MBPP to Inspect 3,853 Heritage Buildings: What to Ask Before Buying a George Town Shophouse
MBPP has appointed a termite control company to visually inspect 3,853 heritage buildings in George Town from November 2026, and will appoint engineering consultants. Owners may be ordered to repair dangerous parts. Buyers and agents should check building condition and any official notices before committing.
The state assembly reply
The Star reported on 2 November 2026 that state local government committee chairman H'ng Mooi Lye told the state assembly that MBPP appointed a termite control company on 11 September to visually inspect 3,853 heritage buildings (82 Category I and 3,771 Category II), expected to begin in November 2026, and will appoint an engineering consultancy for preliminary assessments of Category II buildings. Checks were stepped up after the August incident on Armenian Street. Dangerous buildings may be dealt with under Section 83 of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974.
Owners' obligations
The report lists obligations: when ordered, owners must repair, demolish dangerous parts or take other safety measures; inspect and submit safety reports when damage affects safety, and at least once every five years; and submit a structural safety report certified by a registered Professional Engineer before an approved building plan is released. Non-compliance may lead to enforcement and court action.
Agent insight: heritage shophouses need a larger buffer
This is agent analysis. Before committing, ask the seller for recent structural or termite reports, repair records and any MBPP notices; where needed, have the buyer commission an engineer to check timber beams, roof and walls. Budget for restoration and maintenance and the time needed for approvals. Heritage shophouses draw value from location and character, but safety obligations cannot be ignored.
FAQ
Will every heritage building be inspected?
The report says MBPP plans visual inspections of 3,853 heritage buildings in George Town. Follow MBPP announcements for progress.
How can a buyer know if a shophouse has received a notice?
Ask the seller for a written declaration and copies of all notices; the lawyer can also make enquiries with the authorities.
An agent’s follow-up message
Heritage buildings in George Town are being inspected. Before you buy this shophouse, I will ask the seller for structural or termite reports, repair records and any council notices, and I suggest an engineer's check too. Shall I request these documents from the seller first?