# Good Class Bungalow (GCB)

- Topic: Private property
- Last updated: 6 Nov 2026
- Fact-checked against official government sources: 6 Nov 2026
- Canonical URL: https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/gcb/

## What is GCB (Good Class Bungalow)?

A Good Class Bungalow (GCB) is a detached house in one of URA's designated Good Class Bungalow Areas, landed estates reserved for bungalows. Only bungalows may be built there, on plots of at least 1,400 square metres (about 15,070 square feet). Since 1 March 2025, a GCB may cover up to 45% of its site, with a 35% sub-control.

## Key facts

- **What can be built:** Only bungalow developments
- **Minimum plot size:** 1,400 sq m (about 15,070 sq ft)
- **Minimum plot width and depth:** 18.5 m wide, 30 m deep
- **Site coverage (from 1 March 2025):** 45% overall; 35% sub-control measured to the external facade
- **Bungalows outside GCB Areas:** Minimum plot of 400 sq m and width of 10 m
- **Foreign buyers:** Need approval under the Residential Property Act, like all detached houses

## How GCB Areas work

URA designates certain landed housing areas as Good Class Bungalow Areas. Inside them, only bungalow developments are allowed, so terraces, semi-detached houses and condos can't be built there.

| Rule | Inside a GCB Area | Bungalow outside a GCB Area |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Minimum plot size | 1,400 sq m | 400 sq m |
| Minimum plot width | 18.5 m | 10 m |
| Minimum plot depth | 30 m | No minimum |
| Site coverage (from 1 March 2025) | 45% overall, 35% sub-control | Set by URA's guidelines for bungalows |

## Example

A GCB plot of 1,500 sq m (about 16,146 sq ft) could have a building footprint of up to 675 sq m under the 45% overall site coverage, with the main building up to its facade limited to 525 sq m under the 35% sub-control.

| Item | Calculation | Result |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Overall site coverage | 1,500 × 45% | 675 sq m |
| Sub-control | 1,500 × 35% | 525 sq m |

## Common mistakes

- **Assuming any large bungalow is a GCB.** Only bungalows in designated GCB Areas count.
- **Planning a redevelopment without URA's rules.** Plot size, coverage and height controls all apply.
- **Foreign buyers signing first.** Detached houses need SLA approval for foreign buyers before purchase.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is site coverage?

It is the share of the plot that the building may cover. For GCBs, the overall limit is 45%. A 35% sub-control applies to the building up to its external facade, including balconies, planters, bay windows and roof terraces, and half of the car porch roof.

### How do I know if a plot is in a GCB Area?

Check with URA, for example on URA SPACE or through an enquiry, before you buy. URA confirms what can be built through enquiries and development applications.

### Can a GCB plot be subdivided?

Not below the 1,400 sq m minimum. URA allows a limited exception where a plot contains a conserved bungalow: one smaller plot of at least 1,000 sq m may be considered if the two plots together are at least 2,800 sq m.

## Sources

1. [Bungalows (or detached houses) development control handbook](https://www.ura.gov.sg/guidelines/development-control/development-control-handbooks/residential/bungalows/) (URA)
2. [Plot size and width for bungalows](https://www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Guidelines/Development-Control/Residential/Bungalows/Plot-Size-Width) (URA)
3. [Revised site coverage guidelines (circular DC24-05)](https://www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Guidelines/Circulars/dc24-05) (URA)
4. [Planning parameters and restoration guidelines for bungalows (conservation)](https://www.ura.gov.sg/guidelines/conservation/bungalows/) (URA)
5. [Foreign ownership of property](https://www.sla.gov.sg/regulatory/foreign-ownership-of-property/) (SLA)

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Source: PropertyMeter (https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/gcb/). General information only, not financial, legal or tax advice.