The Different Types Of Shophouses For Sale In Singapore

By Author: Shophouse Collective
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Shophouses are iconic features of Singapore’s architectural landscape, representing the city’s history, roots, and multicultural heritage. Although there is a limited supply due to modernisation, shophouses for sale remain in high demand, particularly among local and foreign investors.

Indeed, shophouses resemble asset classes rather than just structural investments for HNWIs (High Net Worth Individuals), and the prestige of ownership is comparable to that of valuable fine art and luxury watches.

Choosing the right type of shophouse and its unique characteristics is helpful if you’re considering investing in one in Singapore. In this article, we examine the history and distinctive features of the various styles of shophouses for sale in Singapore.

1. Early Shophouse Style

The Singapore shophouse can be traced back to China, specifically the Guangdong and Fujian provinces, from which the majority of early immigrants to Singapore came. When the early builders purchased land from the East India Company to build their homes in Singapore, the first shophouses were constructed at the southern end ...
... of the Singapore River.

These houses, known as the early shophouse style today, were built in the mid-1840s and are typically low in level, short and broad in build. They have one or two windows on the upper floor facade. In this shophouse frontage, rectangular, timber-framed window and door frames are adorned with air vents inside or above them.

Initially, the shophouse was a rudimentary design with minimal decorative elements. The style of shophouses that emerged reflected the times when resources such as skilled labour and building materials were limited and basic at best.

2. First Transitional Shophouse Style

The first transitional shophouse style emerged in the early 1900s when the first generation of immigrants settled in Singapore and desired more substantial and permanent homes. The shophouses of this style were taller, brightly coloured, and adorned with decorative panels and carvings — although still relatively simple. While these shophouses were still relatively simple and restrained, they marked a departure from the rudimentary style of the early shophouse period.

The most noticeable change during this period was the increased height of the shophouses, which allowed for a more vibrant and light-hearted facade. Windows also moved away from rectangular frames and came in arches or semi-circular frames. Signs also became more prevalent, allowing homeowners to express their creativity.

3. Late Shophouse Style

The late shophouse style is the most elaborate and decorative of all shophouses. During the third wave of shophouses in Singapore, the addition of an extra window on the upper floors created an innovative and striking style. The design inspiration for these shophouses reflects expert craftsmanship and a diverse range of ethnic influences from both the East and the West.

During the rubber boom of 1900–1930, the wealthy funded many of these lavishly decorated shophouses. Unlike its predecessors, which were simple and minimal in ornaments, the late shophouse style features decorative and loud moulds, hand-carved woodwork, vibrant ornaments, and glazed ceramic tiles.

Reduced wall space is a key feature of the late shophouse style, allowing more ventilation into the upper storeys. Much of the wall space was replaced by columns or pilasters because there were three windows instead of the traditional two. This allowed for more creative freedom and expression on the part of the builders.

4. Second Transitional Shophouse Style

In the late 1930s, the second transitional shophouse style emerged. During this period, there was a shift towards simplicity and streamlined design. Developers during this period focused on creating shophouses with more subdued colours and tiles, emphasising simple, streamlined geometric forms instead of intricate ornamentation.

Perhaps the Art Deco movement, which was gaining popularity at the time, or the economic conditions of the Great Depression, which lasted from August 1929 to March 1933, contributed to this shift.

5. Art Deco Shophouse Style

During the 1930s-1960s, the Art Deco shophouse style emerged, influenced by modern technology and the post-war economy. Unlike earlier types, Art Deco shophouses embraced streamlined designs with curved corners, strong horizontal lines, and geometric shapes. This reflected the streamlined and industrial elements of the Machine Age. Visitors should also look for plaques on the facade indicating the date of construction of the shophouse.

A notable feature of the Art Deco shophouse style is the stylistic harmony between shophouses, with each building designed to maintain visual coherence across the entire row of shophouses. This was achieved by planning the elevation and proportion of each window, door, and balcony to complement one another. Street corner units were particularly noticeable since they marked the start and end of each row of houses.

6. Modern Shophouse Style

The modern shophouse style emerged in the 1950s and 1960s during Singapore’s post-World War II economic boom and growing middle class. These shophouses emphasised decorative ornaments less and focused on highly functional facades using modern materials. This style was a precursor to the shift towards brutalist buildings that became prominent in 1970s Singapore.

A hallmark of the modern shophouse style is the use of thin concrete fins and air vents on the building facade that serve as ventilation and add modern appeal. The windows are well-proportioned and complement the facade’s geometric design. The result is a more severe-looking property with a pragmatic and utilitarian design.

Why Are Conservation Shophouses Attractive Investment Opportunities?

Conservation shophouses offer a unique type of real estate in Singapore that provides investors with flexibility, scarcity, and architectural heritage. These unique traditional buildings can be used for residential or commercial purposes, making them an excellent investment option for foreigners and local property owners.

Additionally, the Singaporean government’s push for a cultural renaissance has led to the preservation of many shophouses in historic districts, further increasing their scarcity and real estate investment appeal.

Historically, shophouses have produced marginally higher returns than comparable conventional properties, making them an excellent opportunity for capital preservation and appreciation. Clustered together, shophouses can increase accessibility and attract potential buyers or renters.

Finally, shophouses provide a unique living experience and lifestyle that investors should consider before investing. Living in a shophouse allows one to be a part of Singapore’s architectural history while enjoying city living.

Conclusion

Shophouses for sale in Singapore are testaments to the country’s rich architectural heritage. From their early iterations to modern-day adaptations, these structures have undergone revitalisation and renewal while remaining integral to Singapore’s architectural landscape. Despite their unchanged facades, shophouses serve diverse functions, including homes, businesses, museums, and more. Shophouses are not merely relics of the past; they continue to play a vital role in Singapore’s present and future.

Invest in a Singapore Shophouse with Shophouse Collective

If you want to purchase a shophouse in Singapore, research and consult a reputable real estate agent specialising in shophouses, like Shophouse Collective. We provide you with the necessary guidance and information to find the ideal shophouse to call your own.

Our database contains the largest selection of shophouses for sale in Singapore. Shophouse Collective agents are passionate and dedicated to studying, understanding, and tracking the Singapore shophouse property market.

Start your shophouse investment with confidence by filling in our contact form: https://shophousecollective.sg/contact-us/. We look forward to working with you.