Fraud Blocker
Your search results

Singapore’s HDB Projects: From Unique Landmarks to Just Another Brick in the Wall?

Posted by Jayson Ang on January 12, 2024
| 0

Take a look at this chill spot in Yew Tee. Someone’s gone all out to make it feel like an old-school kampung. It’s all natural, no town council planning involved. It’s simply a place where folks come together. But as you might guess, they’ve been told to pack up and leave.

Now, they aren’t trying to shut down the hangout completely. They just want it to fit the official standards or designs.

Remember those void decks in Holland. There, a mini-library filled with donated books offered free reads for locals. It’s a bummer when cool, community-building projects like these get axed just ’cause someone didn’t like it.

I’m not completely against the idea – I understand why things have to be a certain way.

Having some sort of uniformity, some rules to follow, it’s just necessary. I don’t claim to be a legal expert, but even I can see why someone in charge might worry like:

“Oh no, what if a kid falls off that swing face-first? Or what if someone gets a cut from an old, rusty piece of furniture and catches tetanus? Who’s gonna take the heat for that? Wait, is it us? It’s definitely gonna be us.”

So yeah, I get why we have to tidy up homemade hangouts.

And okay, I’ll admit, looks matter too. Most folks prefer things neat and matching.

(Not me though. I link uniformity with cold, sterile places like hospitals or passport offices. I’m more into graffiti, blinking neon lights, and urban grit. But I guess HDB has to keep things simple and basic to appeal to everyone.)

My worry is that we’ll sway too much towards the common and faceless, turning into a scary urban nightmare of everything being the same.

Back in my day (yeah, I’m at that age where I can say that), our HDB towns felt more like unique villages. Each had a special vibe. Bedok was notorious for its fierce caroms players. Eunos was like a hub for language geniuses. Tiong Bahru? That was practically a martial arts Disneyland, with all sorts of fighting styles on display.

But now, these unique traits have almost disappeared. We’ve got quiet void decks, NTUC and Sheng Siong stores, and kopitiams serving the same predictable dishes everywhere.

While I get the need for standards and catering to the majority’s needs, I’m also afraid we might push it too far. That we’ll end up with neighborhoods blending into each other, lost in a sea of identical blocks.

Let’s hope it never gets to that point.

Should You Buy, Sell or Wait?

If you’re reading this, you must be trying to figure out the best course of action right now: is it the right time to buy or sell?

It’s difficult to give an exact answer since everyone’s situation is unique and what works for one person may not necessarily work for you.

I can bring you a wealth of on-the-ground experience and a data-driven approach to provide clarity and direction. From beginners to experienced investors, our top-down, objective approach will help you on your real estate journey.

I can help you by:

  1. Offering Strategic Real Estate Advice – I can help create a comprehensive plan to guide you through your property journey.
  2. Connecting Your Home with the Perfect Buyers – Through stunning visuals, an effective communication strategy, and an in-depth knowledge of the market, we’ll ensure your home is presented in the best possible way to fulfill your goals.

You May Also Like …


Navigating Singapore’s Real Estate Market: The Truth Behind 5 Common Misconceptions
Mandarin Top 5

Navigating Singapore’s Real Estate Market: The Truth Behind 5 Common Misconceptions

The real estate market in Singapore is known for its stability and attractiveness to investors both locally and internationally. However,...
Read More
How Much You Need to Earn to Afford a Condo 2023
All Buying Tips

How Much You Need to Earn to Afford a Condo 2023

TLDR When considering investing in a private property in Singapore, it's important to understand your borrowing capacity. Financial experts recommend...
Read More
Integrated Developments: Do They Live Up to the Hype? Check Out These Five Factors
All Buying Tips

Integrated Developments: Do They Live Up to the Hype? Check Out These Five Factors

TLDR Integrated developments in Singapore offer a one-stop solution for residents by combining residential, commercial, and transport elements in one...
Read More
Are You Worried About Overpaying On Your Property? Here’s The Secret To Finding Out Its Perfect Purchase Price!
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Are You Worried About Overpaying On Your Property? Here’s The Secret To Finding Out Its Perfect Purchase Price!

