Medical Suites vs. Traditional Commercial Spaces: Which is Right for Your Healthcare Practice in Singapore?

Introduction

Choosing the right space for your healthcare practice in Singapore is a crucial decision that impacts patient experience, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability. While some healthcare providers opt for traditional commercial spaces, others prefer purpose-built medical suites. Both options come with advantages and trade-offs, depending on your practice, budget, infratructure and regulatory requirements. This article provides an in-depth comparison tailored to the Singapore market, helping you make an informed decision.

1. Compliance & Regulatory Considerations

Medical Suites

✔ Purpose-built for healthcare use, meeting Ministry of Health (MOH) licensing and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) fire safety requirements.

✔ Typically pre-approved for medical services, reducing administrative delays and compliance risks.

✔ Designed to meet URA zoning laws, ensuring long-term suitability for medical tenants.

✔ Includes proper ventilation, medical waste disposal, and specialized infrastructure required for clinical operations.

Traditional Commercial Spaces

✔ May be converted for medical use but requires a Change of Use application with the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and subjected to approval.

✔ Private medical clinics can operate in commercial buildings but must adhere to URA guidelines, which cap clinic space at 3,000 sqm or 20% of the building’s Gross Floor Area (GFA), whichever is lower.

✔ Planning permission from URA and approvals from agencies such as MOH and the Fire Safety and Shelter Department (FSSD) are required before setting up a clinic in a non-medical building.

✔ May need modifications to meet MOH regulations on infection control, fire safety, and disabled access.

✔ Compliance modifications can add significant costs and delay operational readiness.

2. Infrastructure & Facility Readiness

Medical Suites

✔ Many come with features such as medical-grade plumbing, electrical capacity, increased floor loading and air filtration systems suitable for clinics and imaging centers.

✔ Located in integrated healthcare hubs such as Novena, Orchard, and Farrer Park, offering synergies with hospitals, diagnostics, and pharmacies or strategically placed to support surrounding tenants.

✔ Often includes dedicated patient drop-off points, emergency power backup, fresh air ducts and dedicated lifts.

Traditional Commercial Spaces

✔ More flexibility in layout and branding, allowing practices to create a unique identity.

✔ May require additional investment for soundproofing, medical waste disposal, and enhanced ventilation.

✔ Standard office HVAC and electrical systems may not support high-power medical equipment or infection control requirements.

3. Patient Accessibility & Experience

Medical Suites

✔ Strategically located in healthcare-centric districts, increasing patient traffic and referrals.

✔ Barrier-free access designed to accommodate elderly and disabled patients, in line with Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA) accessibility standards.

✔ Proximity to specialist clinics, pharmacies, and diagnostic labs improves patient convenience and streamlines healthcare delivery.

✔May offer HVAC systems that support infection control requirements

✔May support back up power supply

✔May have higher floor loading for larger equipments such as imaging scanners

✔May have higher ceiling for ceiling mounted equipments

Traditional Commercial Spaces

✔ Offers more diverse location options, potentially attracting professionals and expatriates.

✔ Accessibility varies—some buildings may not have sufficient parking, ramp access, or lifts suited for patients with mobility challenges.

✔ May require wayfinding enhancements to improve patient navigation.

4. Cost & Long-Term Investment

Medical Suites

✔ Higher rental rates but lower compliance and renovation costs due to healthcare-ready infrastructure.

✔ More stable lease terms in medical-zoned buildings, reducing risks of regulatory-driven relocation.

✔ Easier to sell or sublease to other healthcare providers due to dedicated medical zoning.

Traditional Commercial Spaces

✔ Generally lower rental costs but higher upfront investment for compliance retrofitting.

✔ Lease agreements may offer greater flexibility, including shorter-term rentals.

✔ Zoning risks—if the building shifts away from mixed-use permissions, tenants may need to relocate.

The Golden Mile: A Strategic Location for Healthcare Practices

Introducing The Golden Mile, newly renovated and under conservation.

The Golden Mile

Why Consider The Golden Mile?

✔ Located in a revitalized mixed-use development that combines retail, dining, office spaces, and medical suites in a single destination.

✔ Seamlessly connected to major transport nodes, making it highly accessible for patients.

✔ An entire level dedicated to medicals suites as a healthcare hub , offering opportunities for collaboration with other medical professionals.

✔ Features modern, flexible medical suites ranging from 47 sqm to 228 sqm, catering to both boutique and large-scale practices.

Recommended Practice Types for The Golden Mile

✔ General Practitioners & Family Clinics – Benefiting from high foot traffic and strong community presence

.✔ Specialist Clinics (Dermatology, Aesthetic Medicine, etc.) – Attracting both local and international patients seeking premium medical services.

✔ Dental Clinics – Serving both office occupants and residents in the surrounding area.

✔ Allied Health Services (Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, Wellness Clinics) – Leveraging the modern and well-designed environment to provide rehabilitation and wellness services.

✔ Health Screening & Preventive Care Centers – Conveniently positioned to cater to professionals working in the area.

✔ Diagnostic Imaging Centers (MRI/CT Scan Clinics) – Two specialized units designed to house MRI and CT scanners, making this an ideal location for diagnostic imaging services.

Conclusion

Deciding between a medical suite and a traditional office space depends on your budget, compliance needs, patient accessibility, and long-term goals. Medical suites offer a turnkey solution with built-in regulatory compliance, while traditional office spaces provide greater location flexibility at the cost of additional modifications.

At The Right Place, we specialize in navigating Singapore’s commercial real estate market to help healthcare providers secure the perfect space. Whether you're considering a medical suite or a traditional office conversion, we provide expert guidance to ensure a seamless transition. Let’s find the ideal space for your practice—contact us today!

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