
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 – February 22, 2024 – Share
Singapore is a great starting point for travelers looking to explore the region. From Singapore, there are many great destinations...
Read More
Jayson Ang – January 18, 2023 – Share
TLDR Considering the Singapore property market trends and financial factors, it's crucial to make informed decisions about upgrading from an...
Read More
Jayson Ang – January 8, 2023 – Share
TLDR: Understanding the HDB Market Outlook 2023 The HDB resale market showed resilience in 2022, with significant growth in sales...
Read More
Jayson Ang – July 5, 2024 – Share
TLDR When it comes to the evolving landscape of property development in Singapore, developers are facing new challenges and opportunities....
Read More
Jayson Ang – September 14, 2024 – Share
TLDR The world of property investment and real estate trends offers vast opportunities. Stay informed with effective property investment strategies...
Read More
Jayson Ang – November 25, 2024 – Share
Buying an older property can be a dream come true for many homebuyers, as these homes often come with unique...
Read More
Jayson Ang – June 16, 2024 – Share
TLDR The 2024 Budget introduces changes to property tax bands, aiming to ensure fair taxation based on Annual Value (AV)...
Read More
Jayson Ang – June 28, 2024 – Share
Investing in a property with good access to healthcare facilities in Singapore offers numerous benefits for both homeowners and investors....
Read More
Jayson Ang – December 29, 2024 – Share
As the global economy continues to recover, the real estate market in Singapore remains a promising investment opportunity for savvy...
Read More
Jayson Ang – August 17, 2023 – Share
TLDR A recent sub-sale transaction in Midtown Modern set a new record with a 2-bedroom home selling at $3,150 psf....
Read More
Jayson Ang – May 8, 2024 – Share
Real estate investing is a popular way to build wealth and generate passive income. However, like any investment, it comes...
Read More
Jayson Ang – April 27, 2023 – Share
TLDR The impending rise in ABSD (Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty) is expected to suppress investment demand, allowing local homebuyers to...
Read More
Jayson Ang – June 3, 2023 – Share
TLDR An open house is a valuable opportunity for sellers to showcase their home to potential buyers without pressure. It...
Read More
Jayson Ang – January 13, 2023 – Share
TLDR When it comes to new property launches, timing is crucial. Early buyers often secure the best prices due to...
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 – February 25, 2023 – Share
TLDR When deciding between an HDB loan or a bank loan for purchasing a property in Singapore, consider key factors...
Read More
Jayson Ang – July 7, 2023 – Share
TLDR When selling your house, be prepared to cover expenses such as outstanding home loans, legal fees, property agent commissions,...
Read More
Jayson Ang – July 18, 2023 – Share
Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Singapore Singapore, a vibrant city-state located in Southeast Asia, is known for its diverse culture,...
Read More
Jayson Ang – October 27, 2024 – Share
TLDR Searching for a forever home should balance heart and practicality. Avoid homes with stairs, high cabinets, big kitchens, and...
Read More
Jayson Ang – May 31, 2024 – Share
TLDR The real estate market in Singapore is experiencing shifts in housing supply and demand, influenced by factors like mortgage...
Read More