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:
- Offering Strategic Real Estate Advice – I can help create a comprehensive plan to guide you through your property journey.
- 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 …
Jayson Ang – December 22, 2023 – Share
TLDR The article discusses various challenges faced by residents living in massive condo complexes in Singapore. From long elevator wait...
Read More
Jayson Ang – December 25, 2022 – Share
TLDR Singapore offers lucrative property investment opportunities with its stable economy and political climate. To succeed, investors should conduct thorough...
Read More
Jayson Ang – April 16, 2023 – Share
TLDR Setting up utilities in Singapore for a new home is hassle-free. Contact SP Services for electricity and water accounts,...
Read More
Jayson Ang – December 28, 2022 – Share
TLDR The stages of wealth management vary from ages 30 to 80, with different focuses and considerations at each stage:...
Read More
Jayson Ang – February 20, 2024 – Share
TLDR When considering buying your first property in Singapore, start by assessing your budget and qualifying for a permissible loan....
Read More
Jayson Ang – July 16, 2023 – Share
The Truth About Buying An Old Condo: Homeowners Reveal Their Top 5 Regrets Some homeowners may find themselves regretting certain...
Read More
Jayson Ang – March 2, 2024 – Share
Singapore is renowned for its thriving real estate market, with many desirable neighborhoods and top-notch properties. However, when it comes...
Read More
Jayson Ang – June 20, 2023 – Share
Sentosa's Sizzling Property Market: 5 Reasons Chinese Investors are Flocking to Singapore's Premier Island Here are the top 5 reasons...
Read More
Jayson Ang – December 7, 2022 – Share
TLDR Foreign buyers interested in private residential properties in Singapore is a common sight due to the country's positive reputation...
Read More
Jayson Ang – April 26, 2024 – Share
The Singapore property market has always been a hot topic for both locals and foreign investors. With its stable economy,...
Read More
Jayson Ang – April 26, 2024 – Share
TLDR In this blog post, the focus is on the challenges and complexities of en-bloc transactions in Singapore's property market....
Read More
Jayson Ang – November 16, 2023 – Share
TLDR for "Dual-Key Condo: Analysing The Pros And Cons" When considering dual-key condo units, it's important to weigh the advantages...
Read More
Jayson Ang – March 6, 2024 – Share
Luxury properties in Districts 9 and 10 of Singapore are highly coveted, and for good reason. From stunning views and...
Read More
Jayson Ang – May 20, 2023 – Share
5 Singapore Property Trends to Watch in 2023: Expert Weigh In Top 5 Singapore Property Trends to Watch in 2023...
Read More
Jayson Ang – June 1, 2023 – Share
TLDR When considering low lease projects in Singapore, it's crucial to evaluate your individual needs, financial standing, and future plans....
Read More
Jayson Ang – July 14, 2023 – Share
Don't Get Scammed: The Top 5 Red Flags To Watch Out For In Singapore's Property Market When it comes to...
Read More
Jayson Ang – December 10, 2022 – Share
TLDR The Singapore real estate market is vibrant, driven by a strong economy, stable business climate, and attractive investment opportunities....
Read More
Jayson Ang – August 1, 2023 – Share
TLDR When preparing to sell your house in Singapore, research the average prices in your area to set a realistic...
Read More
Jayson Ang – April 27, 2023 – Share
TLDR The impending rise in ABSD (Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty) is expected to suppress investment demand, allowing local homebuyers to...
Read More
Jayson Ang – December 7, 2022 – Share
TLDR The HDB market has seen significant changes over the years, with many young owners looking to upgrade to private...
Read More