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Singapore's conservation & commercial shophouse authority

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Illustration of conserved shophouse façades that must be retained during renovation in Singapore

Living & Lifestyle

Shophouse Renovation Dos and Don'ts in Singapore

Know which parts of the building you cannot touch before you design anything.

Short answer

Before renovating a Singapore shophouse, confirm whether it is in a conservation area, appoint a qualified person (QP), and submit for approvals before starting. Conservation shophouses generally must retain the front façade, roof form and five-foot way, and structural or external changes need authority approval.

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

Dos

  • Check the conservation status and approved use of the property first.
  • Appoint a QP and an experienced conservation contractor.
  • Commission a structural and condition survey before design.
  • Retain and repair original features such as timber doors, shutters, tiles and the airwell where possible.
  • Keep services (air-con, extraction) out of protected façades.
Cross-section illustration showing which shophouse parts are usually protected and which are more flexible in renovation
Front protected, rear more flexible

Don'ts

  • Do not start structural or external works without approval.
  • Do not seal old masonry with impermeable coatings.
  • Do not remove an airwell or rear court without checking ventilation and approval implications.
  • Do not assume a previous owner's alterations were approved.
Illustration of original shutters that should be repaired rather than replaced in a shophouse renovation
Repair original shutters where possible

Who to speak to

TopicAuthority / professional
Conservation and planningURA
Structural and building worksBCA, QP, structural engineer
Pest controlLicensed operator (NEA regulated)
F&B or commercial conversionURA, SCDF, NEA - see F&B guide
Illustration of heritage shophouses at dusk representing a sensitive modern interior renovation
New interiors behind old façades

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

Can I knock down walls in a conservation shophouse?+

Internal changes may be possible but structural works need professional design and approval, and original structure is often protected. Ask a QP and URA.

Do I need a QP to renovate a shophouse?+

Works that are structural, external or change use typically require a QP. Confirm requirements for your project with BCA and URA.

Can I change the façade colour?+

Conservation façades are governed by URA guidelines. Check before repainting.