TLDR Understanding property valuations and their impact on mortgage loans is crucial in the Singapore real estate market. By considering...
Read More
Discover 11 Helpful Tips for Buying an Older Condo : A Comprehensive Guide for Buyers
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Discover 11 Helpful Tips for Buying an Older Condo : A Comprehensive Guide for Buyers

TLDR When considering purchasing an older resale condo, ensure you investigate potential en-bloc bids, lift conditions, parking conveniences, playground safety,...
Read More
How to Avoid Forfeiting Your Security Deposit: A Guide to Your Rental Property
All Buying Tips

How to Avoid Forfeiting Your Security Deposit: A Guide to Your Rental Property

TLDR When bidding farewell to your rented property, ensure the safe return of your security deposit by: Regular Aircon Servicing:...
Read More
The Best Time to Invest in Singapore’s Property Market: Timing is Everything
Mandarin Top 5

The Best Time to Invest in Singapore’s Property Market: Timing is Everything

Investing in the property market is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and analysis. One crucial factor that determines...
Read More
Top 5 Best Hidden Photography Locations in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Best Hidden Photography Locations in Singapore

Singapore, a vibrant city-state known for its iconic landmarks and bustling urban landscape, is also home to numerous hidden gems...
Read More
What is Your Next Step in the Property Market?
All Buying Tips

What is Your Next Step in the Property Market?

When you flip open the papers or turn on the news nowadays, the common buzzwords are "INFLATION", " INTEREST RATE...
Read More
Tips for Young Adults to Begin Saving for Their Future Home
All Buying Tips

Tips for Young Adults to Begin Saving for Their Future Home

TLDR When aiming to purchase a home, it is crucial to gain knowledge about the buying process and track your...
Read More
5 Things to do When You Go For A Property Viewing In Singapore Part 2
Buying Tips Mandarin Top 5

5 Things to do When You Go For A Property Viewing In Singapore Part 2

5 Things to do When You Go For A Property Viewing In Singapore Part 2 Here are 5 more things...
Read More
Discover Affordable Executive Condos in 2024 Starting at $560,000
All Buying Tips Opinion

Discover Affordable Executive Condos in 2024 Starting at $560,000

TLDR The Executive Condos (ECs) offer affordable options compared to private properties in Singapore. Despite price variations, most ECs remain...
Read More
Methods to Beat ABSD and Own Multiple Properties in 2024 (Updated)
All Blog Posts Buying Tips Opinion

Methods to Beat ABSD and Own Multiple Properties in 2024 (Updated)

TLDR Navigating the Additional Buyers Stamp Duty (ABSD) in Singapore can be daunting for property investors. To save on ABSD...
Read More
Top 5 Reasons : Why Investing in Singapore’s Property Market Is a Smart Move for Millennials – Expert Analysis!
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Reasons : Why Investing in Singapore’s Property Market Is a Smart Move for Millennials – Expert Analysis!

In recent years, Singapore has emerged as a global financial hub and a prime destination for property investments. The city-state's...
Read More
Top 5 : What Are The Key Factors That Drive Foreign Investment In Singapore’s Real Estate Market
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 : What Are The Key Factors That Drive Foreign Investment In Singapore’s Real Estate Market

Singapore, a thriving city-state in Southeast Asia, has become a magnet for foreign investors looking to capitalize on its booming...
Read More
5 Things to Know About the Singapore Property Tax System
Mandarin Top 5

5 Things to Know About the Singapore Property Tax System

5 Things to Know About the Singapore Property Tax System Here are 5 things you need to know about the...
Read More
Top 5 Tips : How Does One Choose Good Property In Singapore?
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Tips : How Does One Choose Good Property In Singapore?

Singapore, a thriving city-state known for its impressive skyline and robust economy, has always been an attractive destination for property...
Read More
The Quick Guide For Buying Landed Property In Singapore
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

The Quick Guide For Buying Landed Property In Singapore

TLDR When it comes to purchasing a landed property in Singapore, there are three main types to consider: terrace houses,...
Read More
5 Reasons Why Condos Are The Best Real Estate Investment in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

5 Reasons Why Condos Are The Best Real Estate Investment in Singapore

Investing in a condo in Singapore is a popular choice for both locals and foreigners. Condominiums offer a range of...
Read More
Top 5 Sushi Restaurants in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Sushi Restaurants in Singapore

Singapore, a melting pot of cultures and culinary delights, is known for its diverse and vibrant food scene. Among the...
Read More
1 2 3 25

Compare Listings