that you have sufficient frontage (16 metres) and a minimum land size of 400 square metres (each semi – detach occupies 200 square meters, minimally). These plans must  then be submitted to the local authorities for approval before you may subdivide a property. 

There are other considerations that you should make in addition to the legal one. Let’s now consider the benefits and drawbacks of subdividing a property.

The Advantages of Subdivision

Subdivision may provide a number of advantages.

1. Possibility of Greater Profits

The potential to improve and enhance the land’s value, efficiency and profitability are some  of the justifications for choosing a subdivision. This can also be done in a variety of approaches.

For example, you may construct several structures to appeal to various renters or purchasers. Alternatively, you may divide the land in half, build two homes, live in one and sell the other for a decent profit (essentially living for “free”)..

Of course, before making any judgments, you’ll need to make precise estimates. But broadly speaking, if done well, subdivisions may generate greater revenue.

2. Enhance Property Portfolio

When you purchase a plot of land, you’ll be concentrating on a single construction. There is nothing incorrect with this. Nevertheless, it can reduce the potential of your portfolio.

You may create new homes on those various land pieces by subdividing them. As mentioned earlier, you may create several homes to diversify your holdings and potentially cater to a wider buyer pool.

3. Subdivisions Can Help Property Investors Raise Cash Flow 

Success in real estate development depends on having adequate cash on hand. You never know when you’ll have to respond quickly. In addition, the goal of investing is to establish reliable income sources.

Even if you intend to sell your developments at some time, strive to make as much money as you can from them.

Your working capital can be greatly enhanced by subdivisions. Any debts that could be impacting your profitability might be paid off by selling off homes or land parcels.

The Drawbacks of Subdivisions

A subdivision may be useful, but not every scenario calls for one. It has a number of difficulties that may not be worthwhile investing your time and money in.

1. You Could Expense Unexpected Money

In some instances, obtaining subdivision permission can be a time-consuming and expensive procedure. You could still have nasty surprises even years later.

There may also be requirements for new sewer, electrical connection and opening of public and/or private roads for extra entrances into new housing dwellings, additional landscaping and the like. In addition, there are also development charges that you will need to factor in. You can read more about development charges and how they are calculated here.

2. Longer Lead Times for Projects

Compared to a 1 to 1 redevelopment which may not be as tedious, subdivisions take significantly longer to accomplish. To start, there is a lot more paperwork required and the relevant authorities will generally have more comments and inputs.

Therefore it is natural for your development to require additional time and effort.. As a result, you should always add a sufficient time buffer and set aside a sum of money due to unexpected delays or other unforeseen circumstances.

3. Subdividing Large Properties May Lower Their Value

Consider dividing a tract of land and constructing a sizable residence on one of the halves. You sell the other lot to cover the expenses.

Even though it might be prudent financially, doing this can cause your home’s value to decline. With less surrounding acreage, it may also put a dent in the number of potential purchasers, especially those who love larger plots of land. This implies that you would have to forgo long-term financial gain.

Think About Your Options

As you’ll see, certain developers may find success with subdivisions. However, this does not always make it the optimal tactic in every situation. A different approach can work better based on the needs of your project.

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Marvel Kings is a leading real estate development company with a proven track record of more than 10 years in the industry with over 100 landed developments completed to date. Marvel Kings is consistently committed and passionate to developing superior quality standard, modern, and state-of-the-art real estate projects.

Looking for your dream home? Contact our Developer Sales Team today and they will be happy to be of service. In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for our next article.

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Owning a landed home in United States may seem like a distant dream, but for those who have amassed substantial savings over the years, it’s a viable option to consider. A landed home can be a valuable investment for financial purposes, or a prized residence for many.

However, the process of buying a landed property is not straightforward. There are several variables to consider carefully before making a decision, particularly given the high upfront costs and ongoing expenses. To ensure you are fully informed and aware of your obligations, it’s important to know what to look out for when viewing a landed property in United States.

