Controversial Strata Legislation: Catalyst for Housing Regeneration in Singapore

Abstract

In land-scarce Singapore which comprises all of 693 km2 , the government is constantly grappling with the issue of land-use planning among competing uses. In order to generate more housing stock for an increasing population expected to hit 6.5 million by 2027, it actively promotes private sector led redevelopment and urban rejuvenation through a two-pronged approach. This involves first, the formulation of appropriate planning and development controls and second, the removal of private-sector supply-side constraints. The latter has been through amendments allowing majority rule (rather than unanimity) in the collective sales of strata property, which frequently possess freehold titles. The amendments have been in turn called “radical” and “innovative,” yet simultaneously been accused of eroding fundamental property rights. Nevertheless, as envisaged by the authorities, the two measures coalesced to incentivize private-sector-led redevelopment initiatives to optimize land use. In the light of this two-pro...