Owning a landed property in Singapore is a dream for many, but what if we want to build or rebuild one from scratch? How much would it actually cost?

While most of us buy ready-built homes, some homeowners choose to construct their own. If that sounds like something you're considering, let's break down the costs, factors, and options that come with building a landed home in Singapore.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Landed Property?

The cost of building a house depends on many factors, but as a general estimate, we can expect to pay between $300 to $500 per square foot (PSF) for construction.

For a 3,000-square-foot home, this works out to around $1.2 million. However, this price only covers basic construction—it does not include the cost of land, interior furnishings, or special carpentry work.

Factors That Affect Construction Costs

While $1.2 million is a rough estimate, the final cost can be higher depending on several factors:

More Levels, Higher Costs

If we choose to build a multi-level house, construction costs will rise. For example, a three-story home (with each level being 1,000 square feet) will cost more than a two-story home (with 1,500 square feet per level). This is because additional levels require extra structural work, stronger foundations, and more materials.

Basements Are Expensive

Thinking of adding a basement? It's possible, but it comes with a high price tag. Basements require deep excavation, waterproofing, and reinforcement, all of which increase construction costs significantly. In fact, building upwards is usually cheaper than digging down.

Demolition of an Existing Structure

If there is an old house on the land that needs to be torn down, we need to budget for demolition costs. Depending on the size of the structure and the location, this can cost anywhere from $100,000 to $200,000.

How Long Does It Take to Build a House?

On average, building a landed property in Singapore takes about six months. However, if the project is complex or faces unexpected delays, it could take up to a year or more.

One thing to be aware of is variation orders—these are changes made after the construction contract is signed. Even if we planned everything carefully, unexpected modifications can add extra costs to the project.

Alternatives to a Full Rebuild: Additions & Alterations (A&A)

Not all homeowners want to tear down an existing house completely. A more budget-friendly option is Additions & Alterations (A&A), which allows us to renovate and expand the house without rebuilding it from scratch.

However, there are strict regulations on A&A works. According to the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA):

• The total new space cannot exceed 50% of the original floor area.

• No more than 50% of the external walls can be removed or replaced.

• The roof can be changed, but a new floor cannot be added.

While A&A works are generally cheaper than a full rebuild, they come with challenges. Contractors must work around the existing structure, which can increase complexity and construction difficulties.

Professional Fees: What Else Do We Need to Budget For?

Besides construction costs, we also need to set aside money for professional services. These include:

• Architect fees – Designing the layout and structure of the house.

• Engineering fees – Ensuring the house meets safety and structural regulations.

• Project management fees – Overseeing the entire construction process.

These fees are necessary to ensure the project runs smoothly and meets legal requirements.

How Much Should We Budget in Total?

If we're planning to build a simple 3,000-square-foot landed home, we should set aside at least $1.5 million. This amount includes:

• $1.2 million for construction.

• $100,000 to $200,000 for demolition (if needed).

• Additional costs for professional fees, approvals, and unexpected changes.

Is Building a Landed Property Right for You?

Building a house from scratch gives us full control over design and layout, but it requires careful planning, a solid budget, and time. If we want a customized home, this could be a great option. But if cost and time are concerns, an A&A project or buying a completed property might be a better choice.

What do you think, Lykkers? Would you rather build your dream home from the ground up, or would you go for a ready-built property? Let's chat in the comments! 😊