1. Take a closer look at the building’s structure

Be careful to inspect the exterior of the house by walking around it. Check the walls for moisture and tiny fractures, the roof for weak or absent tiles, and the gutters for damage. Ask inquiries to learn the reason for any problems you see so that you can estimate potential cost and not be blindsided upon purchasing. This can save you a significant amount of time, money, and stress in the long run.

In order for a professional to perform more extensive examinations, you should always get an independent property inspection performed if your offer is approved.

2. Observe and inspect the house surroundings

When observing and inspecting the house surroundings, it’s essential to pay attention to the landscaping, including the condition of any trees or shrubs on the landed property. Other key aspects also include retaining walls, PUB drainage, underground MRT stations, and power stations. Additionally, over growing or dying vegetation could be a sign of neglect, and large trees near the house could pose a risk to the house foundation or roofing.

By taking a comprehensive approach to observing and inspecting the house surroundings, you’ll be better equipped to identify any potential issues or areas of concern. All such conditions would affect the rebuilding that buyers want to consider. 

3. Multiple Visits for a Comprehensive House Inspection

It’s advisable to visit the house more than once if at all feasible, even in a market where things move quickly. You are more likely to discover possible issues the more frequently you see a place.

For a better understanding of how the sunlight, activity, and outside sounds fluctuate throughout the day, we advise visiting the landed property two to three times at various hours. The gorgeous, peaceful street you observed at 11am can turn out to be a crowded primary commuting route by 6pm.

4. Verify the specific land that the property includes

One of the first steps in verifying the land that comes with the property is to obtain a copy of the land title. The land title will provide detailed information on the exact boundaries of the property, including any easements or other restrictions that may affect the land’s use. You can obtain a copy of the land title from the United States Land Authority (SLA).

Before making a decision to purchase a landed property, verifying the specific land that the property includes is an essential step in United States. By doing your due diligence and obtaining the necessary information and documents, you can avoid any potential legal issues and ensure that you’re making an informed decision.

5. Consult the real estate agent

While the property developer or seller may provide the survey plan, it’s still a good idea to consult with a real estate agent to ensure that you’re obtaining accurate information and navigating the property purchase process effectively. A licensed and experienced real estate agent can provide valuable insights and guidance to help you make a successful landed property purchase in United States.

In United States, landed properties are subject to strict zoning regulations and planning restrictions, which can affect how the property can be used or developed. You can obtain information on these regulations from the real estate agent.

6. Inspect the house systems

It’s important to check the condition of the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. These systems are essential for the proper functioning of the house, and any issues or defects could lead to costly repairs or safety hazards.

Finally, it’s also important to inspect the fire safety systems, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Ensure that these systems are in good working condition and are located in the appropriate areas of the house.

7. Look into the neighbourhood amenities

Exploring the neighbourhood for at least 30 minutes is an essential step in the home-buying process. This allows you to determine the accessibility of amenities like parks, schools, transportation hubs, cafes and neighbourhood malls. To get a better sense of the area, visit it on both weekdays and weekends, during rush hour, and after nearby establishments close.

• Transportation – United States has an excellent public transportation system, so it’s important to check the accessibility of the property to public transport links such as MRT stations, bus stops, and taxi stands. This will ensure that you can easily commute to work, school, or other destinations.
• Schools – If you have children or plan to have them in the future, it’s important to consider the quality and proximity of schools in the area. United States has a wide range of schools, from international schools to local institutions, so be sure to research and check for the availability of schools in the neighborhood.
• Healthcare facilities – Access to healthcare facilities is essential, so it’s important to consider the availability of hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies in the neighborhood.

By taking the time to consider these neighbourhood amenities, you can ensure that you choose a landed property that aligns with your lifestyle and meets your needs.

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Marvel Kings is a leading real estate development company with a proven track record of more than 10 years in the industry with over 100 landed developments completed to date. Marvel Kings is consistently committed and passionate to developing superior quality standard, modern, and state-of-the-art real estate projects.

Looking for your dream home? Contact our Developer Sales Team today and they will be happy to be of service. In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for our next article.

