{"id":53585,"date":"2023-06-01T17:10:28","date_gmt":"2023-06-01T09:10:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogstaging.99.co\/renting-colonial-house-singapore-2\/"},"modified":"2024-10-24T15:22:25","modified_gmt":"2024-10-24T07:22:25","slug":"renting-black-white-house-singapore","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.99.co\/singapore\/insider\/renting-black-white-house-singapore\/","title":{"rendered":"Black and white houses in Singapore: How to rent"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n

What are black and white houses?<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"black<\/a>
Photo credits: Krristy Lam<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

According to a National Heritage Board article<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"colonial<\/a>
Photo credits: Krristy Lam<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

These days, there are approximately 500 black and white houses in Singapore. Most of them are now owned by the state and rented out.<\/p>\n

Some are used as restaurants and bars, such as Dempsey Hill, Rochester Park, and Seletar Aerospace Park.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re thinking of renting a black and white house, one way is to go for those rented out by SLA. Here\u2019s a handy guide that will bring you through the process!<\/p>\n

Black and white houses: A glimpse into Singapore’s architectural history<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Today, these houses are not just residential spaces but also serve as restaurants and bars, showcasing their versatility and continued relevance.<\/p>\n

Exploring the cultural significance of Black and White houses<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

But first, who is eligible to rent a black and white house in Singapore?<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Those who fall under any of the following may not bid:<\/p>\n