
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 – November 15, 2024 – Share
Singapore, a vibrant and diverse city, is known for its eclectic mix of cultures, cuisines, and attractions. Among the many...
Read More
Jayson Ang – April 2, 2024 – Share
Investing is an important aspect of personal finance and can be a valuable way to grow wealth over time. However,...
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 – February 24, 2024 – Share
Singapore's property market is known for its stability, high demand and strong returns. With a growing population, low unemployment rates,...
Read More
Jayson Ang – March 29, 2025 – Share
The Singapore property market has always been a popular investment choice for both local and foreign investors, thanks to its...
Read More
Jayson Ang – May 8, 2025 – Share
Singapore's real estate market is a dynamic and attractive investment landscape for both local and international investors. Known for its...
Read More
Jayson Ang – November 5, 2024 – Share
Singapore, known for its diverse culture, strong economy, and excellent infrastructure, is a popular destination for real estate investments. The...
Read More
Jayson Ang – December 17, 2024 – Share
Singapore, a vibrant and multicultural city-state, is not only known for its iconic landmarks and delicious cuisine but also for...
Read More
Jayson Ang – May 27, 2024 – Share
TLDR When diving into Singapore's property market, expect a rollercoaster ride as trends shift drastically in 2024. Landlords and tenants...
Read More
Jayson Ang – August 6, 2025 – Share
TLDR Since 2009, Singapore has implemented over 15 rounds of property cooling measures to curb speculation and keep homes affordable....
Read More
Jayson Ang – February 7, 2025 – Share
Singapore, a thriving city-state in Southeast Asia, has long been a popular destination for expatriates seeking new opportunities and a...
Read More
Jayson Ang – July 26, 2024 – Share
Singapore's ageing population is having a significant impact on the property market and investment opportunities. The top five effects include:...
Read More
Jayson Ang – February 23, 2025 – Share
Singapore, a thriving global city-state, has become an attractive destination for real estate investors. Among the various property types available,...
Read More
Jayson Ang – March 16, 2023 – Share
TLDR When considering buying a property in Singapore, it's crucial to understand the true costs and risks involved. High monthly...
Read More
Jayson Ang – April 17, 2024 – Share
TLDR for "Exciting Updates from Lentor Mansion" Lentor Mansion, a new project in the vibrant Lentor region, is set to...
Read More
Jayson Ang – June 26, 2023 – Share
Why Chinese Investors Should Not Be Deterred by ABSD: 5 Reasons Here are the top 5 reasons why Chinese investors...
Read More
Jayson Ang – December 25, 2023 – Share
TLDR The real estate sector in 2023 saw significant policy shifts affecting both private and public housing, with various changes...
Read More
Jayson Ang – January 6, 2026 – Share
TLDR Singapore’s property market in 2025 is fast-moving and different from five years ago. Buyers often overestimate available options due...
Read More
Jayson Ang – May 16, 2024 – Share
Investing in Singapore property can be an excellent way to generate passive income and build long-term wealth. However, like any...
Read More
Jayson Ang – August 1, 2026 – Share
TLDR Seletar, once seen as a remote enclave defined by its Aerospace Park and colonial bungalows, is on track to...
Read More