Although the latest biannual review was expected to reflect easing market conditions, Singapore Land Authority (SLA) announced on Feb 27, 2026 that Land Betterment Charge (LBC) rates for the March–August 2026 cycle would rise across most asset classes, led by non-landed residential sectors where rates increased 4.1% on average, representing the strongest uptick since September 2022.
SLA’s March–August 2026 LBC rates rose across most classes, led by a 4.1% non-landed residential increase, the strongest since September 2022.
The revision, effective for six months from March 1, applies to 118 geographical sectors and follows consultation with the Inland Revenue Authority’s chief valuer, whose assessments underpin the Table of Rates used to compute charges. LBC rates are reviewed and published twice yearly, taking effect on March 1 and Sept 1.
Non-landed residential rates were raised in 114 of 118 sectors, with increases ranging from 3% to 23%, while four sectors recorded no change. SLA indicated that the pattern of uplift reflected competitive bids submitted in recent state land tenders, which have supported benchmark land values even as some market indicators moderated. The upward pressure on land values was evident in the recent Bedok Rise GLS tender, where Allgreen Properties secured the site with a top bid of S$1,330 psf ppr, surpassing analyst expectations.
Landed residential rates also moved higher, rising 4.0% on average, with 93 sectors up by 3% to 10% and 25 sectors unchanged.
Beyond housing, industrial LBC rates increased 3.2% on average, climbing in all 118 sectors by 2% to 9%, while commercial rates edged up 0.5% on average, with 20 sectors posting 3% to 4% increases and 98 sectors unchanged. In contrast to the sharper residential moves, analysts pointed to minimal pressure in the commercial category. Rates for places of worship and civic and community institutions rose 3% across all sectors, whereas hotel, hospital, and nursing home rates were left unchanged for the cycle.
LBC is a tax on the uplift in land value arising from chargeable consents such as planning permissions that intensify site use or enable larger projects, and it replaced Differential Premium, Development Charge, and the Temporary Development Levy on Aug 1, 2022. Developers pay LBC after Urban Redevelopment Authority approval triggers a Liability Order from SLA, with payment due within one month, and no separate SLA application is required because processing follows the URA submission.
To improve cost visibility, SLA launched an LBC Estimator on Feb 27, 2026, and it continues to publish sector maps and tables on its website, with rates from September 2022 to March 2026 accessible on OneMap.
