Recourse for Private Home Owners Affected by Encroachments

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for National Development (a) how many cases of encroachment into a neighbour's property during renovation works of private properties have been reported to the Ministry over the past three years; (b) what is the recourse for home owners affected by such encroachments; (c) whether the Ministry intervenes when the encroachment is brought to its attention; and (d) whether there is a mediation process under the Ministry to help parties seek a resolution for such disputes.

Over the past three years, about five cases of encroachment were reported to the URA and/or BCA annually.

Plans for renovation works are evaluated by the URA to ensure that the proposed works indicated on the submission plans do not extend beyond the boundary line of the property. However, rare occasions of encroachment may arise when there are disputes on the exact location of a structure in relation to the boundary line, which could lead to neighbours having the impression that the structures being built have encroached on their land. Such disputes are civil matters relating to the private property rights of the home owners concerned.

When such disputes are brought to MND's attention, we would advise the affected parties to engage a registered surveyor to determine the exact location of the structure in relation to the legal boundary line. The survey would establish if there is a legal encroachment. The landowner whose land is being encroached on can seek recourse through the courts, or reach an amicable resolution with the neighbour through mediation. Mediation services are available at the Community Mediation Centre under MinLaw.