The 500-or-so colonial bungalows dotted throughout the core region of Singapore are some of the most iconic pieces of real estate. Their distinctive black-and-white facade in the Tudor Revival style and vast plots of land give them an old-world charm that’s hard to find on our sprawling island that’s rising taller every other week. But beyond their aesthetic appeal, these colonial bungalows have also become symbols of status, power, and sometimes controversy.
Case in point: Minister K. Shanmugam’s tenancy at 26 Ridout Road sparked nationwide debate about transparency, privilege, and just how much it really costs to live in one of these heritage homes. So if you’ve ever wondered what it takes to secure a black-and-white colonial bungalow—or at least dreamt about it—this article breaks it down for you.
We’re diving into the costs of living like a minister, comparing 26 Ridout Road to other jaw-dropping colonial bungalows and their sky-high rental bids.
What makes these colonial bungalows special?
4 Seton Close.
Image credit: Singapore Land Authority
Black-and-white bungalows are a rare piece of Singapore’s colonial past, built in the early 20th century for British officials. With their mock-Tudor aesthetic—exposed timber beams, steep gabled roofs, and stark black-and-white facades—these homes stand out as architectural icons, with only about 500 remaining today.
Beyond history, they offer old-world charm and grandeur, boasting sprawling land areas—26 Ridout Road has a land area of 249,335sqft—manicured gardens, verandas, and even private pools or outhouses. Designed for tropical living with high ceilings and open layouts, they provide a sense of aristocratic leisure. Nestled in leafy enclaves like Ridout Road, Malcolm Road, and Nassim, these secluded estates ensure privacy, exclusivity, and a lifestyle few can afford.
Image credit: Singapore Land Authority
That exclusivity comes at a price; not just in dollars, but also in competition. Unlike traditional property rentals, these colonial bungalows are managed by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) and leased through an open bidding process. Prospective tenants must submit blind bids, with the highest offer securing the tenancy for a minimum of 2 years. This system not only ensures fair market pricing but also adds a layer of prestige—after all, you aren’t just paying for the house, you’re winning the right to live in a piece of Singapore’s history.
Breaking down 26 Ridout Road’s rental costs
Living in a sprawling black-and-white bungalow comes at a price—and 26 Ridout Road was no exception. Its $26,500 monthly rent already places it among Singapore’s most expensive properties, but it’s the full cost of leasing and maintaining this massive estate that goes far beyond what we plebians can fathom. It’s also a little complicated to explain, but we’ll try.
According to the full report by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau that was released in November 2024, Minister K. Shanmugam first expressed interest in 26 Ridout Road in January 2017. The property has been vacant since 2013, and by January 2018, he engaged a property agent to bid for it.
The right side of 26 Ridout Road was most likely to be the extension of the property that was included into the tenancy during the negotiations.
Image credit: Google Maps
During the negotiation phase with the Singapore Land Authority, he broached concerns about an adjacent plot that was teeming with overgrowth and offered to maintain the land at his own cost so long as SLA took responsibility for clearing the land. SLA initially stated that tenants were not responsible for maintaining land beyond their property boundary, so the discussions included incorporating that additional plot into the tenancy of 26 Ridout Road, expanding the estate from 100,642sqft to 249,335sqft.
Then, SLA undertook around $172,000 worth of site clearance, replanting of some greenery, and fencing—the cost of which would be recovered from the tenant’s rent. Additionally, the cost of maintaining the extension of 26 Ridout Road comes up to about $25,000 a year, which was borne by Minister Shanmugam.
Upgrades & additional costs
Since the colonial bungalow had been vacant for 5 years, significant repairs were required before it could be leased. SLA footed a whopping $515,400 bill for restoration and structural repairs, like repairs to the timber floor beams, replacement of damaged timber members, and restoration and replacement of existing doors and windows.
Minister Shanmugam also made some additional upgrades at his own expense, including installing a car porch for $61,400 and other works for an extra $400,000. Yes, a swimming pool was included.
All in all, since Minister Shanmugam moved into 26 Ridout Road, he has paid:
- $2,120,000 in rent (as of March 2025)
- $61,400 for a car porch
- $400,000 for additional works
And the SLA has forked out:
- $172,000 to clear the site by 26 Ridout Road
- $515,000 to restore the colonial bungalow and the property on 26 Ridout Road
That’s a grand total of $3,268,000 spent on 26 Ridout Road to date.
