Short answer
Cafes and retailers choose shophouses for street frontage, character and flexible floorplates. In conserved areas, URA's conservation guidelines apply to works on the building, URA's Conservation Portal shows a property's conservation status and allowable uses, and food businesses also need the appropriate food licensing. Check approved use and works rules before signing a lease.
Shophouses Singapore is an independent property resource. This page summarises public sources and is not affiliated with any company, owner or authority named.
Key facts
- Planning and conservation
- URA Conservation Guidelines apply to works on conserved buildings
- Status and uses
- URA's Conservation Portal shows status, guidelines and allowable uses (URA circular, 2 June 2026)
- Fit-out guidance
- URA Do-It-Right Guides for conserved shophouses and terraces
- Real examples
- Temasek Shophouse (Orchard) and Coach Play (Keong Saik), per CNA
Why operators pick shophouses
- Street frontage and a covered five-foot way that doubles as outdoor seating or display space where permitted.
- Character that is expensive to build from scratch.
- Compact units that suit cafes, boutiques and experiential retail.
Published examples include the cafe in Temasek Shophouse and the concept store described in our Coach Play piece.
What to check before you sign
| Check | Why it matters | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation status | Determines which guidelines apply to works | URA Conservation Portal |
| Allowable use | Not every conserved unit may be used for every trade | URA Conservation Portal and Use Guidelines |
| Planned alterations | Facade and structural works must follow conservation rules | URA Conservation Guidelines and Do-It-Right Guide |
| Food licensing | Food establishments require appropriate licensing | Singapore Food Agency |
| Lease terms | Fit-out, reinstatement and use clauses vary | Your lawyer |
Our F&B licensing and change of use guide goes deeper.
Common pitfalls
- Assuming the previous tenant's use is still approved.
- Fitting out before approvals are in place.
- Overlooking the building's structural condition; see how to check a shophouse's condition.
People also ask
Can I open a cafe in any conserved shophouse?+
Not necessarily. Allowable uses depend on the property. URA's Conservation Portal helps determine status, guidelines and allowable uses.
Can I change a shophouse facade for my brand?+
Works on conserved buildings must comply with URA's Conservation Guidelines. Confirm with URA or a qualified professional before any works.
Do I need a food licence?+
Food businesses need appropriate licensing from the Singapore Food Agency. Check current requirements with the agency.
Where can I read more?+
See URA's Conservation Guidelines and Do-It-Right Guide, and our F&B licensing guide.
Sources
Facts as of 5 November 2026. Pages we link to may have changed since.
- Conservation Guidelines, Urban Redevelopment Authority. Accessed 2026-11-05.
- Updated and new Do-It-Right Guides for conserved buildings (circular, 2 Jun 2026), Urban Redevelopment Authority. Accessed 2026-11-05.
- Temasek Shophouse to reopen by end-2025, CNA. Accessed 2026-11-05.
Next step
Planning a cafe or boutique in a shophouse?
We help tenants and owners test zoning, conservation and licensing before committing.
Explore shophouses for rentLast reviewed 5 November 2026. See all shophouse explainers.