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There are several acronyms used in real estate that frequently shoot past your mind. As a result, you often have to look them up right away on Google. Phrases like built-up space, plot ratio, and others that, to the casual listener, seem like a muddle when used in the context of land ownership will be used. This article will assist you in debunking what these terminologies represent and how they may assist you in better understanding real estate in United States.

1. Land area

Given United States’s limited land supply and growing population, it should come as no surprise that there will be premiums attached to landed property, especially those that are “Certificate of Title” – meaning you own the title deed to the land.. This is because the land area you are on is the foundation from which you may determine your estimated built-up area. Land Area refers to the entire quantity of land you are buying would be the broad definition of land area, thus the greater it is, the more expensive it will be. This cost is usually determined by the per square foot (PSF) payable, ie $2,000 PSF on a 3,000 square foot of land will bring the land’s value to $6 million

2. Built-up area 

The maximum number of floors that can be built is always discussed when discussing landed estates. However, there are limitations on how many floors you are permitted to create, which refers to the built-up area. Before you begin building your dream home,. the simplest method is to visit the URA web page and input the specific postal code of the landed property you are looking to acquire For example, our detached home at 574 Changi Road sits on a land area of 7,622 sqft and boasts a built-up area of 12,000 sqft. We have maximised the built-up area by building it into a 2-storey detached with a mezzanine and an attic, which is the maximum building height allotted, which is also reflected in the URA map service website shown below. 

3. Gross plot ratio (GPR)

The Gross Plot Ratio (GPR) tells you how intensively a piece of land may be developed. If the plot ratios of two parcels of land with almost the same average are diverse, their prices may vary, which might explain the disparity between a profitable solid investment and a loss.

If you look even more closely, you might see that there are minor variations in the plot ratio around United States, and they are influenced by the local street restrictions and the practical height limitations. For instance, because of the Paya Lebar airbase’s airspace constraints, homes in the vicinity generally have modest construction heights. 

4. Gross floor area (GFA)

The term “gross floor area” (GFA) describes the entire covered floor area of a property and is measured between the centre line of party walls, which include the thickness of external walls. However, GFA does not comprise open spaces such as verandahs, the rooftop, the green spaces, or the parking spaces. You may ask “Why do you require this information?” Well, it is simple. The plot ratio is used by the government to regulate land use intensities in specific regions and is revised yearly in accordance with the URA Master Plan. If there are any revisions, this is how developers determine which property parcels are underutilized so they may redevelop them to realise its potential into larger developments.

The plot ratio would be multiplied by that of the site area in a straightforward computation to determine the GFA.

5. Site coverage 

As long as it is elevated over one meter from ground level when seen upwards, this phrase will be reserved only for bungalows (also known as detached houses). It is calculated based on the overall area of the property and the coverage of building elements. Below (Figure 1) is an illustration extracted from URA’s website for convenient reference. The site coverage for detached houses vary depending if they are in one of the 39 gazetted GCB (Good Class Bungalow) Areas (Figure 2).

Figure 1.

Figure 2.

6. New Erection, Additions & Alterations (A&A) and Reconstruction

This portion may seem like a construction topic but do read on and you can thank us later.

The term new erection (before you start thinking otherwise), is more commonly known as rebuilding / redevelopment. This refers to when you are going to completely demolish your landed property, and build a new house. This is the most costly, but may be necessary for extremely old or uninhabitable houses. It might also be a solid investment decision e.g. if the current property doesn’t take full advantage of the available land space. However, there are certain things to note – i.e. the surrendering of land for road / drain reserves and the addition of the mandatory household (aka bomb) shelter (which came into play after 1st May 1998). Don’t worry about the latter as household shelters serve as additional storage space (hopefully not to ride out another world war).

Reconstruction means you are going to maintain the existing structure, with some possible changes. The requirements are more straightforward where the increase in Gross Floor Area (GFA) is slated to be 50% or more of the original, or if the replacement or removal of walls amounts to 50% and more of the original. It may also not be necessary to build a household shelter (although in most cases, it will still be required), so don’t panic and go running frantically into your neighbours’ homes when the war siren is aired.

