Singapore Affluent Homes, Houses and Apartments
Singapore Landed Property
Landed properties are scarce and accessible mainly to affluent buyers. If you’re considering buying one, it’s essential to understand your preferences and budget before making a decision. Buying an HDB flat (leasehold) is so common it is a right of passage, only 5% of Singapore households reside in landed properties (leasehold and freehold).
Terrace Houses
A terrace house is a dwelling with its own land title that is part of a row of at least three houses, sharing common walls between them. Typically, the corner terrace houses—those situated at the ends of the row—are more desirable because they often come with a larger land area. A corner terrace house commonly offers a larger land area, providing a feeling akin to being semi-detached.
Typically, it includes a narrow garden space. An end-of-row house may feature extra windows for better light and ventilation. A side garden connecting the back and front gardens creates an open feel—large enough for children’s play or, if smaller, suitable for alfresco dining or an internal kitchen. In the case of a small alleyway, it can serve as utility space for washers, dryers, or a simple clothesline. Privacy increases with adjoining neighbors only on one side, allowing private views of local green spaces for an open sitting and relaxing area. Side and rear access may be appreciated for day-to-day family use. The higher value of an end terrace or semi-detached property is something individuals need to consider based on lifestyle and property use choices
Semi-Detached Houses
Semi-detached houses are one half of a pair of two houses, each with its own land title, separated by a common wall along one side of the premises. They can be joined side-by-side or back-to-back. A semi-detached house is one of a pair of two houses, each with its own land title. These houses share a common wall along one side of the premises. Typically, they are joined side-by-side, but it’s also possible for them to be joined back-to-back.
Bungalows and Detached Houses
Bungalows are detached landed houses with their own land titles. They don’t share any common walls with other properties and are surrounded by land space. Good Class Bungalows (GCBs) are a special category of bungalows with unique characteristics, such as specific location requirements and greenery allocation. A GCB is technically a bungalow, but it is typically categorized separately due to its unique characteristics:
- Location: A GCB must be situated within the 39 GCB areas listed by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).
- Land Size: Generally, a GCB has a land size of at least 1,400 square meters (approximately 15,069 square feet).
- Height Restrictions: It cannot exceed two storeys in height (excluding the attic and basement).
- Greenery and Landscape: At least 60% of the land must be allocated to greenery and landscaping.
Let’s delve into the fascinating world of Good Class Bungalows (GCBs) in Singapore. These prestigious properties are more than just luxurious homes—they represent a unique asset class with stringent criteria and exclusivity. Here’s what you need to know:
- What Is a Good Class Bungalow (GCB)?
- A GCB belongs to the highest echelon of Singapore’s residential property market.
- To qualify as a GCB, a property must have at least 1,400 square meters (approximately 15,070 square feet) of land area.
- The bungalow itself is limited to a maximum of two storeys in height1.
- Distinct Characteristics of GCBs:
- Location: GCBs must be situated within the 39 designated areas gazetted by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).
- Greenery and Landscape: At least 60% of the land must be allocated to greenery and landscaping, including gardens, pools, and other amenities.
- Exclusivity: Foreigners are not allowed to own GCBs; ownership is restricted to Singapore citizens or those with permanent residency.
- Preserving Low-Rise Character: By imposing stringent constraints, the exclusivity and low-rise character of GCB neighborhoods are preserved2.
- Investment Perspective:
- While the price tags of GCBs—often exceeding $36 million—may seem astronomical to most, consider them from an investment standpoint.
- The limited supply of GCBs, especially in prime locations, contributes to their high value.
- Many GCBs represent value-for-money purchases due to their unique features, exclusivity, and potential appreciation over time.
