Family Feud: The Bungalow Battle
It’s been almost a year since Mr Ong Tze Guan, the 56‑year‑old elder son of former President Ong Teng Cheong, settled a quarrel with his younger brother, Mr Ong Tze Boon. Now the plot thickens as the former is suing his sister‑in‑law, Madam Wang Yi Yi, over that celebrated Art Deco bungalow on Dalvey Estate GCB Area.
What’s at Stake?
- The two‑storey house was once the private nest of the late president, who passed away in 2002 at 66, and his late wife in 1999.
- Today, Mr Ong Tze Guan and Madam Wang Yi Yi are tenants in common, each holding a 50 % share.
- The court order says: Wang buy the bungalow from Ong at its market value — or flip the property and split the proceeds evenly.
- If sold, sales fees, stamp duties, and other costs will be taken out before the money goes to the two parties.
Architectural Glory
The bungalow’s pedigree is wow‑worthy: designed by Frank William Brewer, the first university‑trained architect to practice in Singapore. Brewer brought a late Arts & Crafts vibe to local homes, and he also added his Art Deco flair to the Singapore Swimming Club’s clubhouse (1936) and the original Cathay Cinema (1939).
In the 1990s, the ex‑President’s own firm lovingly restored and extended the property. It’s now one of 14 conserved buildings in the Nassim Road & White House Park Conservation Area, and won a 2001 URA Architectural Heritage Award alongside two other iconic bungalows.
Price Tag & Market Pulse
- The average price per square foot (psf) in the Nassim neighbourhood has jumped 68.93 % over the last decade to $2,715.
- Within the Dalvey Estate GCB Area, that bump is even steeper: 75.65 %, translating to about $2,761 psf today.
- Last year alone, two parcels near the former president’s home sold almost a decade apart: a 20,048‑sqft lot for $50 million ($2,494 psf) in May 2021, and a 17,042‑sqft plot for $28 million ($1,643 psf) in April 2021.
All In All
So, while the legal tug‑of‑war between Mr Ong Tze Guan and Madam Wang Yi Yi is racing towards a final verdict, the market and architectural heritage drama keeps the story supercharged. Stay tuned for the verdict that may either crystallize a new ownership record or simply keep the bungalow aglow in Singapore’s storied streets.
