Singapore acquires founding father Lee Kuan Yew's home, ends bitter family feud

Singapore has acquired the former residence of founding father Lee Kuan Yew, ending a long-standing family feud. The eight-bedroom, two-story bungalow located in the heart of the city-state's shopping district has been the center of controversy since the leader's death in 2015. Two years after his demise, his children publicly debated whether the property should be preserved or demolished.

The Singapore Land Authority and National Heritage Board announced on Friday that the government now holds ownership of the site "in order to preserve it due to its historic significance and national importance." The heritage board will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the property and explore potential development options that respect Lee Kuan Yew's wishes for privacy.

Lee, renowned for transforming Singapore into a prosperous city-state in just over three decades, had resided at the property starting in the mid-1940s until his passing. The site played a pivotal role in Singapore's transition from a British colony to an independent nation in 1965 and hosted crucial meetings of national leaders.

Lee's eldest son, former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, advocated for preserving the property, which estate agents estimated could be worth around S$30 million (US$23 million) in the scarce Singaporean real estate market. However, his two siblings, corporate executive Lee Hsien Yang and the late neurologist Lee Wei Ling, argued for its demolition, citing a clause in their father's will.

Lee Wei Ling passed away in 2024, while Lee Hsien Yang has been living in self-imposed exile abroad since 2022, alleging political persecution which the government denies.