A peek into other colonial bungalows for rent in Singapore
While 26 Ridout Road may have dominated the headlines, it’s far from the only black-and-white bungalow with jaw-dropping rental prices. These homes, managed by the SLA, require prospective tenants to bid for tenancy, making them some of the most exclusive properties in Singapore. Here’s a look at a few other stunning colonial bungalows and what it costs to live in them.
11 Goodwood Hill
Image credit: Kim Buay P
This one is actually currently on the market, and if the PropretyGuru listing is anything to go by, it’ll cost you a cool $40,000 per month to rent out. For that price, you get a land area of 73,980sqft and a bungalow with an outhouse that’s about 7,339sqft.
Inside, there are 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, with the kitchen and staff quarters located at the outhouse that’s accessible via a covered walkway. The bungalow itself is said to be larger than those at Seton Close and Nassim Road because the ones along Goodwood Hill were meant for high-ranking civil servants.
3 Seton Close
Image credit: Singapore Land Authority
Nestled in the prestigious Nassim enclave, 3 Seton Close exudes timeless elegance spanning 62,969sqft of land. Built in the 1920s by the Public Works Department, the house features an iconic frontage with stately Tuscan columns that support a second-floor verandah—an unmistakable hallmark of heritage architecture. The checkered floor tiles, classic window grilles, and grand doorways further add to its historic charm.
Image credit: Singapore Land Authority
The property features a 4,929sqft floor area, with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 2 outhouses at the back for staff or as an extra office. The bidding war for this home saw 4 offers: $6,101, $8,288, $30,800, and the winning bid of $40,008 per month.
5 Malcolm Road—A spacious 5-bedroom colonial estate
Image credit: Singapore Land Authority
A rare find with 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, 5 Malcolm Road sits on a 48,665sqft plot with a 7,641sqft built-up area. Built around 1925, this red-roofed bungalow has restored hardwood floors, lofty ceilings, and a gorgeous interior drenched in an abundance of sunlight.
Image credit: Singapore Land Authority
Despite its prime central location and sheer size, only one bid was placed—$28,000 per month, securing the tenancy without competition.
24 Malcolm Road
Image credit: Singapore Land Authority
Built in the 1920s, 24 Malcolm Road is unique in its thoughtful integration with the area’s sloping terrain, seamlessly blending the house into its natural surroundings. The 49,485sqft property has minimalistic design choices that prioritise practicality, unlike its counterparts in Seton Close. Despite this, many original architectural elements remain intact nearly 100 years later.
Image credit: Singapore Land Authority
The 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom house also comes with a swimming pool, making it a countryside-like retreat in the middle of the city.
Only one bid was placed at $26,250 per month, securing the lease.
27 Malcolm Road
Image credit: Singapore Land Authority
Unfortunately for the original occupants of these colonial bungalows, the handy air conditioner was not yet invented in the 1920s. To keep homes cool, the architects built homes like 27 Malcolm Road on high ground to capture breezes and channel airflow better through its interiors, ensuring a comfortable climate even on those sweltering, equatorial days.
Image credit: Singapore Land Authority
Large, plentiful windows and doors allow fresh air to sweep through the rooms, while its elevated structure promotes circulation from beneath, reducing trapped heat. Inside, high lofted ceilings create extra space for hot air to rise, cooling the living spaces below.
Image credit: Singapore Land Authority
Beyond its climate-conscious design, this 57,265sqft colonial bungalow boasts 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a swimming pool, offering a balance of heritage elegance and modern luxury. With only one bid placed at $32,900 per month, the tenant secured the tenancy easy breezy lemon squeezy.
Is it worth renting a colonial bungalow in Singapore?
Relics of the colonial era, black-and-white bungalows remain some of Singapore’s most exclusive residences, offering a rare blend of history, prestige, and sprawling land. Yet, maintaining these century-old homes is no small feat. Unlike modern GCBs like Villa Otto in Jervois Hill, colonial bungalows require constant upkeep—repainting their iconic facades, restoring ageing timber, and maintaining expansive gardens can cost a small fortune.
Still, for those who can afford it, the appeal is undeniable. Beyond their sheer rarity and cultural significance, these homes offer a distinct lifestyle—one that prioritises heritage over convenience, and craftsmanship over modernity. Leasing a colonial bungalow isn’t just about securing a prestigious address; it’s about preserving a piece of Singapore’s past, at a price only a select few can pay.
Cover image adapted from: Kim Buay P, Singapore Land Authority
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