Your search results

Singapore’s HDB Projects: From Unique Landmarks to Just Another Brick in the Wall?

Posted by Jayson Ang on January 12, 2024
| 0

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:

  1. Offering Strategic Real Estate Advice – I can help create a comprehensive plan to guide you through your property journey.
  2. 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 …


Singapore Property Investing: Is It Better To Flip Or Hold?
Mandarin Top 5

Singapore Property Investing: Is It Better To Flip Or Hold?

Investing in Singapore property can be a profitable venture, but investors must choose the right strategy to maximize their returns....
Read More
Singapore’s Luxury Real Estate Market: The 5 Most Luxurious Neighborhoods
Mandarin Top 5

Singapore’s Luxury Real Estate Market: The 5 Most Luxurious Neighborhoods

The 5 most expensive neighborhoods in the city, and are home to some of the most exclusive and opulent properties...
Read More
Would It Be More Better To Engage One Property Agent Or Multiple Agents In The Selling Process?
All Selling Tips

Would It Be More Better To Engage One Property Agent Or Multiple Agents In The Selling Process?

TLDR When planning to sell your property, you have the option to work with one agent exclusively or non-exclusively. Engaging...
Read More
Does Sell 1 Buy 2 Strategy Still Works Today in 2024?
All Blog Posts Buying Tips Opinion

Does Sell 1 Buy 2 Strategy Still Works Today in 2024?

TLDR When considering the "Sell One By Two" property investment strategy, keep in mind that it involves selling your previous...
Read More
Singapore’s Urban Landscape Transformation: 5 Key Things You Need to Know
Mandarin Top 5

Singapore’s Urban Landscape Transformation: 5 Key Things You Need to Know

Singapore's urban landscape has undergone significant changes over the years, with the city constantly evolving to create a sustainable and...
Read More
Decoding the HDB Classification: The New Prime, Plus & Standard – What It Means for Singaporeans
All Buying Tips Opinion

Decoding the HDB Classification: The New Prime, Plus & Standard – What It Means for Singaporeans

TLDR The National Day Rally 2023 introduced a new classification for HDB flats, replacing the old 'mature versus non-mature estates'...
Read More
How Can Decoupling Help You in Buying a Second Property?
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

How Can Decoupling Help You in Buying a Second Property?

TLDR Decoupling property ownership in Singapore can help you avoid hefty Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty fees when purchasing a second...
Read More
Singapore’s Property Market: Will the Newly Proposed 2023 Cooling Measures, Including a 60% Foreigner ABSD, Make Waves or Mere Ripples?
All Opinion

Singapore’s Property Market: Will the Newly Proposed 2023 Cooling Measures, Including a 60% Foreigner ABSD, Make Waves or Mere Ripples?

TLDR The recent surge in Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) rates in Singapore targets mainly foreigners and entities, with rates...
Read More
Singapore Property Bubble Ahead? My Friends Share My Market Predictions
All Blog Posts Opinion

Singapore Property Bubble Ahead? My Friends Share My Market Predictions

TLDR The author delves into various opinions on the Singapore property market for the year 2023. Experts have differing views...
Read More
Singapore’s HDB Projects: From Unique Landmarks to Just Another Brick in the Wall?
All Buying Tips Opinion

Singapore’s HDB Projects: From Unique Landmarks to Just Another Brick in the Wall?

Take a look at this chill spot in Yew Tee. Someone's gone all out to make it feel like an...
Read More
5 Singapore’s Best Property Investments for 2023: Where to Find Growth and Income
Mandarin Top 5

5 Singapore’s Best Property Investments for 2023: Where to Find Growth and Income

The Singapore property market has long been a sought-after investment destination, with its stable economy and growing population making it...
Read More
5 Biggest Mistakes I Made When Starting Out In Singapore Property Investing
Mandarin Top 5

5 Biggest Mistakes I Made When Starting Out In Singapore Property Investing

Investing in Singapore property can be an excellent way to generate passive income and build long-term wealth. However, like any...
Read More
Finding Your Dream Home In The Near Future. Exciting Upcoming Property Launches In The First Half Of 2024
All Reports

Finding Your Dream Home In The Near Future. Exciting Upcoming Property Launches In The First Half Of 2024

TLDR The real estate sector in 2023 saw significant policy shifts affecting both private and public housing, with various changes...
Read More
5 Risks Upgraders Should Be Aware of To Avoid Financial Troubles When Progressing Their Property
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

5 Risks Upgraders Should Be Aware of To Avoid Financial Troubles When Progressing Their Property

TLDR The article delves into the intricacies of property asset progression in Singapore's real estate market. It highlights the risks...
Read More
5 Techniques for Identifying Undervalued Properties in Singapore 2023
All Buying Tips Opinion

5 Techniques for Identifying Undervalued Properties in Singapore 2023

TLDR To spot undervalued properties in Singapore's real estate market, focus on market value, location, and unique features. Consider "up...
Read More
Top 5 Museums in Singapore for Art and History
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Museums in Singapore for Art and History

Singapore, known for its vibrant culture and rich history, is home to a plethora of museums that cater to art...
Read More
3 Steps to Prevent Rental Scams
All Buying Tips

3 Steps to Prevent Rental Scams

TLDR: Prevent Rental Scams in Real Estate Scammers are targeting prospective tenants by impersonating Real Estate Salespersons (RES) to deceive...
Read More
Beware! Spot These Warning Signs Before Making a Home Purchase!
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Beware! Spot These Warning Signs Before Making a Home Purchase!

TLDR When purchasing a property in Singapore, it is crucial to thoroughly assess various aspects of the home to avoid...
Read More
Singapore’s Property Insights : Where to Find 5 Hidden Gems?
Mandarin Top 5

Singapore’s Property Insights : Where to Find 5 Hidden Gems?

Singapore's Property Insights : Where to Find 5 Hidden Gems? With its booming economy, vibrant culture and attractive regulations, Singapore...
Read More
Why Chinese Investors Should Not Be Deterred by ABSD: 5 Reasons
Buying Tips Mandarin Top 5

Why Chinese Investors Should Not Be Deterred by ABSD: 5 Reasons

Why Chinese Investors Should Not Be Deterred by ABSD: 5 Reasons Here are the top 5 reasons why Chinese investors...
Read More
1 3 4 5 6 7 16

Compare Listings