If you’ve ever gone for a walk along the Southern Ridges, chances are, you might have noticed some bungalows with whitewashed walls along Preston Road, which is around 500m away from the Alexandra Arch. In Singapore, these bungalows are also widely known as black and white houses.
What are black and white houses?
Built between 1903 and 1941, black and white houses got their name from their signature whitewashed walls and dark timber beams. Other notable features include overhanging eaves to keep rainwater off the house, and verandahs to keep it airy.
The design was also said to be inspired by indigenous Malay houses, in which homes were propped up on stilts to allow air to circulate underneath the house, as well as prevent termites and damage from flash floods.
According to a National Heritage Board article, the black and white house design was attributed to architect Regent Alfred John Bidwell of Swan & Maclaren. This was because of his design of the W. Patchitt House at Cluny Road, the first-ever black and white house in 1903.
This Cluny Roadhouse, which is no longer standing today, started the “black and white” house trend. The well-heeled, including government officials, barristers, and brokers, started buying up large plots of land and commissioned houses to be built in such a style.
These days, there are approximately 500 black and white houses in Singapore. Most of them are now owned by the state and rented out.
Some are used as restaurants and bars, such as Dempsey Hill, Rochester Park, and Seletar Aerospace Park.
If you’re thinking of renting a black and white house, one way is to go for those rented out by SLA. Here’s a handy guide that will bring you through the process!
Black and white houses: A glimpse into Singapore’s architectural history
Black and white houses in Singapore, with their signature whitewashed walls and dark timber beams, offer a unique architectural style. Built between 1903 and 1941, their design was influenced by indigenous Malay houses.
Today, these houses are not just residential spaces but also serve as restaurants and bars, showcasing their versatility and continued relevance.
Exploring the cultural significance of Black and White houses
Beyond their distinctive architectural style, black and white houses in Singapore hold a special place in the nation’s cultural and historical narrative. These houses are more than just living spaces; they are a testament to Singapore’s colonial past and the fusion of Western and Asian architectural influences.
Understanding the cultural significance of these houses adds depth to the renting experience, offering residents not just a home but a living piece of history. This insight into the historical importance of black and white houses might intrigue potential renters and history enthusiasts alike, enhancing the article’s appeal and searchability.
But first, who is eligible to rent a black and white house in Singapore?
One main criterion SLA sets out is that as an individual planning to rent out such a house, you should at least have an average monthly income of three times the bid rent, or be assessed by SLA to have sound financial status.
If the bidder is a company or a firm, the bidder must be of sound financial status, as assessed by SLA. SLA will assess this based on the two-year financial statements that are submitted with the bid.
Those who fall under any of the following may not bid:
- Persons under the age of 21
- Persons or companies/firms debarred by the Government from participating in tenders, auctions or bidding exercises launched by ministries and departments of the Government and statutory boards
- Persons against whom a bankruptcy petition has been presented in the High Court
- Persons adjudicated bankrupt or persons against whom a receiving order has been made
- Insane persons
- Companies/firms for which a petition for winding up has been presented in the High Court or companies/firms in liquidation
- Companies/firms are placed under receivership and a receiver has been appointed to manage the affairs
- Companies for which an application has been made for the appointment of a judicial manager or companies placed under judicial management
- Persons or companies/firms who are or have been tenants of state properties managed by the SLA or its agents on behalf of the Government and who have monies owing to the Government
How long is the tenancy?
SLA typically leases out these houses for two years.
What to note before renting a black and white house in Singapore?
1. You need to pay for all repairs and maintenance
For rental properties in Singapore, tenants ensure the house is kept in good condition.
Tenants are also typically required to pay for any minor repairs, although this is usually capped to a certain amount, as agreed and stated in the tenancy agreement. This amount ranges from S$150 to S$300. If the cost exceeds this amount, the landlord will pay the balance.
What’s different about renting the black and white houses is that as a tenant, you are liable to pay for all the maintenance and repair expenses. This includes maintaining the garden areas, the interior, and the structure of the buildings. You’ll also have to replace any fixtures and fittings that are beyond repair.
Bungalows for rent
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2. You need to demolish any work done during the tenancy, before returning the property to SLA
During the tenancy, you can carry out works on the premises, such as constructing a new building or structure (such as building a swimming pool) and carrying out renovations. Of course, all these need approval by SLA and the relevant authorities.
However, before the lease ends, demolish and remove any of these works, at your own expense.
How do you rent a black and white house in Singapore?
1. Consider your options
Head over to SLA’s State Property Information Online (SPIO) portal, and check out the different properties which are available to rent. Some listings even come with layout plans attached, so look through these thoroughly before short-listing a few options!
