Users of URA SPACE can obtain private property market information by property types.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) on Thursday, 2 May, launched a new website that allows consumers to search for information on property-related matters easily and for free.
In a blog post, National Development Minister Lawrence Wong said: “The data is presented on a map in Geographical Information System (GIS) format with a 3D map, so that the search for information becomes more intuitive and convenient.”
Called URA SPACE, the portal contains data about the master plan, urban design guidelines, private property use and approval, car park locations and availability, private residential property transactions, and conservation areas and buildings.
“This new service will be piloted for six months to find out whether there is a need to further improve it,” Wong noted, adding that URA SPACE can be accessed at https://www.ura.gov.sg/maps/.
He highlighted the importance of the site as more than 33,000 people write to the URA each year asking for information on property-related matters.
“I understand that the majority of the queries pertain to allowable uses for shophouses,” he said. However, the inquirer needs to pay a fee of $53.50 and wait for up to seven working days before the information is released.
But with URA SPACE, people can now quickly check the allowable and last approved uses for private shophouses, and if necessary, they can submit applications for other intended use.
For instance, if a businessman wants to change the use from a restaurant to an office, this can be approved, but he will be prompted to register it online.
On the other hand, if someone wishes to open an eatery in a location where new restaurants cannot be supported, he or she will be advised accordingly. The user may also print a copy of the URA’s reply for record purposes, or use it to obtain licenses from other agencies.
In addition, the portal provides information on market transactions for different types of properties, as well as real-time parking availability. There are also plans to add more features and information in the future.
URA SPACE can be accessed on various devices, including Apple and Android tablets.
Romesh Navaratnarajah, Senior Editor at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this or other stories, email romesh@propertyguru.com.sg
