
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 – March 27, 2024 – Share
Singapore, a bustling cosmopolitan city, is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse population, and of course, its love for...
Read More
Jayson Ang – November 9, 2024 – Share
Singapore, a thriving city-state in Southeast Asia, is known for its stable political climate, strong economy, and strategic location. As...
Read More
Jayson Ang – August 31, 2024 – Share
Singapore, a vibrant city-state in Southeast Asia, is well-known for its diverse culture and rich history. A melting pot of...
Read More
Jayson Ang – March 15, 2024 – Share
Renting property in Singapore can be a challenging task, especially for those who are new to the country. With Singapore's...
Read More
Jayson Ang – November 24, 2023 – Share
TLDR The real estate market is experiencing a lull in en-bloc activities due to various factors. Higher Additional Buyer’s Stamp...
Read More
Jayson Ang – January 26, 2026 – Share
TLDR In 2025, around 1,765 HDB flats from Northshore Residences I & II and Northshore StraitsView in Punggol’s Northshore will...
Read More
Jayson Ang – December 22, 2023 – Share
TLDR The market outlook for 2024 suggests continued uncertainties affecting housing demand and risk appetite due to geopolitical tensions, macroeconomic...
Read More
Jayson Ang – November 17, 2025 – Share
TLDR Foreigners who want landed living in Singapore but cannot buy traditional landed homes (except in Sentosa Cove) can consider...
Read More
Jayson Ang – November 25, 2024 – Share
Buying an older property can be a dream come true for many homebuyers, as these homes often come with unique...
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 – July 23, 2023 – Share
TLDR When selling your first home, avoid holding out for a better offer as it may backfire. Let your agent...
Read More
Jayson Ang – March 25, 2023 – Share
TLDR When it comes to the choice between leasehold and freehold properties in Singapore, several factors must be considered. Leasehold...
Read More
Jayson Ang – February 11, 2025 – Share
Singapore, a vibrant city-state known for its diverse culture and rich history, offers a plethora of unique experiences that go...
Read More
Jayson Ang – January 28, 2025 – Share
Choosing a property in Singapore can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor. With the city-state's dynamic real estate market, it...
Read More
Jayson Ang – December 30, 2023 – Share
TLDR The Singapore property market has seen a slight dip in private home prices after a significant increase over the...
Read More
Jayson Ang – January 6, 2025 – Share
Singapore, a thriving hub of business and commerce in Southeast Asia, has become an attractive destination for foreign investors looking...
Read More
Jayson Ang – October 15, 2024 – Share
Investing in Singapore's property market has long been considered a lucrative and stable investment option. With its robust economy, strong...
Read More
Jayson Ang – September 12, 2025 – Share
TLDR Youth homeownership in Singapore’s private housing sector is rising, with residents under 35 living in private properties hitting 380,459...
Read More
Jayson Ang – January 18, 2023 – Share
TLDR Considering the Singapore property market trends and financial factors, it's crucial to make informed decisions about upgrading from an...
Read More
Jayson Ang – December 30, 2022 – Share
TLDR When considering the appeal of older properties in hipster neighborhoods in Singapore, it's crucial to understand the benefits and...
Read More