The Singapore government has officially taken possession of 38 Oxley Road, the former family home of the country’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. This move marks the conclusion of a formal acquisition process that began after the site was gazetted as a national monument in December 2025 and subsequently gazetted for acquisition in January 2026. The property, which served as the residence of the late leader for over seven decades, is now under state control to ensure its preservation for its historic and national significance.
Following the transfer of the site, the National Heritage Board and the Singapore Land Authority announced that the property will be maintained as required, though there will be no public access to the site for the time being. The government intends to conduct a detailed study to determine how the location can be developed into a public space. Officials have stated that this future development will aim to balance the preservation of the site’s historical importance with respect for the late Mr. Lee’s wishes for privacy.
The acquisition effectively prevents the site from being redeveloped for residential, commercial, or other private uses. This decision follows years of public and private debate regarding the future of the house, particularly concerning the late Mr. Lee’s expressed desire for the property to be demolished after his passing. The government has maintained that the site bears witness to key moments in Singapore’s history, including the birth of the nation’s independence movement.
As the government moves forward with its plans, the focus will shift toward the long-term vision for the site. While the immediate future involves maintenance and assessment, the ultimate goal is to create a space that allows future generations to reflect on the ideals and events that shaped modern Singapore. The government has emphasized that this process is intended to protect a vital piece of national heritage while navigating the complexities of the late leader's legacy.