
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 – November 11, 2024 – Share
Singapore, a thriving city-state known for its impressive skyline and robust economy, has always been an attractive destination for property...
Read More
Jayson Ang – June 20, 2023 – Share
Sentosa's Sizzling Property Market: 5 Reasons Chinese Investors are Flocking to Singapore's Premier Island Here are the top 5 reasons...
Read More
Jayson Ang – June 6, 2023 – Share
TLDR When considering selling your home, several key indicators can help you determine if it's the right time to make...
Read More
Jayson Ang – November 29, 2025 – Share
TLDR When buying a new launch condo, don’t just rely on show flats or sales pitches—look deeper. Watch out if...
Read More
Jayson Ang – August 11, 2023 – Share
TLDR The blog post discusses the challenges Singapore faces in housing affordability, particularly the rising costs of private homes compared...
Read More
Jayson Ang – June 6, 2023 – Share
5 Things to do When You Go For A Property Viewing In Singapore Here are 5 things to keep in...
Read More
Jayson Ang – September 18, 2024 – Share
Singapore, a thriving hub of business and commerce in Southeast Asia, offers a robust real estate market with various investment...
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
Jayson Ang – October 15, 2024 – Share
Investing in Singapore's property market has long been considered a lucrative and stable investment option. With its robust economy, strong...
Read More
Jayson Ang – March 18, 2024 – Share
Singapore, known for its stunning skyline and diverse culture, is a melting pot of romantic opportunities just waiting to be...
Read More
Jayson Ang – June 12, 2023 – Share
TLDR When upgrading your property, consider factors like rental rates, Buyer's Stamp Duty adjustments, higher interest rates for bank loans,...
Read More
Jayson Ang – March 20, 2024 – Share
The Singapore property market has long been a sought-after investment destination, with its stable economy and growing population making it...
Read More
Jayson Ang – November 30, 2024 – Share
TLDR Boutique condos, with fewer than 100 units, are known for price fluctuations due to infrequent transactions and higher upkeep...
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 – May 22, 2024 – Share
Real estate investment has always been a popular choice for investors looking to generate passive income and build long-term wealth....
Read More
Jayson Ang – February 26, 2024 – Share
TLDR When it comes to buying landed property in Singapore, there are three main types: terrace houses, semi-detached homes, and...
Read More
Jayson Ang – December 19, 2022 – Share
TLDR Jayson Ang, a reputable real estate agent in Singapore, offers extensive experience and a data-driven approach to guide clients...
Read More
Jayson Ang – July 19, 2023 – Share
TLDR Home buyers are advised to thoroughly research property values using online tools, secure an ideal home loan package early...
Read More
Jayson Ang – April 29, 2024 – Share
TLDR When deciding whether to repay your HDB flat loan early, consider the limitations of not being able to obtain...
Read More
Jayson Ang – March 26, 2024 – Share
Singapore's real estate market is highly regulated and can be complex for those unfamiliar with the process. As a prospective...
Read More