Singapore Shophouse FAQs: Living, Buying, Visiting

Short answer

A Singapore shophouse is a terraced building with a shop on the ground floor and living or office space above, built mainly from the mid-19th to mid-20th century. Many are URA-conserved. Whether you can live in, renovate or rent one out depends on its zoning, approved use and conservation status.

Last reviewed November 2026. Rules and figures change; confirm with the named agency before acting.

Quick answers by topic

Question	Short answer	Read more
Can I live in one?	Only if approved use allows it	Living quarters rules
Can I Airbnb one?	Generally not under 3 months if residential	Short-stay rules
Is it a terrace house?	Related but not the same	Shophouse vs terrace
What does upkeep involve?	Termites, damp, roof and drainage	Maintenance guide
Where can I visit?	Chinatown, Kampong Glam, Joo Chiat and more	Walking tours

Cross-section illustration explaining what a shophouse is: shop below, home above and an airwell — What a shophouse is

Explore the topics

Living: pros and cons, costs, maintenance and renovation.
Rules: living quarters, short-stay, HDB shops.
Visiting: hotels, cafés, tours, photography and festivals.

Illustration comparing a shophouse, terrace house and HDB shop for the FAQ — Shophouse, terrace or HDB shop?

Perspective illustration explaining the five-foot way of a Singapore shophouse — What is a five-foot way?

Sources

General information only, not legal, planning or financial advice. Looking to buy or lease? See HDB shophouses or shophouses for rent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a shophouse?+

A shophouse is a terraced building combining a ground-floor shop with living or working space above, typically with a covered five-foot way at the front.

Are all shophouses conserved?+

No. Many are conserved under URA's programme, but not all. Check the property's conservation status.

Can I live in a shophouse in Singapore?+

Only if its approved use permits residential occupation. Verify with URA, or HDB for HDB shops.

Can foreigners buy shophouses?+

Rules depend on property type and zoning, plus ABSD. Seek legal advice for the specific property.

What is the five-foot way?+

A covered pedestrian walkway at the front of a shophouse, typically about five feet wide.

Where can I see shophouses in Singapore?+

Chinatown, Telok Ayer, Kampong Glam, Little India, Joo Chiat/Katong and Emerald Hill are well-known areas.