Renovating your home can be an exciting process — whether you're upgrading your kitchen, expanding your living space, or improving overall aesthetics. But before the hammers start swinging, it's important to understand whether you need a renovation permit, especially when dealing with different types of property ownership: strata title vs. individual title.
Individual Title
Refers to properties such as terrace houses, semi-detached homes, or bungalows where the owner holds full ownership of both the building and the land.
Strata Title
Applies to properties in a gated and guarded community with shared facilities (e.g., townhouses, cluster homes, or landed homes in a strata development). Ownership is shared over common areas and governed by a Management Corporation (MC) or Joint Management Body (JMB).
Renovation permits are typically required when the works involve:
Structural changes (e.g., extending the kitchen, adding floors or rooms)
Demolition of walls or columns
Altering building layout that affects safety or usage
Changes that affect building façade
Plumbing or electrical system upgrades
Works that impact shared facilities (for strata properties)
Minor renovations such as painting, installing cabinets, or changing floor tiles inside the house usually do not require a permit.
If your home is under a strata title, you must:
Get written approval from the Management Corporation (MC) or Joint Management Body (JMB) before applying for a permit
Comply with the House Rules (e.g., renovation hours, noise restrictions, deposit payment)
Submit renovation plans to the MC/JMB for review
Failure to obtain approval may result in fines, renovation work stoppages, or legal action.
Singapore