Bungalows are a rare and precious commodity in land-scarce Singapore, where most live in compact, vertical towers. Hidden away in quiet, leafy enclaves, these Singapore bungalows offer something few properties can with space, privacy and permanence. For high-net-worth individuals, these 10,735 detached homes are more than a real estate choice; they are generational assets, blending prestige with long-term value in a city where both are hard to come by.
If you’re interested in knowing the best Singapore bungalows for sale, you can count yourself among many savvy investors. However, purchasing a bungalow for sale in Singapore isn’t straightforward for everyone. For many, it often requires demonstrating an exceptional economic contribution to Singapore.
Featured Bungalow for Sale in Singapore
What Are Bungalows in Singapore?
The term ‘bungalow’ has a special meaning in Singapore that differs from the international usage. While a bungalow is a single-storey detached house globally, Singapore’s tropical interpretation has evolved into several different architectural styles and classifications.
At its core, a bungalow in Singapore is a low-rise, detached residential property, usually with a compound and garden. These properties have large land footprints in a country where space is the ultimate luxury. Unlike semi-detached or terraced houses, bungalows stand on their land parcels, offering privacy and exclusivity that few other property types in the nation can match.
The architectural evolution of bungalows in Singapore tells a story of the island’s colonial past and modern aspirations.
Early bungalows from the colonial era had wide verandahs and high ceilings and were designed to maximise natural ventilation, acting as practical adaptations to tropical living before air conditioning. These ‘black and white’ bungalows, named for their timber framing against whitewashed walls, are some of the oldest surviving styles of bungalow houses in Singapore.
Modern Singapore bungalows have significantly diversified, from renovated colonial structures to ultra-contemporary designs with integrated smart home technology, infinity pools, and sustainability features.
Benefits of Owning a Bungalow
Owning a bungalow in Singapore offers many benefits that go beyond property ownership. One of the most significant advantages is the exclusivity and privacy of a detached house. Unlike semi-detached or terrace houses, bungalows are not physically connected to other houses, giving owners a rare sense of seclusion and peace in Singapore. This independence also allows for larger plot sizes, accommodating more spacious living areas, lush gardens, and swimming pools.
Another big benefit is the freedom to customise and renovate the property to your needs and preferences. With a bungalow, you have more control over the design and layout of your living spaces, creating a truly unique and personalised home. The possibilities are endless, whether adding a new basement, expanding the living room, or installing state-of-the-art amenities.
Furthermore, bungalows are often located in prime residential areas, with easy access to amenities, good schools, and transportation networks. This can be especially useful for families with children who want to be near schools and other family-friendly facilities. The combination of space, privacy, and prime location makes owning a bungalow in Singapore a highly desirable investment.
Singapore Bungalow Classes
The Singapore government has defined specific classes for bungalows, each with its own characteristics and regulations:
| Bungalow Type | Minimum Land Size | Location | Key Features |
| Good Class Bungalow (GCB) | 1,400 sq m (15,070 sq ft) | Only 39 gazetted GCB Areas | Most prestigious category; strict development controls; generally limited to Singapore citizens |
| Sentosa Cove Bungalow | 400 sq m (4,306 sq ft) | Sentosa Cove | Waterfront locations available; resort lifestyle; the only place foreigners can buy landed property |
| Conservation Bungalow | Varies | Various heritage areas | Protected architectural features, renovation restrictions, and historical significance |
| Strata Bungalow | Varies, typically smaller | Various developments | Shares common facilities; subject to the management committee; smaller land footprint; foreigners can buy these landed homes but with specific conditions and requirements |
| Cluster Bungalow | 400 sq m (4,306 sq ft) | Various developments | Semi-detached with bungalow features; shared facilities; more affordable entry point; foreigners can buy these landed homes, but with specific conditions and requirements |
Good Class Bungalows: The Crown Jewels
Good Class Bungalows (GCBs) are Singapore’s most exclusive residential category. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has designated only 39 areas across the island as Good Class Bungalow Areas, including prestigious neighbourhoods like Nassim Road, Cluny Road, Chatsworth Road and Dalvey Estate.
GCBs must sit on land parcels of at least 1,400 sq m (approximately 15,070 sq ft) with strict rules limiting built-up area to 35% of the total land size. This means generous green space, maintaining the low density of these areas. Height restrictions typically limit these properties to 2 storeys, although many have basements and attics within regulatory guidelines.
In the first 9 months of 2024, 17 Good Class Bungalows (GCBs) were sold for S$827 million, 57.4% more than all of 2023. Prices ranged from S$15.5 million to S$93.9 million (S$1,067 to S$6,198 psf). From 2019 to 2023, the average GCB land rate surged 79.3%, from S$1,451 to S$2,601 psf, as affluent buyers competed for these rare trophy assets.
GCBs are generally only for Singapore citizens, symbolising wealth and citizenship status. A few exceptions exist, like the GCB purchased by James Dyson for $45 million on 50 Cluny Road in Bukit Timah.
