Singapore Government Acquires Lee Kuan Yew’s Oxley Road Home for Public Conservation

Singapore has taken possession of Lee Kuan Yew's 38 Oxley Road home for conservation, aiming to transform it into a public space amid family disputes.

Editorial Desk

July 31, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Singapore announced on Friday the acquisition of 38 Oxley Road, the former residence of its founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, for conservation purposes. The property will undergo assessment to determine its future development into a public space, concluding years of debate over its fate amid a family dispute among the late leader’s children.

The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) and the National Heritage Board (NHB) stated that necessary maintenance works will be carried out as required. However, there will be no public access to the site during this interim period.

“We will explore how this property can be developed for public benefit,” said SLA in an official statement. The NHB added that the property holds significant historical value and its conservation is crucial for national heritage.

The decision follows a protracted legal battle among Lee’s children regarding the property’s future. The late prime minister’s will stipulated that the house be demolished, a directive contested by his daughter, Lee Wei Ling, who advocated for its conservation.

In contrast, his son, Lee Hsien Loong, the current prime minister, supported the demolition as per their father’s wishes. The government’s intervention came after the siblings failed to reach a consensus.

The property, located in one of Singapore’s prime districts, has been a focal point of national discussion, reflecting broader themes of heritage conservation versus development.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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