🏡(A&A) Guidelines for Resale Landed Property Renovation in Singapore

When you buy a resale landed property in Singapore, one of the first things you will encounter is the question: “Does my renovation fall under Additions & Alterations (A&A) or full Reconstruction?”

Understanding this difference is crucial. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has strict guidelines to ensure landed estates remain safe, consistent, and compliant. Before you start hacking walls or extending your home, you must know what qualifies as A&A and what counts as a rebuild.

✅ What is A&A (Additions & Alterations)?

A&A refers to renovation works that modify or improve the house without completely replacing the structure. These works allow homeowners to modernise and enlarge their resale landed homes while still keeping the original framework intact.

Common A&A Works Include:

• Extending or reconfiguring internal rooms.

• Adding partitions, staircases, or a mezzanine floor.

• Constructing a car porch or small rear extension.

• Changing windows, doors, and external finishes.

• Adding outdoor decks, roofing, or minor landscaping.

👉 Important: A&A cannot replace the majority of the structural framework — otherwise it is considered a rebuild.

🏗️ When Does It Become a Rebuild?

According to URA, your project is considered a Reconstruction (Rebuild) if:

• More than 50% of the structural elements (beams, columns, slabs) are replaced.

• An additional storey is added.

• The external walls are completely removed and replaced.

• The overall building envelope is significantly changed.

👉 Example: If your resale landed house is old and you decide to hack away most of the load-bearing walls and build a new roof, it will be treated as a rebuild, not A&A.

📑 Handling Non-Compliant Structures in Resale Homes

Many resale landed properties in Singapore have illegal or non-compliant extensions, such as:

• Extended kitchens beyond rear setbacks.

• Covered balconies or terraces that were not approved.

• Attic or mezzanine floors exceeding height limits.

URA allows certain “existing non-compliances” to be retained if:

• They were built legally before the introduction of current guidelines.

• They do not compromise safety or exceed height/coverage limits drastically.

However, unauthorised works must be reinstated before new approvals will be granted. This means if you buy a resale landed property with illegal extensions, you may need to demolish them first.

💰 A&A vs Rebuild: Cost and Timeline

A&A is generally faster and cheaper, but limited in design freedom. Rebuilding costs more, but gives you a brand-new home.

⚠️ Common Mistakes by Resale Landed Owners

• Assuming small extensions don’t require approval.

• Buying a house with illegal works without factoring reinstatement costs.

• Confusing major structural changes with A&A.

• Not engaging a Qualified Person (QP) for submissions.

📈 Practical Tips for Homeowners

1. Do a Property Check Before Purchase – Hire an architect or surveyor to identify illegal works.

2. Engage Experienced Contractors – Not all renovation firms are familiar with landed regulations.

3. Plan According to URA Guidelines – Always design within the legal building envelope.

4. Budget for Contingencies – Be prepared for reinstatement costs in resale properties.

📞 Need Professional Guidance?

Whether your resale landed renovation falls under A&A or a full rebuild, compliance with URA rules is non-negotiable. A clear plan saves you from costly reinstatement orders and approval delays.

👉 Contact SpeedyDecor.com Pte Ltd for expert advice on landed property renovation.
Call or WhatsApp our designer at +65 8839 3899 for a free consultation today.