Found yourself searching for tips on how to rent a black and white house in Singapore? Find out more about what's involved and the renting process below...
Being a small country, Singapore doesn’t have a ton of big houses for kids to run around. Instead, we have high-rise apartment buildings in the form of HDBs or condominiums in various neighbourhoods around the city. And thankfully, tons of parks! But after living here a few years, you might’ve noticed gorgeous and much sought-after black-and-white houses in Singapore and have considered moving the family to one. These iconic bungalows often have grand halls, airy rooms and spacious gardens for a perfectly private-sized swimming pool too. Need some help turning your fantasy into reality? We’ve scoured the internet to bring
How to rent black-and-white houses in Singapore: What you need to know
Renting a black-and-white house in Singapore
Space is a valuable commodity in Singapore, and colonial bungalows like a black-and-white house are highly prized for their large, expansive spaces. That means, be prepared to shell out a substantial amount for rent. Plus, the process is a tad convoluted. So consider this: while you might have a backyard for the kids to run around in, you may want to consider spending the same amount for a condo with facilities instead.
Government-owned vs. privately-owned black-and-white houses in Singapore
Did you know there are about 500 of these gorgeous colonial properties in Singapore? They are either owned by the government or private holders and many are homes of former wealthy plantation owners, high-ranking government officials or top judges. So, you can bet the market is extremely competitive if you’re looking to rent one.
How much does it cost to rent a black-and-white house in Singapore?
According to a parliamentary reply by minister K Shanmugam in August 2023, median land size of residential state black-and-white bungalows is about 38,000 sqft with a median rent of about $13,000 a month. That said, there are also black-and-white houses available for rent at upwards of $16,188 to $42,800 per month (the latter being a bungalow in a premium location of 2 Seton Close in Orchard).
Still keen? Here’s what you need to do
1. Browse for properties
Your first step is to check the SLA’s State Property Information Online (SPIO) to look for available properties. Besides black-and-white bungalows, there are also colonial terraces and even one-room apartments up for rent. Check those out too, as the terraces can be ideal if you’re a small family on a budget. Be sure to thoroughly check the property’s details including tenure and status as well. Once you’ve found a property that suits you and your family, make an appointment to view it!
2. Attend an open house
We’ve lived in one too many bad apartments in our lifetime to know that you have to pay a visit to a house before signing any documents or paying the deposit. So be sure to attend an open house! It’ll give you the chance to have a good feel of the estate and check housing conditions.
Here are some tips if you’re unsure:
- Do a good walk around the house and check for dampness and mould.
- Ask the agent for the property history and why the current tenant is moving out. It could reveal much about the property or neighbourhood.
- View the house more than once so that you can be aware of the living conditions at different times of the day. Plus, you can identify any potential faults.
Dates for open house viewings are usually stated at the end of the online property listing form under remarks or as an additional note.
3. Contact the managing agents
After searching and deciding on your dream home, it’s time to take the next step! If you’re looking to rent a residential state property, you’ll need to contact SLA’s managing agents. The agents’ contacts are provided within the SPIO listings, and you’ll be able to arrange for a viewing of your desired dream home then. If the particular house that you’re interested in is popular, there’ll be open bidding for it.
How to rent a privately owned black-and-white house
Find the process of renting a black-and-white house from the government too tedious? Well, here’s another option! You can rent a privately owned black-and-white house. Property Guru has the highest number of listings of these colonial bungalows in Singapore. And unlike government-owned properties, renting through these portals is easier since real estate agents will be there to help you through the process. Plus, viewing dates are also flexible and catered to your schedule. The only downside? You’ll have to sift through property after property, as some of the listed rentals are not actually colonial houses. Additionally, rental prices tend to be more expensive…
Otherwise, if you’re planning to make Singapore a permanent home for you and the kids, these portals do have beautiful colonial houses for sale as well.
Happy house hunting!
This article was originally written by Melodi Ghui in 2020 and updated by Syazana Hishamuddin in 2024.
