Minimum Land Size to Build a House in Sri Lanka (UDA Rules)

Don't buy a 3-perch strip expecting a mansion.

The Urban Development Authority (UDA) has strict rules on the minimum land size required to approve a building plan. If your land is too small, it's "unbuildable."

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1. The Magic Number: 6 Perches

• Standard Rule: generally, 6 Perches (150 sq m) is the minimum for a separate detached house.
• Sub-Division: You cannot sub-divide a land into blocks smaller than 6 perches.

2. The Exception: 3 to 5 Perches

Can you build on less? Yes, BUT:

1. Special Approval: You need special clearance for "Small Lots."
2. Coverage: You can typically only build on 66% of the land (leaving 1/3rd open). On 4 perches, that's a tiny house.
3. Blind Walls: You will almost certainly need Blind Walls on one or both boundaries to maximize space.

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3. Road Frontage

It's not just area. It's width.

• Minimum Frontage: usually 20 feet (6 meters).
• If your land is a long narrow strip (e.g., 10ft wide x 100ft long), you might be rejected even if it's 10 perches total.

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4. Why these rules exist?

Sanitation and ventilation. If houses are packed like sardines without airspace, disease spreads and fire risks skyrocket.

Advice: Avoid buying anything under 6 perches unless it already has an existing, approved structure.

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