Your Guide to Buying a GCB

Looking to own an exclusive Good Class Bungalow? We have recently concluded our buyers’ search for a beautiful, elevated plot of Good Class Bungalow “GCB” land upon which they will build their dream home. We highlight some considerations for buyers looking to purchase a GCB.

Overview of the Good Class Bungalow Market

There are about 2,800 GCBs in Singapore across 39 GCB areas. To qualify as a GCB, the property must have at least 1,400 sqm (or 15,070 sf) in land area and must be located in one of the 39 gazetted GCBA’s. We have listed below the average transacted price per square foot (“psf”) in the 39 GCBA’s. The record price of $230 million was set by the sale of 33 Nassim Road by WingTai Chairman Cheng Wai Keung in July 2019, while the record price psf of $3,311 was set by the sale of 50 Cluny Road to James Dyson also in July 2019.

Location, Location, Location!

Location is arguably the most important aspect of a property. Begin your search by narrowing down on your preferred location which may depend on one or a combination of the following factors:

1. Lifestyle – Do you like going for walks or runs, or enjoy having drinks and dining out at fancy restaurants? Living close to the Botanic Gardens, Dempsey or Holland Village may suit your lifestyle
2. Schools – You may have a preference to stay close to your children’s school to cut down on daily travelling time
3. Privacy – Having a house with privacy is one of the key considerations for buyers. You may prefer a GCB located on a cul-de-sac or one that is located away from dense condominiums
4. Accessibility – Some buyers may prefer a more secluded and quieter location nestled deep inside the GCB estate while others may prefer to have a more accessible location within walking distance to the main road or amenities

Shape and Profile of the Land

Every piece of land is different and buyers will have to decide which aspect is most important to them:

1. Shape of Land: In general, a rectangular plot of land is easier to build a house on as compared to a triangular shaped land plot where the architect needs to get more creative
2. Profile of Land: Some buyers may prefer flat or elevated land which are easier to build on, and have better wind circulation and views. Downward sloping land can be beautifully designed and may offer more privacy
3. Frontage: Wide frontage is generally preferred although some buyers may like the privacy that comes with having a long driveway leading to the house

To Rebuild or Not?

Rebuilding a GCB allows you to build your dream home according to your family’s requirements and personal lifestyle. You can customise the number of bedrooms, entertainment space, swimming pool length and carpark requirements to your personal preference. However, be prepared to spend hours with your architect planning and designing the house. The average time taken to rebuild a GCB is around 2 years and may cost approximately $500 psf based on total built-up area. Some buyers, on the other hand, prefer to buy a house that is move-in condition or which just requires renovation as this saves them a lot of time and hassle, and is less costly.

Conservation GCBs

There are about 65 GCBs gazetted for conservation located within the Nassim Road and White House Park Conservation Area, Holland Park/Ridout Road Conservation Area and Chatsworth Park Conservation Area.

The iconic ‘black-and-white’ and other styles of bungalows built in the 1900s to 1950s were given conservation status from 1991 onwards. According to URA, they are generally standalone two-storey houses, often with verandahs located along the front and sides of the house, with broad overhanging hipped roofs and set in large grounds. The early bungalows were influenced by Tudor-style construction housing and Malay kampong houses, and catered to the British. The highest ranking colonial officers lived in them, and in later years, the rich local merchant class.

Ready to embark on your search for an exclusive GCB or looking to sell one? Contact Jacqueline (8308 8893) or Leanne (9818 1828) to have a private discussion on your requirements.