This unique property type has recently received a surge of interest—here are the legal obligations, restrictions and guidelines to know about when buying and developing a Good Class Bungalow in Singapore
In 2020, when the pandemic first struck, 46 luxury bungalow or Good Class Bungalow (GCB) deals were made, according to statistics revealed by the Urban Development Authority (URA) of Singapore. This sales momentum continued with 43 deals made in just the first five months of 2021.
In July, TikTok CEO Chew Shou Zi became the newest entrant in this niche segment with his $86 million purchase of a 31,800sqft property at Queen Astrid Park in District 10.
The resilience the market has shown during challenging times can be attributed to the rising affluence among local families as well as the newly-minted ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) citizens—those with US$30 million and above in net assets—which ticks of the reason that this uniquely Singapore classification was introduced in the first place by URA.
See also: What You Need To Know About Tiktok’s New Singaporean CEO Chew Shou Zi
Investing in a GCB for the UHNWs is more as a means of wealth preservation, as well as a hedge against inflation. Investors tend to prioritise capital appreciation over yields.
While we know that the classification has existed since 1980, as part of the Ministry of National Development’s master plan to differentiate these from other kinds of smaller bungalows, there are no records as to the reason for the name itself. 39 areas—including prime residential areas such as districts 10 and 11 and the bungalow estates in districts 20, 21, 23—in Singapore were gazetted as Good Class Bungalows Areas (GCBA), with bungalows there having a minimum plot size of 1,400sqm (about 15,000sqft) coming under that classification.
“Given the finite supply of about 2,800 units and land scarcity, coupled with high population density and growing affluence, GCBs have become an asset class symbolising the wealth of the owners,” says Linda Chern, head of residential services (Singapore) at real estate service provider CBRE.
“From 2001 to 2021, land prices for GCBs have been rising at the compounded average growth rate of 7.5 per cent per annum. However, historically rental yields have remained low—below 1 per cent—she adds. “As such, investing in a GCB for the UHNWs is more as a means of wealth preservation, as well as a hedge against inflation. Investors tend to prioritise capital appreciation over yields,” she adds.
It is for the same reason that most GCB buyers look at them as a home they can make their own and live in. Here, we learn more from the experts on the steps involved in acquiring a GCB and some tips to know.