From Jan 18, 2023, a minimum of 20 per cent of dwelling units (DUs) with a nett internal area of 70 square metres (sq m) will be required for all new flats, condominiums and residential components of commercial and mixed-use developments in the Central Area. This size is considered reasonable by URA for small families, taking into account the tighter space constraints of the Central Area.
“URA has not imposed a cap on the total number of DUs within the Central Area because it is generally well-served by public transport, with residents here less reliant on private vehicles. As such, new developments are less likely to put a strain on local infrastructure,” said URA.
Since 2018, when URA revised guidelines to “moderate the excessive development of shoebox units”, requirements on dwelling unit size have been applied only to projects outside the Central Area. Developers have to set at least 20 per cent or more of a project’s DUs with nett internal area of at least 100 sq m, and at most 20 per cent of the DUs with nett internal area of less than 50 sq m.
“However, for developments within the Central Area, URA has observed a persistent trend in declining DU sizes. There is thus a need to ensure a good mix of DU sizes within the Central Area to support the planning intention,” URA said in its circular issued on Tuesday (Oct 18).
“URA will continue to monitor and review the guidelines periodically, taking into account factors such as lifestyle changes and infrastructural developments,” it said.