Singapore’s black and white houses, also known as colonial houses, have a long history. They were built from before the 19th century until the late 1930s, primarily as residences for European colonial families and expatriates.
If you happen to stroll through the UNESCO Singapore Botanic Gardens, you might notice Atbara House perched on a hilltop along Gallop Road.
Built in 1898, it is a precursor to Singapore’s colonial architectural style. Although its colors are black and white, it is not technically a Singaporean black and white house, but a very close relative.
Regardless, both Atbara House and the black and white houses look fantastic. If you want to experience the wonderful feeling of living in such a colonial-era heritage home, you can try applying to rent one.
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What Are Black and White Houses?
The name of this colonial-era house comes from its monochromatic exterior—dark wooden beams and whitewashed walls.
Built and designed by the British in the 19th century, they once served as residences for high-ranking government officials, High Court judges, and wealthy businessmen. Black and white houses were also used for military administration and as boarding schools for the children of British soldiers.
The architecture of these colonial houses is based on the Tudor style and incorporates features of Malay kampong houses, such as high ceilings and stilts for ventilation (as there was no air conditioning at the time). Some black and white houses in Singapore were also elevated from the ground to prevent termite attacks and flash floods.
Currently, about 500 of these black and white houses are preserved in areas like Seletar. They are mostly state-owned, managed, and maintained by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA). While most black and white houses are rented out for commercial purposes (such as restaurants and businesses), some are reserved for residential use.
To preserve the heritage of these colonial houses, owners are not allowed to alter the exterior appearance and style of their rented black and white houses.
What Makes Singapore’s Black and White Houses So Coveted?
Black and white houses are in high demand due to their limited supply and unique colonial style. After all, not everyone can say they live in a historic home with a rich heritage.
Beyond their design and appeal, they are also very large and spacious—even when compared to Good Class Bungalows (GCB). Some colonial houses exceed 5,000 square feet in floor area, with land sizes over 31,000 square feet.
They are typically two stories high, featuring airy rooms, grand halls, large verandahs, big windows, and lush gardens. Some SLA black and white houses for rent also include a swimming pool.
Usually, these houses are quickly snapped up as soon as they are listed. If you are interested, it’s best to act fast.
Where Can You Find Black and White Houses in Singapore?
Although these colonial houses are spread across different parts of Singapore, many are located in Sembawang and Seletar. Here are some popular locations where they can be found:
| Location | Where to Find Colonial Black and White Houses |
| Central | Goodwood Hill, Dempsey Hill, Ridley Park, Adam Park, Chancery Lane, Barker Road |
| West | Wessex Estate, Rochester Park, Nepal Hill, Mount Pleasant, Fifth Avenue |
| North | Sembawang Park, Seletar Camp, Cyprus Road |
| South | Mount Faber, Alexandra Park, Gillman Barracks |
| East | Changi Road |
Can Singapore’s Black and White Houses Be Sold?
Singapore’s black and white houses cannot be sold, but they can be rented. The SLA rents them out through an open tender system for a two-year lease term. The price is determined by demand and is usually high.
SLA Black and White House Rentals
If you are still interested, here is how you can apply to rent a black and white house from the SLA:
- Visit the SLA website and browse available houses
- Contact the managing agency
- Send your application and submit the required documents
- Wait for the results
- Sign the lease agreement and pay the deposit and stamp duty
Step 1: Visit the SLA website and browse available houses
The SLA lists available black and white houses for rent in Singapore on its website, where you can filter to find your preferred home.
Step 2: Contact the managing agency
Once you have identified a house you like, you can find the contact details of the corresponding managing agency in the property listing and schedule a viewing.
Be sure to read the full terms and conditions and check your eligibility before viewing. If applying as an individual, your average monthly income must be at least three times the rental amount.
Step 3: Send your application and submit the required documents
Prepare the necessary documents to formally submit your bid, details of which can be found on the SLA website. Go to the page of your chosen property and download the application form. Fill in your details and submit it along with the required documents, then await the results.
Step 4: Wait for the results
If you are shortlisted for the lease, you may need to attend a tender interview. The SLA will evaluate your application based on your bid documents and other factors, such as your rental intentions, living concept, history, and financial status.
Step 5: Sign the lease agreement and pay the deposit and stamp duty
If your application is successful, you will need to prepare the documents required for the Letter of Acceptance, which includes signing the lease agreement, paying one month’s rent in advance, a three-month security deposit, stamp duty, and an administrative fee of S$200.
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