SLA - FAQs



1.	What are remnant lands?
	Remnant lands are small and/or irregularly-shaped plots of land left over after development. They are incapable of independent development by virtue of their size and shape. They however have the potential to enhance the economic value and use of adjoining lands. Back to Top


2.	How can I find out whether a plot of remnant land is State or private land?
	You can find out the ownership status of a plot of remnant land via INLIS (Integrated Land Information Services). Alternatively, if you prefer to do a manual search, you can obtain from SLA a survey plan of the land lot(s) concerned and conducting an ownership search at SLA Customer Service Centre, located at 12th storey, 55 Newton Road, #12-01, Revenue House, Singapore 307987. Back to Top


3.	How can I make an application to buy a plot of remnant State land, which is adjoining my property, for redevelopment or extension of my garden compound?
	You can submit an application to buy a plot of remnant land to SLA. You can get the application form here. Alternatively, you can get the application form from SLA Customer Service Centre, located at 12th storey, 55 Newton Road, Revenue House, Singapore 307987. Back to Top


4.	Can I apply for the backlane / sidelane adjoining my property?
	Backlanes and sidelanes are generally not considered for sale unless the sale will not cause any inconveniences or disamenities to the residents in the area. Average processing time for such cases is about 6 months to 1 year. Back to Top


5.	What is the cost of application for purchase of remnant lands?
	The processing fee for application for purchase of remnant land is $800. Back to Top


6.	How does SLA sell the remnant land to me?
	There are two ways. a) If the remnant State land adjoins only your property, it can be sold directly to you, or b) If the remnant State land adjoins several properties, SLA will invite all interested property owners to bid for the remnant land in a closed tender. The highest bidder will win the tender. Back to Top


7.	How does SLA determine the premium of the remnant land?
	The premium payable for remnant land is generally determined using the prevailing DC Table of Rates. The DC Table applicable at the date of receipt of formal application for sale of the remnant land will be used. This will provide some certainty in the pricing of such land and incentive to the adjoining private landowners to incorporate such land into their development. However, in suitable cases where the State land is considerably large in size and/or is integral to the redevelopment resulting in a better integrated development, the premium payable may be determined using other methods and the resultant amount could be higher than the rate determined by the DC table. Back to Top


8.	How is land premium payable based on DC rates computed?
	The formula for calculating land premium payable for remnant land based on DC rates¹ is: Land premium = Area of State Land x Master Plan GPR x DC Rate x 5/7 x Leasehold Factor (only applicable for leases that are 99 years or less) Master Plan Gross Plot Ratio Identify the Master Plan gross plot ratio and zoning from URA’s Master Plan. Step by step guide on how to determine applicable DC rate Step 1 – Determine Geographical Location of Subject Property Find out from Streetmap the major roads surrounding the subject property. Next, identify the geographical sector number of the subject property from URA’s DC Sector Maps with reference to the major roads. Step 2 – Determine Use Group of the Subject Property Identify the use group of the subject property from URA’s Use Group Tables e.g. residential (landed dwelling-house) comes under use group B1. Step 3 – Determine applicable DC rate for the Subject Property Determine the applicable DC rate for the subject property from URA’s Table of DC Rates. The DC rate applicable at the date of receipt of application will be used e.g. Table of DC rate with effect from 1 Mar 2008 shall apply for applications made between 1 Mar 2008 and 31 Aug 2008. Once you have selected the appropriate Table of DC rate, match the geographical sector number of the subject property against the use group of the subject property to determine the applicable DC rate. Leasehold Factor Where remnant State lands are sold on a leasehold basis less than or equal to 99 years, the premium will be adjusted accordingly using the Leasehold Table. Please refer to Change in Determination of Land Value for Remnant State Lands for more details. ¹ For suitable cases not based on DC rates, the premium payable may be determined using other methods Back to Top


9.	How is the price of the remnant land determined by closed tender?
	Effective from 18 Jul 07, a reserve price calculated based on a factor of 5/7 of the applicable Development Charge Rate from the Development Charge (DC) Table available on URA's website or based on Chief Valuer's advice (if the use does not fall squarely under the DC Table) will be quoted in the tender documents and site will be awarded to the highest bidder whose bid is at least equal to or higher than the reserve price. Back to Top


10.	For remnant land where the proposed use does not fit into any of the 8 groups as indicated in the DC Table, how will the premium be assessed?
	SLA will try to apply the groups as given in the DC Table of Rates to determine the selling price. If the use clearly does not fit into any of the existing groups, SLA retains the right to call for an individual assessment of the land value by Chief Valuer. Back to Top


