SingaporeCan the government compulsorily acquire my property?
Yes, the Singapore government can compulsorily acquire your property under the Land Acquisition Act for public purposes, subject to fair compensation and procedural safeguards.
What the Law Says
The Land Acquisition Act gives the Singapore government the power to acquire private land for public purposes — but only if strict legal conditions are met.
Under section 5 of the Land Acquisition Act, the Minister for National Development may issue a notification in the Gazette declaring that land is needed for a public purpose. Once published, this starts the compulsory acquisition process.
The law requires that the acquisition must be for a 'public purpose' — such as building roads, schools, hospitals, or public housing — and not for private commercial gain.
You are entitled to fair and adequate compensation, which includes the market value of the land, plus allowances for disturbance, loss of profits, or relocation expenses, as determined under the Act.
Statutory TextThe Minister may, by notification in the Gazette, declare that any land is needed for any public purpose.
— Land Acquisition Act, s. 5 — Power to acquire land for public purpose
What to Do
Check the Gazette notification to confirm the acquisition is lawful and specifies a valid public purpose.
Obtain an independent valuation of your property to assess whether the compensation offered is fair.
Lodge objections in writing to the Collector of Land Revenue within the time stated in the notification (usually 21 days).
If unresolved, apply to the High Court for a review of compensation within six weeks of the Collector’s award.
Sources
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JapanNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.