Skip to main content
A Singapore Government Agency Website How to identify
Official website links end with .gov.sg
Government agencies communicate via .gov.sg websites (e.g. go.gov.sg/open). Trusted websites
Secure websites use HTTPS
Look for a lock () or https:// as an added precaution. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Welcome to our refreshed website!

We've updated the site to make information easier to access and navigate. While some content may have been reorganised, you can browse our updated sections to find what you need.

Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)

Home for the Aged or Home for the Disabled

Check the guidelines for home for the aged or home for the disabled.

Last updated 6 June 2026

Purpose-built Homes for the Aged or Homes for the Disabled are meant to provide residential accommodation with board and care for the elderly and the disabled respectively.

Homes for the Aged are licensed by the Ministry of Social and Family Development. 

Free-standing or independent Homes for the Aged/Disabled are typically zoned “Civic and Community Institution” or “Residential/Institution” in the Master Plan. They may be allowed at the void decks of public housing blocks as facilities ancillary to the residential use.

Conversion of properties to Homes for the Aged or Disabled and the actual allowable building form (ie stand-alone or party-wall) will be assessed taking into account the site location, site context and detailed development guidelines in the prevailing street block plans, if any.

Gross Plot Ratio & Storey Height

The allowable gross plot ratio and number of storeys for Homes for the Aged or Disabled developments shall take into account the character of the surrounding area. The actual number of storeys allowed may vary, depending on the site topography and the context of the surrounding area.

Homes for the Aged or Disabled of 3-storey and above shall be provided with lifts.

For redevelopment of an existing approved Home for the Aged or Disabled to carry out major extensions to it, the proposed increase in GPR or GFA is subject to planning consideration taking into account the location of the home, context of the surrounding area and requirements of other government agencies. Planning approval from URA shall be obtained first before commencement of works.

Communal Open Space

Homes for the Aged or Disabled shall provide a minimum 35% communal open space (COS) (based on nett site area) for use as recreational spaces for enjoyment by the occupants. Spaces which qualify as COS are shown in the table below.

Table 1: Examples of spaces that qualify or do not qualify as COS

Examples of spaces that qualify as COS

Examples of spaces that do not qualify as COS

Recreational facilities that are uncovered and raised no more than 1m above ground level such as:

  • Exercise equipment and structures in fitness areas.

  • Game courts for tennis, basketball etc.

  • Swimming pool; wading pool.

Buildings and other ancillary structures (eg substations) that are already computed as site coverage

Structures that form part of landscaping features such as:

  • Art sculptures

  • Fountains

Driveways and parking lots

Fire-engine hard-standing ground/access and other service areas

Voids at ground level overlooking basements