Black-and-white colonial houses recently came under scrutiny due to questions raised about leases held by ministers K Shanmugam and Vivian Balakrishnan. The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) has issued statements and is set to answer parliamentary inquiries regarding these properties in July.

What Are Black-and-white Houses?
Constructed between the 1900s and 1950s, black-and-white bungalows feature distinct whitewashed walls with black door and window frames. Their design includes tiled flooring for cooling, wide verandas with roof eaves, high ceilings, and pitched roofs for ventilation. Some bungalows are built on stilts to deter termites and protect against flooding.

Locations of Black-and-white Houses
These homes are concentrated in prime areas near former British air and naval bases, including:

Sembawang
Seletar
Mount Pleasant
Alexandra Park
Goodwood Hill
Dempsey
Many properties were initially privately owned but were later transferred to the Singapore government. Since 1991, approximately 500 of these houses have been designated as conservation properties managed by the SLA.

Renting Black-and-white Houses
While purchasing is not an option, renting is popular among expatriates seeking a spacious, country-like living environment. The SLA typically offers two-year leases.

Rental Costs
Recent bidding results show a two-bedroom intermediate terrace house on Upavon Road leased for over S$6,000 per month. In non-prime areas like Seletar, rents range from S$6,500 to S$7,500 for larger bungalows. Notably, properties on Ridout Road, leased to ministers, command even higher prices due to their prime locations and large land areas.

Interior Features
Inside, black-and-white houses are mostly unfurnished, requiring tenants to consider costs for furnishing and essential appliances.

Pros and Cons of Renting
Advantages:

Ample garden space for children or pets
Unique architectural style allowing for personal creativity
Spacious and airy interiors
Often situated in beautiful, green surroundings
Disadvantages:

Short lease terms can lead to frequent rent increases
High costs for furnishing can make moving out difficult
Maintenance responsibilities for the property and surrounding areas
Unique age-related issues such as spalling concrete and wildlife encounters
How to Rent
To rent a bungalow from the SLA, potential tenants should monitor the State Property Information Online (SPIO) for listings, arrange viewings through managing agents, and submit bids during specified windows. Bidders should also meet income requirements, typically three times the proposed rent.

Overall, black-and-white houses offer a unique living experience steeped in history, but potential renters should weigh the charm against the responsibilities and costs involved.