
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 – May 14, 2023 – Share
The 5 most expensive neighborhoods in the city, and are home to some of the most exclusive and opulent properties...
Read More
Jayson Ang – December 3, 2024 – Share
The Singapore property market is known for its high-quality residential properties, attracting both local and international buyers. Luxury real estate...
Read More
Jayson Ang – July 14, 2024 – Share
Singapore's prime district properties continue to be in high demand due to a combination of factors that make them attractive...
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 – January 23, 2024 – Share
TLDR 2023 saw a roller-coaster ride in the real estate market, with various challenges like high interest rates and geopolitical...
Read More
Jayson Ang – January 12, 2024 – Share
Take a look at this chill spot in Yew Tee. Someone's gone all out to make it feel like an...
Read More
Jayson Ang – January 20, 2024 – Share
TLDR When it comes to the real estate market in Singapore, understanding property valuations and the impact on mortgage loans...
Read More
Jayson Ang – February 26, 2024 – Share
Singapore, often referred to as the "Garden City," is a vibrant and diverse nation that has made significant strides in...
Read More
Jayson Ang – February 2, 2024 – Share
TLDR The blog post discusses the recent relaxation of real estate restrictions in Hong Kong, contrasting with Singapore's stricter regulations....
Read More
Jayson Ang – May 11, 2023 – Share
TLDR When considering mortgage options in Singapore, it's essential to understand the differences between HDB loans and bank loans. HDB...
Read More
Jayson Ang – March 6, 2024 – Share
TLDR When selecting a property unit, carefully examine the floor plan beyond aesthetics. Consider non-living spaces like ledges and void...
Read More
Jayson Ang – June 28, 2023 – Share
5 Reasons Why Timing the Singapore Property Market is a Risk You Shouldn't Take Entering the Singapore property market can...
Read More
Jayson Ang – April 3, 2024 – Share
Singapore, a melting pot of cultures and culinary delights, is well-known for its diverse food scene. With its strategic location...
Read More
Jayson Ang – August 25, 2024 – Share
TLDR Investing in a 99-year leasehold landed property in Singapore can be a lucrative venture due to the country's land...
Read More
Jayson Ang – December 14, 2023 – Share
TLDR The blog post delves into the complexities of real estate investments using Bob's experiences as examples. It highlights the...
Read More
Jayson Ang – March 1, 2025 – Share
Singapore, a small island nation in Southeast Asia, has been steadily gaining recognition as a hotspot for the ultra-wealthy to...
Read More
Jayson Ang – April 23, 2024 – Share
TLDR The Lease Buyback Scheme (LBS) trend among older Singaporeans is slowly gaining momentum, despite initial reluctance. The scheme allows...
Read More
Jayson Ang – December 7, 2022 – Share
TL;DR Summary: Timing of Property Sale: Selling high and buying high may seem counterintuitive, but understanding market dynamics can...
Read More
Jayson Ang – December 24, 2022 – Share
TLDR In 2022, the real estate market saw significant interest rate hikes affecting home loan rates. Despite concerns, the market...
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