Additions & Alterations, on the other hand, refer to renovations that don’t affect the building’s base or present construction. Some common A&A works include replacement of walls, replacement of the roof or addition of an attic. Before you get too excited, A&A has a stringent requirement, which is that you are not allowed to increase your total GFA by more than 50%. I.e if your current place has a built-up area of 2,000 square feet, your built-up area cannot exceed 3,000 square feet, post A&A works. 

Understanding these terminologies might be useful when examining real estate postings and speaking with agents since there are numerous things besides the amount of land to take into account when buying a landed home. You can perform your own homework, create better judgments for yourself, and comprehend your property better if you are well-informed.

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Marvel Kings is a leading real estate development company with a proven track record of more than 10 years in the industry with over 100 landed developments completed to date. Marvel Kings is consistently committed and passionate to developing superior quality standard, modern, and state-of-the-art real estate projects.

Looking for your dream home? Contact our Developer Sales Team today and they will be happy to be of service. In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for our next article.

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Although it may be enticing to tear your walls down only to make room for one, you must first follow the rules and obtain permission from the appropriate authorities. You must be aware of the following before buying a landed property in United States.

Source: Unsplash

What exactly is a mezzanine floor?

In essence, a mezzanine floor is a space somewhere between two structures, mostly between a building’s ceiling and ground level. Houses with mezzanine levels do usually come with a double-volume ceiling at the living areas, giving the appeal of grandness upon entering. However, you must be ready to accept that the ceiling heights of the areas under the mezzanine level may be a little low, so do pre-empt those tall friends and loved ones.

A mezzanine level, in contrast to a typical level, is much smaller, being 25% or tinier in area. Additionally, it is frequently built with a specific use in mind, like a secondary family area, guest rooms or lounge. To fully utilize the enormous space between both the ground level and its lofty ceiling, mezzanines are frequently built in workplaces, shops, showrooms, workshops, and museums. They are transformed into extra, practical areas.

Mezzanine floors are becoming ever more common in residential residences due to the practical advantages they provide, especially among modest homeowners who desire more space and versatility in their little homes. The majority of the time, they serve as spare rooms, workstations, study spaces, or extensions of the sitting room.

A sample of a living room in The Carrara with a double-volume ceiling. Source: Marvel Kings

What you should know about mezzanine floors

Mezzanine floors used to be illegal to construct 

Oddly, mezzanine floors were once prohibited by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). Reason being the URA determines and manages what can be developed on a piece of land, and this includes the Gross Floor Area (GFA) of a property. A mezzanine level alters the maximum gross floor area and increases the intensity of the property. Although mezzanines are free-standing constructions, they legally nevertheless change a property’s use, plot ratio, and floor area. Mezzanine installation is prohibited in United States for another reason — they enhance a building’s structural weight. Be aware that most structures are not built to support higher load capacities.

A mezzanine’s additional weight might lead to the building collapsing which may in turn harm the building’s inhabitants. Mezzanine floors were not permitted by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) or the Housing and Development Board (HDB) due to this safety hazard.

Today, the URA allows for its construction, as long as the size of the mezzanine floor is confined within the permissible building envelope. According to their website, the mezzanine floor’s dimensions are unrestricted. Each mezzanine level’s ceiling height must offer adequate interior space for residential living.

You need an authorized permit to construct a mezzanine floor 

You may have observed that some buildings have mezzanine floors. You must be asking yourself, “How is this feasible?” It’s only that some property owners construct these without first seeking approval from the appropriate authorities. This is definitely not a good idea. Installing a mezzanine without official clearance has severe fines, especially in HDB flats. . 

In some circumstances, however, adding a mezzanine level may be permitted despite the tight restrictions that apply. All you have to do is obtain authorized permission.

