
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 5, 2025 – Share
Singapore's property market has long been considered a safe and lucrative investment option for both local and foreign investors. The...
Read More
Jayson Ang – February 17, 2025 – Share
Planning for retirement is a crucial aspect of financial management, and property investment has emerged as a popular strategy for...
Read More
Jayson Ang – June 24, 2024 – Share
TLDR Summary: The "Sell One, Buy Two" real estate tactic, popularized in 2016-2017, involves selling a property and buying two...
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 – July 10, 2024 – Share
The future of Singapore's property market is shaped by several emerging trends that reflect cautious optimism, enviable locations, and sociable...
Read More
Jayson Ang – September 10, 2024 – Share
TLDR When a property has multiple owners, the choice of ownership type is crucial to determine how shares are distributed...
Read More
Jayson Ang – October 3, 2024 – Share
Singapore, a vibrant city-state known for its iconic landmarks and bustling urban landscape, is also home to numerous hidden gems...
Read More
Jayson Ang – October 11, 2024 – Share
TLDR When choosing a condo, it's crucial to look beyond MRT station proximity, developer reputation, and price. Overlooked details can...
Read More
Jayson Ang – January 26, 2024 – Share
TLDR The Singapore property market is experiencing shifts with Morgan Stanley adjusting its outlook on major developers. A forecast predicts...
Read More
Jayson Ang – December 21, 2022 – Share
TLDR When purchasing a property in Singapore, it is crucial to thoroughly assess various aspects of the home to avoid...
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 – August 25, 2023 – Share
TLDR The blog post discusses the impact of the 15-month wait-out period cooling measure on private property owners in Singapore....
Read More
Jayson Ang – November 7, 2024 – Share
Singapore, a vibrant and modern city-state, is known for its stunning architecture, lush green spaces, and colorful streets. With its...
Read More
Jayson Ang – September 22, 2024 – Share
TLDR When it comes to property ownership, Charles learned valuable lessons through his journey as a youthful homeowner. From opting...
Read More
Jayson Ang – March 14, 2024 – Share
Singapore, a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, offers a diverse range of dining options for food enthusiasts. For vegetarians,...
Read More
Jayson Ang – August 15, 2024 – Share
Singapore's property market has long been considered a safe haven for investors, even during times of economic uncertainty. The city-state's...
Read More
Jayson Ang – August 13, 2024 – Share
Singapore, a small island nation with a thriving economy, has long been considered an attractive destination for property investment. The...
Read More
Jayson Ang – October 19, 2024 – Share
Singapore, a bustling city-state known for its modern architecture and vibrant culture, also offers some of the most picturesque driving...
Read More
Jayson Ang – September 20, 2024 – Share
Singapore, a vibrant and bustling city-state, is known for its diverse culture and thriving arts scene. The city's love for...
Read More
Jayson Ang – September 26, 2024 – Share
TLDR When contemplating the purchase or sale of a property under the Minimum Occupancy Period (MOP), it's crucial to consider...
Read More