USE OF RESIDENTIAL HOUSES FOR START-UP BUSINESSES

Dr Lee Tsao Yuan asked the Minister for National Development whether, in light of the objective of promoting entrepreneurship, regulations regarding the use of residential housing for start-up businesses can be relaxed, particularly for businesses in the IT industry.

Mr Lim Hng Kiang: Under the current planning guidelines, residents are allowed to use their residential properties for start-up businesses so long as the businesses do not employ persons outside the households. However, they are not allowed to use their HDB flats as the registered addresses for their businesses.

My Ministry recognizes that advancements in IT have brought along increased opportunities for businesses to operate from home, and thereby reduce business costs. HDB will work with relevant Government authorities to review its regulations with a view to facilitate the use of HDB flats for start-up businesses, particularly for those in the IT industry.