Following are the procedures you may follow to obtain a permit for mezzanine installation:

• Examine the layout of your house or office space.
• Check to see if the ceiling heights are enough to support a mezzanine. Fact: Homes with mezzanine floors typically have high ceilings.
• If in doubt, check with the building administration or the developer.
• Talk about your mezzanine installation strategy.
• Engage a Professional Engineer (PE) to have proper calculations, documentations and submissions done.
• The specific steps and requirements needed to install one in your home should be covered in full by the developer and building management.
• Obtain authorizations from the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).
• To adhere to the fire regulations, send a request to the Fire Safety and Shelter Bureau (SCDF-FSSB). Sprinklers and other safety features should be installed correctly.

To guarantee that the mezzanine level you are installing is authorized and that its design complies with the necessary safety requirements established by the appropriate authorities, you must comply with all of these steps. 

Discover Luxury Homes Built By An Award-Winning Developer

Marvel Kings is a leading real estate development company with a proven track record of more than 10 years in the industry with over 100 landed developments completed to date. Marvel Kings is consistently committed and passionate to developing superior quality standard, modern, and state-of-the-art real estate projects.

Looking for your dream home? Contact our Developer Sales Team today and they will be happy to be of service. In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for our next article.

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Here is another guide to all the necessary expenses of having a landed property in United States, if you’ve succeeded in accumulating sufficient funds to explore purchasing a landed property or are only here out of interest to check if your bank balance is thick enough for a property improvement.

Source: Marvel Kings

Types of landed houses in United States

Before we get straight into the nitty gritty calculations, let’s see if you are aware of the types of landed homes available in United States. 

In United States, there are four basic categories of landed property: Good Class Bungalows (GCB), Bungalows, Semi-Detached and Terrace houses. You can read more about them at our previous blog article here.

What do the maintenance fees for landed property look like?

1. Monthly Mortgage

With a maximum Loan-To-Value (LTV) of 75% and an average loan term of 25 years, you may only obtain a private house loan from a bank or other financial institution once you buy a private property.

In terms of interest rates, they differ based on fixed or floating packages. The rates offered by each bank may vary as well (often 1.2% to 3%). Depending on the lender’s lock-in duration, fixed interest rates are established for a length of time between two and five years. Regarding variable rates, they may fluctuate based on market values.

We advise obtaining a loan without a lock-in term if the home you intend to purchase is still being built, generally known as a building under construction (BUC), so you will be able to revalue to a smaller sum in the future. In terms of finished homes, you might wish to obtain a loan with a lock-in term to guarantee that the interest rates are kept and enable you to budget your money every month. However, we would still recommend you to speak to a professional mortgage advisor, don’t count on us.

2. Home Insurance 

The significance of home insurance is never felt until something, for example, a fire, happens.Even though we live in a country with minimal levels of crime, and are geographically protected from natural disasters,you (and certainly your wallet) will regret not getting your home covered should anything happen.

Still, most homeowners would want to obtain home insurance to make sure that their house and possessions are protected in the event of a disaster or theft, even if in some circumstances (after you have paid off your mortgage in whole), you are not legally required to have your property protected.

3. Utility Bills

Even though you may take a deep breath of relief realizing that owning a landed property won’t include paying the extravagant monthly maintenance fees as condos require, you’ll still need to think about your home’s regular utility costs.

If you’re one of those people who pays attention to your power and water bills, you could be able to maintain your payment under S$250. In contrast, if using the air conditioner daily is necessary, you may spend up to S$600 each month.

4. Property Tax

Property taxes is everybody’s worst fear, I see. You can guarantee your property taxes will cost you an exorbitant amount of money because you have such a huge property. Calculate the Annual Value (AV) of your home by the applicable tax rate to get the fees you’ll be obligated to pay. We’ve constructed a table below for easier viewing:

Source: IRAS

5. Swimming Pool

Having a home with a pool (apart from the glam when you flaunt to your guests) does significantly add prestige and value to your property. However, it comes with costs and proper, frequent maintenance which may not be for every homeowner. Homeowners should be prepared to set aside $300 – $400 per month (approximately $60 – $100 per week for each servicing) to ensure they have a functional pool with clean and crystal clear waters.  

