What is Office Space in Singapore?

Role of URA Singapore

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) serves as Singapore's planning authority, guided by the mission to transform Singapore into an exceptional city for residence, work, and recreation. In pursuit of this mission, URA meticulously plans and facilitates the physical development of Singapore, aspiring to build a vibrant, sustainable, and globally distinctive city. The planning decisions and guidelines implemented by URA carry lasting implications for the value of properties.

This development process involves URA harmonizing various, sometimes competing, needs to ensure a physical environment of high quality and appeal. The agency employs a framework of meticulous development coordination, proactive planning, and adaptable development controls that are attuned to business requirements. The outcome is an exemplary urban environment that is both conducive and responsive to the diverse activities and demands of a 21st-century global city.

URA engages in the formulation of long-term strategic plans and detailed local area plans for physical development. Subsequently, it coordinates and guides efforts to actualize these plans. The strategic and careful planning of land use has been instrumental in fostering robust economic growth, social cohesion, and ensuring that adequate land is reserved to sustain ongoing economic advancement and future development. As defined by URA, offices are establishments used for conducting business and administrative activities.

Some examples are Class II Office or Commercial School, such as:
- Bank
- Finance office, insurance company, stock exchange.
- Real estate housing agency.
- Contractors, transport office.
- Professional, consultant, architect, engineer, lawyer, accountant, advertising agency, research and marketing office.
- Employment agency, secretarial services.
- Astrologers/palmists.
- Security office.
- Political party office.

Commercial School: Premises used for the purpose of teaching, training or imparting of knowledge or skill. Some examples are:
- Tuition centre
- Language school
- Computer school
- Dress-making school
- Baking and cooking school
- Music school
- Dance school
- Acting school
- Speech and drama school
- Child development centre, or play school
- Art school.

Locations where a new office can be considered for approval:
- Shopping centres, commercial buildings, hotels and shophouses.
- Check Land Use Zoning in the Master Plan 2019.

Locations where a new office is unlikely to be approved:
- Non-commercial premises (e.g. residential premises, industrial premises).
- Units located along pedestrian routes or facing public roads at the first and basement levels of commercial developments (e.g. shopping centre, commercial buildings and hotels) in activity generating areas.
- Check Activity Generating Uses Plan in the Master Plan 2019.

The concept of "Office Spaced Defined by Authority" refers to the official definition and categorization of office spaces by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) in Singapore. The URA has established a specific definition for office spaces and excludes shops from this category. This distinction is important for regulatory and planning purposes.

In Singapore, there are generally four categories of commercial office properties based on the URA's classification:

1. Standard Office Buildings: Standard office buildings are typical commercial buildings that offer various amenities such as security, lifts, central air-conditioning, and sometimes individual air conditioning units within each office unit. The maintenance of common areas is usually handled by the building landlord or the Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST) for strata-titled offices. These buildings often come equipped with essential features like ceiling boards, lighting systems, and fire safety systems.
2. Serviced Offices & Co-Working Spaces: Serviced offices and co-working spaces are fully equipped office environments where tenants can start working almost immediately. These spaces are usually located in the Central Business District (CBD), city fringe areas, or commercial hubs. They are particularly attractive to small businesses, start-ups, or overseas companies looking for a representative office. Serviced offices and co-working spaces can accommodate varying numbers of people, from a single individual to around 100 occupants.
3. Shophouses: Shophouses are a distinct type of office space that appeals to companies seeking a creative and less formal environment. They are often favored by architecture firms, advertising agencies, interior design companies, and similar creative industries. Shophouses are typically low-rise buildings, often conserved for their historical or architectural significance. One advantage of shophouses is that their rental rates are usually lower compared to other office types, as they generally do not have service charges or maintenance fees. Most shophouse units are offered in a bare condition, allowing tenants to customize the space according to their needs.
4. Business Parks: Business parks encompass a range of office spaces, some of which resemble standard office buildings, while others offer specialized features. Business parks cater to industries and businesses involved in non-pollutive, high-tech, high value-added, knowledge-intensive, and research and development activities. Some business park spaces may include features like floor traps and exhaust systems to accommodate specific industry requirements.

These different categories of office spaces provide businesses with diverse options to choose from based on their specific needs, preferences, and operational requirements. The URA's definition and categorization help provide clarity and guidance to businesses and property developers, as well as aid in urban planning and development efforts.