Public Consultation on Short Term Accommodation

Urban Redevelopment Authority

Consultation Period: 16 Apr 2018 - 31 May 2018

Status: Closed

Detailed Description

CONSULTATION EXERCISE ON PROPOSED REGULATORY FRAMEWORK 

FOR THE USE OF PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES AS SHORT-TERM ACCOMMODATION

Context

1.           The Singapore we enjoy today is largely the result of careful long-term urban planning.  Every plot of land in Singapore is zoned for a particular use, be it residential, commercial or hotel, and these uses are made known far in advance as part of our Concept and Master plans.

2.           Private residential properties in Singapore are subject to a minimum stay duration of 3 consecutive months. This differentiates residential properties from hotels. This distinction is necessary, given the impact of transient occupants on other residents and the potential impact on safety and security in the estate. 

3.           Within the residential zoning, we presently allow for Serviced Apartments (SAs), subject to certain safeguards.  For example, SAs are allowed only in areas where infrastructure is able to accommodate the higher number of transient users, and where there is lower likelihood of dis-amenities to the residential neighbours.  In addition, there is a minimum of 7 days for the duration of stay in a Serviced Apartment.

4.           While this planning framework has served us well, advances in technology and changing consumer trends have led to a blurring of lines between residential and hotel uses. Facilitated by online platforms and mobile applications, there has been a surge of short-term accommodation (STA) options in residential properties all over the world.  While this started off largely as an unregulated activity, the situation has evolved in recent years, due to concerns over abuses and the impact on housing affordability. Some cities like Berlin and New York City have clamped down aggressively on STA in residential properties, while others like Tokyo have allowed some form of STA activities, with regulations imposed on the activities and the parties involved.

5.           Within Singapore, there are diverse views on the matter. Some welcome the trend of STA, as it allows home owners to supplement their income and provides more accommodation options for tourists. Others are not supportive of homes being used for STA and have raised concerns about noise disturbance, abuse of common property, and the loss of privacy and security due to transient occupants in their estates. At the same time, those in the hotel and Serviced Apartment businesses have also called for a more level playing field in the regulatory framework.

6.           The Government has been studying the possibility of introducing a regulatory framework for STA in private residential properties, with appropriate measures to address the concerns of residents and industry stakeholders. The detailed proposals are set out in the following sections.  

URA has worked with relevant agencies to develop a framework to regulate the use of private residential properties for short-term accommodation. The Public Consultation Paper is available at  https://ura.sg/sta. For submission of feedback, members of public can email toura_sta_consult@ura.gov.sg. The public consultation exercise will close on 31 May 2018.