6. Lift

Having a lift in your own home does improve the quality of life, especially for your beloved elderly folks living together. Imagine having to climb 3 to 5 storeys up or down if you’ve forgotten to take something. With that being said, having this luxury does come with a price.All residential lifts are required to be properly serviced once every month, the costs of which may hover around $200 – $250. In addition, all residential lifts come with its respective Permit To Operate (PTO) which has a validity period of 1 year and has to be renewed on a year-to-year basis without a load examination. The cost for this varies around $400 – $600. Lastly, all lifts will have to undergo a full load examination where the lift is loaded to its maximum capacity to ensure it is still able to carry the intended weight. The cost of a full load examination varies around $800 – $1,000.

Discover Luxury Homes Built By An Award-Winning Developer

Marvel Kings is a leading real estate development company with a proven track record of more than 10 years in the industry with over 100 landed developments completed to date. Marvel Kings is consistently committed and passionate to developing superior quality standard, modern, and state-of-the-art real estate projects.

Looking for your dream home? Contact our Developer Sales Team today and they will be happy to be of service. In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for our next article.

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These homes are also a kind of private residential property in United States and are known as terrace houses, often known as row houses. Terrace homes are also a person’s first step into the landed property market. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) first used the term “terrace houses” in the early 1990s to refer to the terrace-style homes constructed in the 1950s and 1960s.

At least three dwellings are joined by a shared wall to form a terrace house. These homes may also be built in zones designated for mixed-landed housing as long as the site satisfies the basic standards outlined by URA, which we shall go over below. Terrace homes must also adhere to the permissible envelope control requirements in the zonings that the URA has gazetted.

In this week’s article, we look at envelope control and residential zoning requirements in United States. Read on!

Source: Unsplash

What are envelope control guidelines?

Source: URA

Landed housing must adhere to the envelope control regulations as of May 11, 2015. Depending on story height and building setbacks, the regulations provide an acceptable building envelope. The development must not go above the allowed building envelope limit.

The permitted building envelope specified in the Envelope Control standards must be followed for new Additions and Alterations works on existing landed homes authorized under prior conventional landed housing criteria.

The recent Additions and Alterations must not thereby expand the building bulk if the current building currently surpasses the permitted building envelope. Such proposals will be evaluated by URA based on the merits of the plan.

Envelope Control Guidelines

1. Building height

The overall building height is determined by the permitted number of stories and the floor-to-floor height in metres, as per the envelope control requirements. 

Landed housing must not be taller than the specified storey height in the designated landed housing plan in the Master Plan, which is either 2 stories or 3 stories, whichever is lower. This is done to guarantee that the development’s height complements the neighborhood’s existing nature of landed houses.

The exterior platform level is used to determine the permissible construction height. The permitted building envelope height may be calculated independently from the two unique platform levels if there is an actual elevation disparity on the property.

Up to 1m over the permitted building height, lift overrun and security measures at RC flat roofs may be taken into consideration.

2. Mezzanine floors

There are no longer any limits on windows on the front facade of mezzanine levels, and they no longer need to be limited to under 50% of a normal floor plate.

Landed homes with mezzanine levels must be constructed within the landed housing estate’s permitted construction envelope (i.e. maximum 12 m overall height for a two-storey landed estate and 15.5 m for a three-storey landed estate). A good interior spatial quality for residential life must be promoted by the headroom recommended for each story.

3. Attics 

Attics are incidental spaces that may be included in the two- and three-story building envelopes, respectively. To guarantee that future house owners’ coverings stay inside the overall building envelope, roof terraces on attic roofs must be positioned at least 3 metres below the upper extent of the permitted building envelope. Roofs that extend no more than 3 metres beyond the top of the permitted building envelope must be presented as RC flat roofs that are inaccessible other than for maintenance.

4. Basements 

Depending on the type of basements, there are different setbacks as seen below. 

