I was wondering why
in the first place the home can't be used it if doesn't disturb the
neighbours.
But surely, most of these offices will be selling services instead
of products.
SEPT 22, 2003
Approved: 4,500 homes for office use
HDB and URA have given this many home owners the green light since
the scheme was launched in June
MORE than 4,000 businessmen here now have the cheapest office space
in town - their own home.
Giving an update on the new Home Office Scheme, which potentially
allows one million homes to be used as a workplace, Minister of
State for National Development and Trade and Industry Vivian
Balakrishnan said yesterday that it has 'received very good
responses' so far, with more women applying than men.
The Housing Board and Urban Redevelopment Authority have approved
about 4,500 applications for home offices, since the scheme was
launched in June.
The numbers so far are seen as encouraging, because only 19 parties
took up the Pilot Home Office Scheme, which was launched in
November 2001 and restricted to five mixed-zone areas.
Also, there were about 700 home offices approved under the
Technopreneur Home Office Scheme introduced in 1999. This scheme
has been included under the new one.
The new scheme allows home owners to establish small-scale
businesses in both HDB flats and private properties.
The more common types of businesses that applicants said they are
offering include Web design and publishing services, IT
consultancies, and real estate and legal services.
Those who use their home as an office can employ a maximum of two
people not living in their home. The services they offer must not
disturb the peace and quiet of the neighbourhood.
Laying out the advantages of the scheme at a home business seminar
at Singapore Polytechnic, Dr Balakrishnan said that besides
allowing home owners the flexibility to work from their home, it
also reduces startup costs in terms of rent and transport, and
allows them to spend more time with their families.
'The interest shown in the Home Office Scheme indicates that people
are willing and prepared to try new initiatives and to take some
risks,' he said.
'This augurs well for Singapore and our efforts to nurture a
creative and entrepreneurial nation.'
Copyright @ 2003 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.