
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, 2024 – Share
Dim sum, a popular culinary delight that originated from China, has made its way into the hearts and taste buds...
Read More
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 – October 3, 2024 – Share
TLDR Over the past two decades in Singapore, the trend of HDB residents upgrading to landed properties has fluctuated. While...
Read More
Jayson Ang – August 1, 2023 – Share
TLDR When preparing to sell your house in Singapore, research the average prices in your area to set a realistic...
Read More
Jayson Ang – April 8, 2024 – Share
TLDR Older properties come with unique challenges due to outdated design elements, potential roofing issues, odd land shapes, basement drawbacks,...
Read More
Jayson Ang – October 25, 2023 – Share
TLDR Parents often seek homes within 1km of desired primary schools to increase enrollment chances. Consider oversubscription rates and population...
Read More
Jayson Ang – November 21, 2025 – Share
TLDR While some agents may discourage resale condos due to personal incentives, the difference in profits between resale and new...
Read More
Jayson Ang – February 21, 2025 – Share
Freehold properties, a term often heard in the real estate market, are properties that are "free from hold" of any...
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 – August 23, 2024 – Share
Investing in luxury properties has always been an attractive option for high-net-worth individuals seeking to diversify their investment portfolios. Singapore,...
Read More
Jayson Ang – December 25, 2024 – Share
Singapore, a bustling city-state known for its modern architecture and vibrant culture, is also home to numerous green spaces that...
Read More
Jayson Ang – May 11, 2025 – Share
The Singapore property market has always been a hotbed for investors looking to make substantial returns on their investments. As...
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 – March 12, 2023 – Share
TLDR The author delves into various opinions on the Singapore property market for the year 2023. Experts have differing views...
Read More
Jayson Ang – January 22, 2026 – Share
TLDR Integrated developments in Singapore combine residential units with commercial spaces and direct MRT access, offering convenience and car-free living....
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 – July 1, 2025 – Share
TLDR The Executive Condominium (EC) scheme, once intended as affordable “sandwich class” housing, is now acting more like a lottery...
Read More
Jayson Ang – June 20, 2024 – Share
TLDR The Lion City is undergoing rejuvenation with upcoming developments in coveted areas like Clementi and sites near MRT stations....
Read More
Jayson Ang – March 16, 2024 – Share
Investing in property can be a great way to build wealth and secure your financial future. However, with Singapore's highly...
Read More
Jayson Ang – May 17, 2023 – Share
The top 5 overlooked features that buyers are looking for in the Singapore real estate market. These are the overlooked...
Read More