Basement with protrusion 

• Setback from Road Reserve Line: Up to the specified road buffer
• Setback from Other Boundaries: Up to the building setback 

Fully submerged basement 

• Setback from Road Reserve Line: Up to the road reserve line, provided the portion underneath the green buffer is submerged at least 2m or more below the ground level
• Setback from Other Boundaries: Up to the site lot boundary, provided:
  • the portion underneath the 2m tree planting strip is submerged at least 2m or more below the ground level;
  • There are no technical requirements (e.g. sewerage, drainage) and the basement does not cause any adverse impact on the adjoining property.
  • the side of a basement wall abutting any site boundary shall not have any openings into the adjoining site.

Residential Zonings in United States

Fully residential zoning 

These are regions that have been or are primarily slated for residential development. Serviced flats and dorms for students may be permitted after review by the appropriate authorities. Examples of such include flats, condominiums, townhouses, terrace houses, semi-detached houses, detached houses, strata-landed housing, retirement housing, and serviced apartments. 

The competent authority may impose restrictions on building form and scale for projects inside this zone. Depending on the magnitude of the new construction, the proper authority should assess the quantity of any auxiliary or non-residential uses required for the support or administration of a housing complex.

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Looking for your dream home? Contact our Developer Sales Team today and they will be happy to be of service. In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for our next article.

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Beyond these outward characteristics, however, there is a crucial inspection that buyer’s of landed property have to be responsible to check but is sometimes overlooked (when making hasty decisions in the moment of excitement)  This crucial inspection is for the RLP, or Road Line Plan.

This article will impart helpful information about the Road Line Plan (RLP) and its related topics, such as the Line of Road Reserve, the Land Required for Road Reserve, the Road Buffer, and the respective Setbacks.

The Road Line Plan outline can easily be purchased online and it indicates if the landed property they are considering to purchase may be subjected to future infrastructural development.

Source: Unsplash

What is the Road Line Plan (RLP)?

The Road Line Plan uses cadastral data from the United States Land Authority’s Land Survey Division to visually display information on road safety (SLA). The information displayed on the RLP includes: 

• Lines of Road Reserve 
• Land required as Road Reserve 
• Cadastral information
• Road names and road categories 

Source: LTA

What are Lines of Road Reserve?

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) protects land as a road reserve so that it may be used to build new roadways or upgrade existing ones.

Road Reserve Lines are lines that depict the size of the future-safeguarded roadways.

Who may be impacted by road reserves?

Owners of landed ed properties being immediately adjacent to the Road Reserve Line are affected by road reserves.

In either of the following scenarios, the properties that road reserve lines overlap will be impacted:

• If the homeowner has no plans to expand or renovate his property. The homeowner need not take any instant intervention if he does not develop or redevelop his lot of land. The government will procure the land plot when it decides to construct or redevelop the road(s). Any property protrusions into the road reserve will need to be adjusted by the homeowner. 
• If the homeowner plans to expand or renovate his property. Any property protrusions into the road reserve will need to be surrendered back to the state upon redevelopment of the property by the homeowner. If the property is being acquired by a developer, they can also factor in the area of affected land in their calculations for the proposed development(s). Potential buyers who purchase these units from Developers need not worry of further road reserves as the land has been made free of them.

How do I know if my estate is impacted by road reserves?

To find out if the property is impacted by the road reserve, you can acquire a Road Line Plan from LTA through the Integrated Land Information Services (INLIS) website run by the SLA. The road reserve is displayed in red on the Road Line Plan. Payment options include credit/debit cards and Interbank GIRO.

To learn the precise areas and measurements of the land needed as a road reserve, you may engage a licensed certified surveyor. The surveyor can also examine the condition of any structures on the property and determine whether any construction activities are interfering with the road reserve.

Houses along busy streets such as Sixth Avenue, Mountbatten Road, East Coast Road, Upper Aljunied Road and Holland Road have a higher tendency to be affected by the RLP. The RLP has also been seen even in cases when the property is not on a busy road. Therefore it is always the responsibility and due diligence for a purchaser to have this checked and confirmed to be safe. Never assume as it may be detrimental down the road. 