(There’s also a sample of SLA’s tenancy agreement under each listing, which you should look through to get a sense of the terms and conditions of renting a black and white house.)
Take note SLA rents these black and white houses through open bidding, and they’re highly sought after because of their scarcity. So be prepared to fork out a substantial amount for it.
It’s also why SLA recommends that individuals planning to rent these houses should at least have an average monthly income of three times the bid rent, or be assessed by SLA to have sound financial status.
To give you an idea of how high the rent is, let’s look at the bidding results for this black and white house with a land area of 34,923.51 sqft at 5 Pender Road. Its bidding ran from 6 June to 10 June 2022.
Among the six bids received, four of them are at least S$15,000, with the highest being S$19,000. The tenancy was awarded to the highest bidder.
More recently, in early May 2023, a black and white house at 6 Hyderabad Road was put up for bidding.
It drew seven bids, with the highest at S$25,500.
You can view the bidding results for the past six months on SLA’s website.
2. Make an appointment to view the black and white house
There’s usually an open house date listed on each listing, so call the managing agent and arrange for a viewing appointment before the bidding period.
You can also request an alternative date if you can’t make it for the open house date. To make the most out of your appointment, read our article on tenant tips for viewing properties to rent in Singapore!
3. Apply to rent the black and white house
Once you’ve found the black and white house of your dreams, all left to do is send in your application.
Download the bidding form online and submit it with all the supporting documents. These include:
- Payslips for the last three months, a copy of the latest Income Tax Notice of Assessment or employment letter stating monthly salary earned
- A copy of your NRIC, passport, S-Pass or EP
- A copy of immigration or work pass for foreigners
For companies, they’ll need to submit the following documents:
- Past two years of financial statements (audited, for those who are required to have their financial statements audited)
- Latest print-out on the company or firm from ACRA
- A copy of the NRIC, passport, S-Pass or PR of the employee, who is the intended occupier
- A copy of immigration or work pass for foreigners
- Letter from company, or firm allowing the bidder
On top of these documents, there’s also the bidding deposit to submit, equivalent to the bid rent per month. This will be returned to you if the bidding is unsuccessful.
Then sit back and keep your fingers crossed!
4. Sign the tenancy agreement
If the bid is successful, SLA’s agent will inform you by calling you and emailing you a Letter of Acceptance.
Within three working days of accepting the Letter of Acceptance, you’ll have to sign the tenancy agreement, pay a security deposit (equivalent to three months of rent) and rental stamp duty, and submit a GIRO form for the monthly rental payment.
Understanding the financial commitment
Renting a black and white house in Singapore involves a bidding process, and given their unique appeal, the rental prices can be substantial.
Potential tenants need to be aware of the costs, especially since they handle all maintenance and repair expenses.
Any changes made to the property during the tenancy must be reversed at the tenant’s expense before returning the property to SLA.
If you can’t afford to rent a black and white house…
Renting a black and white house can get pretty pricey — there’s no doubt. If you can’t afford to rent one, you can always rent or purchase a condo which is styled in a way that’s reminiscent of a colonial bungalow.
One such option is The Verandah Residences at Pasir Panjang. This freehold 170-unit low-rise project is decked out in a classic “black and white” design, and every unit within the development comes with an attached balcony. For more on The Verandah Residences, read this article!
The lifestyle benefits of living in Black and White houses
Living in a black and white house in Singapore offers a unique lifestyle experience. These homes are usually in serene, green environments, providing a tranquil retreat from the bustling city life. The spacious layouts, high ceilings, and breezy verandahs of these houses offer a comfortable and luxurious living space.
Residents can enjoy the blend of historical charm with modern amenities, making these houses highly sought after. Highlighting the lifestyle benefits and the serene living experience these houses offer can appeal to potential renters looking for a unique living experience in Singapore, improving the article’s attractiveness and SEO rankings.
Conclusion
Black and white houses in Singapore offer a distinctive living experience with their rich architectural history. Those interested in renting one should be well-informed about the rental process, eligibility criteria, and associated costs.
For those who might find these houses beyond their budget, other housing options in Singapore capture a similar aesthetic, such as The Verandah Residences at Pasir Panjang.
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[Additional reporting by Virginia Tanggono]
Would you rent a black and white house? Let us know in the comments section below.
If you found this article helpful, 99.co recommends Guide to breaking leases and early termination of tenancy agreements in Singapore and Renting in 2023? Here’s how to save on rental rates.
About Elizabeth Tan
Elizabeth is a writer, a Harry Potter fanatic, and a Game Of Thrones addict.
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