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 18, 2023 – Share
TLDR The HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter has experienced delays since its introduction alongside the HDB Flat Portal in May...
Read More
Jayson Ang – February 29, 2024 – Share
TLDR When considering property preferences, what may appear as a disadvantage to some buyers could be a unique opportunity for...
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 – January 23, 2024 – Share
TLDR: Prevent Rental Scams in Real Estate Scammers are targeting prospective tenants by impersonating Real Estate Salespersons (RES) to deceive...
Read More
Jayson Ang – August 9, 2023 – Share
TLDR In the world of real estate, the value of property agents lies in their ability to create competition among...
Read More
Jayson Ang – June 8, 2024 – Share
Singapore's property market has always been an attractive investment option due to its stability and potential for high returns. While...
Read More
Jayson Ang – April 12, 2023 – Share
Singaporeans are renowned for being smart and savvy - especially when it comes to selling their homes, whether it's an...
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 – July 1, 2023 – Share
TLDR Decoupling property ownership in Singapore can help you avoid hefty Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty fees when purchasing a second...
Read More
Jayson Ang – June 4, 2024 – Share
Singapore, a small yet bustling city-state, is well-known for its impressive skyline, diverse culture, and delicious food. However, not many...
Read More
Jayson Ang – August 3, 2024 – Share
Singapore is known for its stunning skyline and vibrant celebrations, especially during events like National Day and New Year's Eve....
Read More
Jayson Ang – July 20, 2024 – Share
TLDR The article covers the shift to SORA for home loan rates, urging consideration of refinancing options amidst rising rates....
Read More
Jayson Ang – May 12, 2024 – Share
Investing in property is an excellent way to build wealth and secure a stable source of passive income. If you...
Read More
Jayson Ang – June 12, 2024 – Share
Property investment scams are unfortunately prevalent in Singapore, and unsuspecting investors can fall victim to these scams, leading to significant...
Read More
Jayson Ang – May 4, 2024 – Share
Real estate investing has always been a popular way to grow wealth and secure financial stability. In Singapore, the love...
Read More
Jayson Ang – December 7, 2022 – Share
When you flip open the papers or turn on the news nowadays, the common buzzwords are "INFLATION", " INTEREST RATE...
Read More
Jayson Ang – May 30, 2024 – Share
The Singapore government has implemented several cooling measures over the years to regulate the property market and prevent it from...
Read More
Jayson Ang – February 20, 2024 – Share
Singapore is a small island city-state with a population of over 5 million people. Its urban landscape is constantly evolving,...
Read More
Jayson Ang – March 9, 2024 – Share
In the bustling city-state of Singapore, the real estate market is highly competitive and constantly evolving. Finding the perfect property...
Read More
Jayson Ang – January 24, 2023 – Share
TLDR When looking for an affordable new launch condo in Singapore as of January 2023, consider projects like 10 Evelyn,...
Read More