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 Type | Basic | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terrace House | SGD 250–300 psf | SGD 300–380 psf | SGD 380–500 psf |
| Semi-Detached | SGD 280–340 psf | SGD 340–420 psf | SGD 420–550 psf |
| Detached Bungalow | SGD 300–380 psf | SGD 380–480 psf | SGD 480–700+ psf |
| Good Class Bungalow | SGD 380–500 psf | SGD 500–700 psf | SGD 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.
| Professional | Typical Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Architect (AP) | 5–8% of construction cost |
| Structural Engineer (PE) | 1.5–3% of construction cost |
| M&E Engineer | 1–2% 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
| Fee | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| BCA plan submission fees | SGD 1,000–5,000 |
| URA development charge (if applicable) | Varies — can be substantial |
| SFA/NEA/PUB fees | SGD 500–2,000 |
| Development Baseline (if applicable) | Varies |
Sample Budget: 3-Storey Terrace House (3,500 sq ft GFA)
| Cost Component | Estimated 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 fees | SGD 5,000 |
| Kitchen cabinetry & appliances | SGD 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
- Site conditions — poor soil conditions, high groundwater, access restrictions all increase costs
- Design complexity — curved walls, cantilevered structures, double-volume spaces add cost
- Specification level — premium imported tiles, custom joinery, and smart home systems significantly increase costs
- Timing — material and labour costs fluctuate; current (2025) costs are elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels
- 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.
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