
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 – July 12, 2023 – Share
Top 5 Must-Try Foods in Singapore Singapore, a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, offers a diverse and tantalizing array...
Read More
Jayson Ang – January 16, 2025 – Share
Investing in a luxury condominium in Singapore is an attractive option for investors looking to diversify their portfolio and enjoy...
Read More
Jayson Ang – February 28, 2025 – Share
TLDR The ABSD discount arises when developers approach their five-year deadline to sell 90% of units, facing a 40% penalty...
Read More
Jayson Ang – June 26, 2024 – Share
Investing in commercial real estate has become an increasingly popular choice for investors seeking stable long-term returns. There are several...
Read More
Jayson Ang – January 29, 2024 – Share
TLDR Newly launched condominium buyers face uncertainties about price changes, proximity to schools, construction methods, maintenance costs, elevator availability, commercial...
Read More
Jayson Ang – July 2, 2023 – Share
5 Hidden Expenses to Watch Out for When Buying a Home in Singapore Buying a property in Singapore can be...
Read More
Jayson Ang – November 29, 2024 – Share
Singapore, a thriving city-state known for its stable political climate, excellent infrastructure, and strong economic fundamentals, has long been an...
Read More
Jayson Ang – November 27, 2024 – Share
Singapore, a bustling city-state known for its modern architecture and vibrant culture, is also home to some of the most...
Read More
Jayson Ang – November 15, 2024 – Share
TLDR Three-bedroom units in Singapore have significantly downsized from 1,700-1,800 sq. ft. in the 1980s to around 1,000 sq. ft....
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 – January 18, 2025 – Share
Singapore, a vibrant city-state known for its diverse culture and rich history, offers an array of unique experiences for first-time...
Read More
Jayson Ang – August 22, 2025 – Share
TLDR Undervalued properties in Singapore are those priced at least 10% below market value, often due to urgent sellers, developer...
Read More
Jayson Ang – February 28, 2024 – Share
Trying out some of the best breakfast places, I've put together a list of the top 5 must-try breakfast spots...
Read More
Jayson Ang – June 10, 2023 – Share
5 Things to Know About Singapore's Freehold & Leasehold Properties Here are 5 things you need to know about Singapore's...
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 – March 28, 2026 – Share
TLDR Singapore faces rising recession risks as global trade slows, with GDP contraction and cautious sentiment signaling economic headwinds. For...
Read More
Jayson Ang – May 17, 2025 – Share
Singapore, a small yet economically powerful city-state, has long been recognized as one of the most attractive destinations for real...
Read More
Jayson Ang – December 14, 2025 – Share
TLDR In Singapore’s property market (2014-2024), leasehold condos often outperform freehold in short-term holding (around 10 years) due to lower...
Read More
Jayson Ang – July 25, 2023 – Share
TLDR Renting property in Singapore as a foreigner can be challenging due to the high cost of living. To navigate...
Read More
Jayson Ang – July 25, 2023 – Share
TLDR When it comes to navigating the real estate market in Singapore, understanding key factors can make a significant difference...
Read More