Shophouse Insider
Why Conservation Shophouse?
Conservation Shophouses are generally considered as the International Investors’ Choice as part of their asset portfolio. Conservation Shophouses are not only unique in architecture form and they carry rich heritage values. Moreover, they can be used for business operations, such as restaurants, retail shops, offices, hospitality and etc, as well as residential use, subject to the authority’s approval. Furthermore, they are exquisite and limited in numbers, as there are only about 7,600 of these shophouses under conservation in Singapore.
Besides being a resilient real estate asset class, Conservation Shophouses are attractive for their tax savings. For Conservation Shophouses with full commercial title status, only Buyers’ Stamp Duty applies to this type of property transaction, and prevailing GST ( Goods and Services Tax) may apply, if the property is GST registered. There are no Additional Buyers’ Stamp Duty (ABSD) and Sellers’ Stamp Duty (SSD) for the purchase or sale, as compared to their residential counterparts, regardless of property count. Moreover, there are no capital gain tax in Singapore, should the Conservation Shophouses be put for sale. With these tax savings, Conservation Shophouses are considered undeniably as a top Investors’ Choice asset class.
Where can these Conservation Shophouse be found?
Shophouses under Conservation in Singapore are classified into 2 main categories: Primary and Secondary.
The Primary Conservation Shophouses are located in the Historic Districts of Boat Quay, Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Little India are characterised by predominantly two- and three-storey shophouses, ranging from the Early Shophouse Style to the Art Deco Shophouse Style.
Whereas the Secondary Conservation Shophouses are located in the Secondary Settlements in areas like Balestier, Beach Road, Geylang, Jalan Besar, Jalan Jurong Kechil, Joo Chiat, Mount Sophia, River Valley, Tanjong Katong, Upper Circular Road and Tiong Bahru were largely developed between the 1900s and the 1960s as a result of outward movement of the population from the city centre.
Key Conservation Area
Architectural Designs of Conservation Shophouses in Singapore
The conservation shophouses can be grouped into 6 general architectural styles. The styles are somewhat influenced by the changing economic and technological circumstances, tastes and fashions at that historical time.
What are the types of business found in Conservation Shophouses?
Owners of these shophouses enjoy the flexibility of use. They can apply to the authority for the change of use as their homes, businesses, or a mix of both, subject to approval.

About Shophouse Insider
Being specialized in the marketing of Conservation Shophouses, we have many other commercial shophouses available, under our care, for Sale and/or Lease.
Like all investments, commercial shophouse investment may have some risks involved. Do contact us for an executive presentation on the investment value in shophouses, highlighting the current opportunities as well as the potential pitfalls to avoid. Addressing and mitigating on potential risks, to enhance on your potential investment returns!

Night scene of a Conservation Shophouse in District 7, Haji Lane.
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