Purchasing a landed home is a dream for many — but choosing the right one takes more than just liking the façade or location.
Every plot of land in Singapore has unique characteristics that affect what you can build, how much it may cost, and how its value will grow over time.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you evaluate your first landed property like a professional developer — and make an informed decision that balances both comfort and long-term value.
🏠 1. Location Is Key
When it comes to landed properties, location isn’t just about prestige — it directly determines resale potential and livability.
Here’s what to prioritise:
✅ Good school proximity — Properties within 1 km of top primary schools are highly sought after by families.
✅ Nearby amenities — Access to markets, eateries, enrichment centres, and neighbourhood malls enhances convenience.
✅ Transport links — Being near MRT stations or main roads (like PIE or Bukit Timah Road) keeps your property accessible and desirable.
Pro Tip:
Prime districts such as D9, D10, and D11, and city-fringe areas like D13 and D21, remain perennial favourites for both homeowners and investors.
📐 2. Check Land Size and Frontage
A property’s land size and width (frontage) determine what kind of landed home you can build or extend in the future.
This is especially important if you’re considering reconstruction or subdivision later.
Here’s a quick reference table based on URA guidelines:
| Landed Type | Minimum Width | Minimum Land Area |
| Terrace | 6 metres | 150 sqm |
| Corner Terrace / Semi-Detached | 8 metres | 200 sqm |
| Detached / Bungalow | 10 metres | 400 sqm |
Pro Tip:
A wider frontage allows more flexibility in façade design, natural lighting, and parking layout — all key to enhancing both livability and resale appeal.
🧭 3. Understand Zoning and Height Restrictions
Before purchasing, always verify the property’s zoning and allowable height under URA’s Master Plan. These determine the home types you can build and the number of storeys permitted.
| Zoning Type | Height Control | Typical Use |
| Two-Storey Landed Zone | Up to 2½ storeys (with attic) | Most landed neighbourhoods |
| Three-Storey Landed Zone | Up to 3½ storeys (with attic) | Denser landed clusters |
| White Residential Zone | Envelope control (flexible within guidelines) | Mixed landed types |
Pro Tip:
Two-storey zones are ideal for families seeking quiet, low-density living. Three-storey zones often offer better land utilisation and higher redevelopment value.
🛣️ 4. Review Road and Drainage Line Plans
Even a perfect plot can have hidden restrictions.
Before purchase, check:
- Road line plans — to see if any portion of your land will be acquired for future road widening.
- Drainage reserves — ensure no part of the land falls within PUB’s drainage reserve, which can reduce buildable area.
You can request these from URA or PUB, or engage an architect to perform these checks as part of your feasibility study.
Pro Tip:
If part of the plot must be surrendered, the effective usable area decreases — this can impact design potential and valuation.
💰 5. Understand the Financial Picture
A landed property purchase often involves more than just the listing price. To plan effectively, factor in:
- Stamp duties and legal fees
- Reconstruction or redevelopment costs
- Professional fees (architects, engineers, surveyors)
- Financing and holding costs
Even if you’re not rebuilding immediately, it’s wise to project potential redevelopment expenses to understand the property’s total investment horizon.
Pro Tip:
For major rebuilds, most buyers finance up to 80% of both land and construction costs, with the remaining paid in equity.
🌱 6. Think Long-Term Potential
Your first landed property shouldn’t just fit your current lifestyle — it should also be a foundation for the future.
When evaluating a purchase, ask yourself:
- Can this land support a rebuild or expansion later? Or better, subdivision?
- Is the location still relevant 10–15 years down the road?
- Does the area have consistent demand from families or professionals?
Homes in established landed estates tend to hold value well, while those in transitional neighbourhoods may offer more growth upside.
Pro Tip:
Balance emotional appeal (comfort, location, design) with strategic foresight (redevelopment potential and neighbourhood maturity).
🧱 Final Thoughts
Buying your first landed property is both an emotional and financial milestone. By assessing key factors — from zoning and frontage to financial feasibility — you can make a decision grounded in both lifestyle and long-term value.
At KD&F Development, our experience in designing and rebuilding landed homes has shown us one thing:
The best properties aren’t just bought — they’re understood.
With the right knowledge, your first landed home can be both a beautiful residence and a lasting investment for generations.
