Imperial and Metric System of Measurements in the Property Sector

Ms Ellen Lee asked the Minister for National Development whether there is a need to (i) review the use of both the imperial and metric system of measurements which has created some inconsistencies in the real estate sector; and (ii) implement a unified national system of measurements.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: Singapore has adopted the metric system of measurements. There is already a national system of measurements since 1975. This policy applies to the real estate industry. Hence, the Urban Redevelopment Authority and the Building and Construction Authority define their guidelines and regulations using metric units. The Singapore Land Authority requires the survey plans of land area and the property titles to state all dimensions in metric units.

A common system of measurements has facilitated real estate professionals, property owners, sellers and buyers in the accurate representation and exchange of key property information as well as in real estate transactions.

There is, however, a legacy preference by some to continue using the imperial system of measurements, expressing, for example, property prices and rentals in dollar per square foot. It has not caused any major problem to consumers. The Estate Agents Act does require salespersons marketing properties for sale or rental to accurately represent key information of the property such as the area or unit price of the property.

We will continue to remind the players in the real estate industry to use the metric system of measurements.

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