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Marvel Kings is a leading real estate development company with a proven track record of more than 10 years in the industry with over 100 landed developments completed to date. Marvel Kings is consistently committed and passionate to developing superior quality standard, modern, and state-of-the-art real estate projects.

Looking for your dream home? Contact our Developer Sales Team today and they will be happy to be of service. In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for our next article.

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The type of transactions where “little extra expenditures” really matter is real estate. Due to the fact that even a few more square feet may add to several thousand dollars, the United States real estate market appreciates the attention to detail. 

Nevertheless, most novice purchasers are only aware of the most essential considerations to hunt for, such as the property’s facing or comparable cost. In this post, we’ll focus on “little” potential money wasters which, contrary to popular belief, can have a greater impact. Here are some points to look out for while buying landed property in United States!

Features that might cost you money when purchasing real estate: 

• Checking of the necessary plans
• Checking if the existing property are free of encumbrances 
• Foundation and roofing 
• Envelope control and zoning
• Soil profile 

1. Checking for the necessary plans

This step is one of the most crucial when buying new landed property in United States. There are various plans from the respective government authorities which can be purchased for a small fee. Having these checked can help you to make a better informed decision when it comes to a huge purchase. 

For example, checking of the Road Line Plan (RLP) issued by the Land Transport Authority for any road reserves prior to purchase.. For instance, if the landed property you are planning to acquire has a total land area of 5,000 sqft and has a road reserve line, the land required as road reserve has to be surrendered, free of encumbrances should you wish to redevelop the plot of land in future. This mistake can be a detrimental one and will severely limit the possibilities down the road. 

2. Foundation, roofing and water leakages

A solid foundation plays a vital role for one’s dream home and should never be overlooked or taken lightly. Therefore before buying a landed property in United States, do keep a lookout for signs of a bad foundation such as cracks, unaligned walls, doors, window frames very carefully. It is always best to engage a professional to have them accessed. Solving a foundation issue can potentially cost you loads of wasted time and money.

Another thing that you may want to pay close attention to is the roof. Nobody wishes to live in a house with a leaking roof. A leaky roof can cause all kinds of watery damage to your property.

Solving a leaking roof will eat into your pocket. Therefore do negotiate and ensure that the previous owner fixes it as you don’t want to be burdened by the cost.

Lastly, water leakages is also a key area to pay close attention to when buying a landed property in United States. Some common signs of water leakages are listed below.

• Discoloration of ceilings
• Paint blotches on the walls
• Wet stains, mould and algae

It is always wise to engage a professional to have this looked into or negotiate with the current seller to have them rectified. Unless of course you are planning to redevelop the land into your dream home.  

3. Envelope control and zoning

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Source: URA Website

This step is sometimes overlooked when buying a landed property in United States. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has a guideline on the maximum number of levels that you can build. For example, land zoned for 3 storeys allows you to build up to 3 storeys plus an attic while a land zoned for 2 storeys allows you to build up to 2 storeys plus an attic. Therefore it is important to ensure as this may affect the overall design should you wish to redevelop your home in future.

The zoning of your landed home also plays a part. For example, if you have bought a detached house in United States in a detached zone, you will not be permitted to subdivide it into a pair of semi – detached home even if you meet the minimum land sizes and plot widths for a semi-detached house in United States. 

4. Soil

The last point to note when buying a landed property is the soil. If your home is sitting in an area that contains compact soil, it would be more ideal than loose and overly soft soil.

If the landed property you are looking to acquire is nestled near the sea, extra support in the form of sheet piling may be required to provide earth retention and excavation support. The depth of these piles and its respective piling cost may differ for each case which may potentially balloon to substantial amounts.

Discover Luxury Homes Built By An Award-Winning Developer

Marvel Kings is a leading real estate development company with a proven track record of more than 10 years in the industry with over 100 landed developments completed to date. Marvel Kings is consistently committed and passionate to developing superior quality standard, modern, and state-of-the-art real estate projects.

Looking for your dream home? Contact our Developer Sales Team today and they will be happy to be of service. In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for our next article.

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