11.	Can I apply for the alienation of a remnant State land for garden/landscaping use?
	Remnant State lands are sold based on the Master Plan zoning and gross plot ratio, with the premium determined using the prevailing DC Table of Rates. SLA will only consider alienation of remnant State land based on garden/landscaping use on a case-by case basis. If SLA allows the alienation of remnant State land based on garden/landscaping use, the value will be at 50% of the factor of 5/7 of the applicable Development Charge Rate from the Development Charge (DC) Table available in URA’s website. In this instance, the remnant land cannot be used for plot ratio calculations or for setback purposes upon amalgamation with the adjoining private residential (landed) property. Back to Top


12.	Would I be allowed to appeal against the premium payable for the remnant land?
	Yes, you can appeal against the land premium for the remnant land, which, effective from 18 Jul 2007, is computed based on a factor of 5/7 of the applicable Development Charge Rate from the Development Charge (DC) Table available on URA's website. The procedure for the appeal is as follows: Write to SLA to appeal against the land premium payable for the remnant land. SLA will inform you that the appeal mechanism is via spot valuation. For this service, we will request the Chief Valuer to carry out a spot valuation. The spot valuation will only be carried out if you agree to pay an administrative fee and an estimated valuation fee upfront. The actual valuation fee, chargeable by the Chief Valuer, is pegged to the land premium of the subject remnant land which is to be determined via the spot valuation. You would then have to write to SLA to request for the spot valuation, and pay the administrative fee and estimated valuation fee. We will request the Chief Valuer to conduct the spot valuation. The Chief Valuer will determine the land premium of the subject remnant land and the actual valuation fee payable within 6 weeks. SLA will inform you of the actual valuation fee that you need to pay. If the actual valuation fee turns out to be higher than our estimated valuation fee which you have paid upfront, we will collect from you the shortfall. If the amount is lower, we will return the excess amount to you. The additional payment to SLA or the refund of the excess amount would take place within 2 weeks from the date of the letter informing you of the actual valuation fee. You will also be informed of the revised land premium based on the spot valuation as assessed by the Chief Valuer. You are not allowed to fall back on the original land premium amount computed based on a factor of 5/7 of the applicable Development Charge Rate from the Development Charge (DC) Table if the revised land premium based on the spot valuation turns out to be higher. If you withdraw your application upon receiving the higher revised land premium after the appeal, you will be barred from applying for purchase of the same plot of remnant land for half a year from the date the offer is lapsed. Back to Top


13.	When will I be informed of the terms and conditions of offer?
	For remnant State lands to be sold directly to only one party, you will receive a formal offer within 8 weeks from the date that SLA receives the application for straight forward cases. This minimum amount of time is required for consultations with various authorities such as URA, LTA, NEA, etc. For complicated cases which involves sale of road reserves or drainage reserves etc. or where a closed tender between adjoining owners is necessary, you will receive a formal offer within 20 weeks from the date SLA receives the application. Back to Top


14.	Before the sale is finalised, do I need SLA to endorse my proposed development plans?
	Yes. This is necessary because the ownership of the land remains with the State until the sale is finalised. You are required to pay $26.25 for every submission to endorse your plans. Please click here for the sample letter of endorsement that will be provided by SLA. Back to Top


15.	What must I do to accept SLA's offer for sale of remnant State land?
	You must comply with the conditions in our offer letter and submit the acceptance letter attached in the offer letter and pay the full premium upfront to SLA within 6 weeks of the offer date. We may offer an extension on valid grounds. Back to Top


16.	If I do not accept the offer for sale of the remnant land, is there any penalty or can I still apply to purchase it again at a later date?
	There is no penalty for not accepting the offer. You can still apply to purchase the land at a later date. Back to Top


17.	If I change my mind on the purchase of remnant land after accepting the offer, will I be refunded?
	No, you will not get a refund once you accept the offer with full payment of premium. This is because a contract is formed once you accept the offer and you will have to follow through with the purchase. Back to Top


18.	When can I occupy the remnant State land?
	You can occupy the land once two conditions are met. (i) you must make full payment for the land (ii) SLA has obtained President's approval of the sale of the remnant State land. We will inform you in writing as to when you can occupy the land. Back to Top


19.	Besides land premium, what other charges do I have to pay?
	There are two categories of charges to be paid, namely statutory and administrative charges: i) Statutory Charges (a) Stamp fees payable to Commissioner of Stamp Duties under the Stamp Duties Act, (b) GST, where applicable, (c) Survey fees. ii) Administrative Charges Cost of issuance of Certificate of Title - $70. Back to Top


20.	What type of title do I get for the remnant State land sold to me?
	If the remnant State land or Reserve is incapable of independent development and is sold for amalgamation with your adjoining private land, the title to be issued may be the same as the title of the land you own, e,g, Grant in Fee Simple, Statutory Land Grant, 999 years, etc. Back to Top


21.	How do I get title to my remnant State land?
	After you have paid the necessary dues to the SLA and on completion of final survey, a State title will be issued. Back to Top