Good Class Bungalows (GCBs) are the most exclusive of Singapore’s real estate, reserved for the wealthy and often the envy of the rest of us. These sprawling properties sit on a minimum of 1,400sqm and occupy prime addresses such as Gallop Road, Nassim Road, and other prestigious enclaves.
While typically symbols of luxury, a small number of GCBs have recently found themselves at the centre of major financial crime investigations, including fraud or money laundering cases. Here’s a closer look at the 6 GCBs that have made headlines in Singapore.
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1. Chee Hoon Avenue GCB: Owned by Alan Wei Zhaolun
Image credit: EdgeProp Singapore
The $55 million GCB at 12 Chee Hoon Avenue has been making headlines after its owner, Alan Wei Zhaolun, CEO of the Aperia Group, was charged with money laundering in the Nvidia chips export case. Authorities allege that roughly $38 million of the purchase price came from criminal proceeds, which were partially converted into property assets.
The Singapore Police Force has issued a prohibition of disposal order on the bungalow, along with the seizure of $1 million in related bank funds, keeping the estate frozen while investigations unfold.
Image credit: EdgeProp Singapore
Located at 12 Chee Hoon Avenue, the bungalow sits on a 15,486sqft freehold site, with a built-up area of 26,000sqft. Making full use of its footprint, the basement alone houses a wine cellar big enough for 3,000 bottles and parking for 8 cars, enough to start a boutique car showroom.
Image credit: EdgeProp Singapore
The first floor includes a grand 2,600sqft open-plan living and dining area, while a master suite features a 380sqft walk-in wardrobe, fitting of its scale. The property also boasts an 18m swimming pool, a landscaped garden, a basement entertainment room, and a home lift.
With the case still unfolding, the bungalow remains frozen, preventing any sale or transfer, and continues to dominate recent news coverage.
2. Ewart Park GCB: Rented by Su Haijin
Two Good Class Bungalows rented by suspects in Singapore’s largest money laundering case drew media attention, including the 32,000sqft property in Ewart Park leased by Su Haijin. During a police raid, he infamously attempted to evade arrest by jumping from the second-floor balcony.
Su moved into the estate in 2021, reportedly renting it for $85,000/month, with rates in the neighbourhood reaching up to $100,000/month for similar GCBs.
The grounds included luxury features such as a golf simulator and a basement karaoke room. Luxury vehicles were also frequently spotted parked within the compound during his time there.
The house was also known for hosting lively gatherings, reportedly loud enough that neighbours nicknamed it “KTV central”, according to reports, reflecting both the scale of the estate and the lavish lifestyle associated with it.
3. Nassim Road GCB: Rented by Su Baolin
Image credit: Guz Architects
Located near Orchard Road and the Shangri‑La Singapore, this GCB on Nassim Road was leased to Su Baolin, brother of Su Haijin and one of the 10 suspects arrested in Singapore’s 2023 money laundering case.
Designed by Guz Architects, the estate sits on approximately 15,000sqft of land and was advertised for rent at a whopping $120,000/month after it became vacant.
Image credit: Guz Architects
The property includes 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, with a swimming pool that wraps around part of the second floor and expansive grounds for a luxury getaway feel.
4. Bishopsgate GCB: Rented by Vang Shuiming
Image credit: Guz Architects
Another Good Class Bungalow tied to Singapore’s 2023 money laundering investigation was leased to Vang Shuiming, whose disclosed assets in Singapore reportedly exceeded $200 million. During a police raid, authorities reportedly found over $962,000 in cash on the premises as part of broader financial investigations.
Image credit: DJCoalition
Located at Bishopsgate in the prestigious Tanglin enclave, the bungalow was reportedly leased for $150,000/month, among the highest rental rates for a GCB at that time. The neighbourhood is also home to other high-profile figures, including Lim Wan Looi, the wife of Fragrance Group CEO James Koh.
Image credit: EdgeProp Singapore
The estate sits on a 17,100sqft site with a 15,000sqft built-up area. Its standout features include a rooftop gym, a 23m swimming pool on the attic level, and a carpark that can hold up to 6 vehicles, all of which help justify its record rental rate.
5. Yarwood Avenue GCB: Bought under Zhu Su’s toddler son
Image credit: EdgeProp Singapore
A GCB on Yarwood Avenue made headlines when it was purchased by Zhu Su, co-founder of the collapsed crypto hedge fund Three Arrows Capital (3AC), and his wife Tao Yaqiong (also known as Evelyn Tao), for their 3-year-old son.
The 999-year leasehold property sits on a 31,862sqft site in the prestigious Kilburn Estate and was bought for $48.8 million, working out to roughly $1,532 per sqft. The home was placed in trust in March 2022, making Zhu Su’s son the official owner and among Singapore’s youngest homeowners, while keeping the property in the family.
After 3AC collapsed, liquidators sought to recover assets tied to the founders, and the Yarwood Avenue bungalow was reportedly considered for sale.
The former swimming pool was converted into a fish pond.
Image credit: Habitat Collective
Interestingly, the backyard was later transformed into an urban farm, Yarwood Homestead, by a company co-founded by Zhu’s wife. The former swimming pool was replaced with a fish pond, and the space now includes crops, a duck pond, and a chicken coop.
Visitors can even book guided tours or private dining sessions to experience the homestead firsthand, turning the GCB into a next-level home-based business.
6. Dalvey Road GCB: Sold by Zhu Su’s wife
Image credit: EdgeProp Singapore
Zhu Su’s wife, Tao Yaqiong, also owned a GCB on Dalvey Road, near the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Despite ongoing legal and bankruptcy proceedings after the collapse of 3AC, she managed to sell the GCB for $51 million in October 2024. The buyer is reported to be Chrispianto Karim, a Singaporean linked to the Musim Mas Group family.
The bungalow sits on roughly 15,568sqft of freehold land, and Tao originally bought the property in 2020 for $28.5 million, meaning the resale had a significant profit. After her purchase, the house was redeveloped before being put on the market, with updated property records confirming the final transaction price.
Dalvey Road is among Singapore’s most prestigious landed enclaves, prized for its proximity to the Botanic Gardens and its central location near Orchard Road, making it one of the city’s most sought-after luxury properties.
Good Class Bungalows linked to Singapore’s fraud cases
While GCBs are usually symbols of prestige and exclusivity, these 6 examples show that even the most luxurious properties are not exempt from scrutiny when financial misconduct is involved.
Beyond the headlines, the sheer scale and features of these GCBs offer a glimpse into the lifestyles of Singapore’s ultra-wealthy, and serve as a reminder that even the richest neighbours can be the source of complaints loud enough to earn a “KTV central” nickname.
For more GCB reads:
- Haidilao co-founder’s family snaps up second Cluny Hill GCB
- Koufu founders secure Caldecott Hill GCB deal worth $58m
- Tommie Goh’s GCB at Ridley Park is dubbed the “Ferrari House”
Cover image adapted from: EdgeProp Singapore, Guz Architects
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