The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) will be waiving the processing fees for applications to carry out repair and maintenance works which do not alter the structure or appearance of conserved buildings.

This, said National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan in a blog post on Thursday, will make it easier for owners to keep conserved buildings, in good condition.

Applications have also been simplified, said Mr Khaw so that a building owner does not have to engage a Qualified Person, such as an arcitect or engineer for straightforward repair and maintenance works. The owner or contractor can instead apply directly to URA for approval. "This will reduce costs and time for all parties," said Mr Khaw.

There are more than 7,000 conserved buildings in Singapore to date.