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Cost Guide: Building a Landed House in Singapore
Cost Guides

Cost Guide: Building a Landed House in Singapore

5 February 2025·8 min read

A comprehensive cost breakdown for building a landed house in Singapore — terrace, semi-D, or bungalow — including construction, professional fees, and what affects your budget.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Landed House in Singapore in 2025?

Building a landed home in Singapore is a significant investment. Unlike renovation projects, a new build involves dozens of cost components — structural works, M&E systems, interior finishes, professional fees, and authority charges. This guide gives you a realistic picture of what to budget for in 2025.


Construction Costs Per Square Foot (2025 Guide)

Construction costs (excluding land and professional fees) vary by house type and specification level:

House TypeBasicMid-RangePremium
Terrace HouseSGD 250–300 psfSGD 300–380 psfSGD 380–500 psf
Semi-DetachedSGD 280–340 psfSGD 340–420 psfSGD 420–550 psf
Detached BungalowSGD 300–380 psfSGD 380–480 psfSGD 480–700+ psf
Good Class BungalowSGD 380–500 psfSGD 500–700 psfSGD 700–1,000+ psf

*psf = per square foot of gross floor area. These are construction costs only.*


What's Included in Construction Costs?

A typical construction contract covers:

  • Structural works — foundations, reinforced concrete frame, beams, slabs
  • External works — roof, external walls, windows and doors, waterproofing
  • Internal works — internal walls and partitions, screed, ceiling works
  • M&E works — electrical wiring, plumbing, sanitary, air-conditioning roughing-in
  • Basic finishes — floor and wall tiles, paint, basic fixtures

What is not typically included:

  • Kitchen cabinetry and appliances
  • Furniture and furnishings
  • Premium lighting fixtures
  • Home automation systems
  • Landscaping

Professional Fees

In Singapore, you are required to engage an Approved Person (AP) — usually a registered architect — for any structural works. Additional consultants may be required depending on the project.

ProfessionalTypical Fee Range
Architect (AP)5–8% of construction cost
Structural Engineer (PE)1.5–3% of construction cost
M&E Engineer1–2% of construction cost
Quantity Surveyor (optional)1–2% of construction cost

For a SGD 1 million construction budget, professional fees can add SGD 80,000–130,000.


Authority Fees and Levies

FeeApproximate Cost
BCA plan submission feesSGD 1,000–5,000
URA development charge (if applicable)Varies — can be substantial
SFA/NEA/PUB feesSGD 500–2,000
Development Baseline (if applicable)Varies

Sample Budget: 3-Storey Terrace House (3,500 sq ft GFA)

Cost ComponentEstimated Cost
Construction works (at SGD 350 psf)SGD 1,225,000
Architect fees (6%)SGD 73,500
Structural engineer (2%)SGD 24,500
M&E engineer (1.5%)SGD 18,375
Authority feesSGD 5,000
Kitchen cabinetry & appliancesSGD 30,000–60,000
Contingency (5–10%)SGD 61,000–122,000
Total (estimated)SGD 1.4–1.5M

*Note: This excludes land cost and furniture.*


Key Factors That Affect Your Construction Cost

  1. Site conditions — poor soil conditions, high groundwater, access restrictions all increase costs
  2. Design complexity — curved walls, cantilevered structures, double-volume spaces add cost
  3. Specification level — premium imported tiles, custom joinery, and smart home systems significantly increase costs
  4. Timing — material and labour costs fluctuate; current (2025) costs are elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels
  5. Location — properties in certain areas may require additional structural measures

How to Get an Accurate Quote

The only way to get an accurate project cost is through a detailed site assessment and specification review with a licensed contractor. At Ming Sia Construction, we provide:

  • Free initial consultation and site visit
  • Preliminary cost estimate based on your brief
  • Full tender package once AP drawings are ready

Contact us to start the conversation, or WhatsApp us at +65 86868008.

Ready to start your project?

Speak to our team for a free consultation on your Singapore construction or A&A project.