Property developers in Singapore have a solid reputation, but a common criticism is that our projects are all “cookie-cutter”. There’s only one Interlace for every dozen other similar-looking projects. But there are reasons why developers build this way, just as there are reasons for some of the more awkward design choices.

For example, you’ve probably wondered why some rooftop facilities don’t have a proper shelter built when it seems like such an obvious thing to include. Or perhaps why do some developments just have so few car park lots (or even visitors ones for that matter), when it only makes sense to build more for the number of units.

Truth be told, while most things would just come down to cost, there are some others that actually have reasonable explanations for it.

Here are a few of the most common ones:

1. Bigger condos are more “cookie-cutter” thanks to ABSD deadlines

Developers pay 40 per cent ABSD on the land price.