Developers must spell out allowable use of properties
WE AGREE with Mr Daniel Choy Tuck Leong ("Soho marketing tactics confuse buyers", Wednesday) that potential buyers should be made aware of the limitations on a development's allowable use.
Mr Choy correctly pointed out that small office, home office (Soho) is a marketing term used by property agents and developers. It does not refer to any specific development type that is allowable or has been approved by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).
Developments that have been marketed as Soho are approved as either office or residential developments.
Without explicit prior planning permission from the URA, any development that has been approved for office use cannot be converted to residential use, and vice versa. However, if an owner of a residential property wishes to conduct some small-scale business within his home, he can apply for permission by lodging a notification under the Home Office Scheme.
Introduced in June 2003, the scheme allows home owners, tenants or authorised occupiers of residential properties and flats to conduct small-scale businesses within their homes, provided they do not cause any inconvenience to neighbouring residents, and the proposed use is considered a permitted use.
To minimise disturbances, only up to two non-residents can be engaged and work in the premises for their businesses. Details on the Home Office Scheme can be found at edanet.ura.gov.sg/dcd/homeoffice/HOMainPage/HOindex.jsp
The allowable use for each property is clearly spelt out in the option to purchase, and in the sale and purchase agreement.
Developers also have to ensure that the marketing materials for their properties, for example, newspaper advertisements, and sales brochures or pamphlets, provide accurate information to prospective buyers on the allowable use of the properties.
Prospective buyers who come across misleading marketing collaterals can report the matter to the URA, which will then investigate and take action against the developer if there is misconduct or misrepresentation. Prospective home buyers can also refer to the Home Buyers' Guide (www.ura.gov.sg/lad/HBG/index.htm) on the URA's website for more information on the sale and purchase of uncompleted residential properties.
Han Yong Hoe
Group Director (Development Control)
Urban Redevelopment Authority
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