In our last issue, we covered tips on running a business from your HDB flat. This time, we share with you the dos and don’ts of setting up a home office in a private home in Singapore.
Who: So long as you are the owner, tenant, approved sub-tenant or authorised occupier of the property and are above 18 years old, you can register with the URA via the Online Business Licensing Service (OBLS). You cannot hire more than two non-residents in your home office. If you are not the homeowner, you must obtain written permission from the homeowner before registering the home business.
What: If you live in a condominium or apartment, you are not allowed to hold classes, offer beauty or massage services, or run a moneylending business, as such activities are likely to attract a large number of customers at once and therefore, disturb your neighbours.
However, if you live in a semi-detached house, it is possible to run a childcare centre, kindergarten or student care centre there. Bear in mind that this also depends on where you live: such business activities are not permitted within any of the Good Class Bungalow (GCB) areas. If you do not live in a GCB area and want to run any of the aforementioned businesses, you need special planning permission from the URA, and must meet an extensive list of stringent criteria.
How: As soon as you have received approval for your home office, you can commence your business. Remember that your home must be a place of residence first and foremost, and none of your business activities may take place outside your house. You are also not permitted to advertise around your neighbourhood, be it in the form of flyers and posters, or going from door to door to promote your business.
At the same time, be sure to avoid attracting or necessitating added human or vehicular traffic as a result of your business activities. While you are allowed to have a home office, this should not cause any extra noise, inconvenience or disturbance to your neighbours.
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This article was first published in the print version The PropertyGuru News & Views. Download PDF of full print issues or read more stories now! | ||