Fraud Blocker
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 …


3 Things You Need to Know if You Are Buying a Second Property
All Buying Tips Opinion

3 Things You Need to Know if You Are Buying a Second Property

TLDR When considering buying a second property in Singapore, ensure eligibility by meeting the Minimum Occupancy Period (MOP) and understanding...
Read More
5 Tips : How To Buy A Property In Singapore As A Foreigner
Mandarin Top 5

5 Tips : How To Buy A Property In Singapore As A Foreigner

  Singapore's property market is a popular choice for both locals and foreigners looking to invest in real estate. However,...
Read More
Discover What Else You Can Focus On Beyond PSF – Here’s How!
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Discover What Else You Can Focus On Beyond PSF – Here’s How!

TLDR When considering real estate investments, factors like property size, location, and PSF play crucial roles in determining affordability. Smaller...
Read More
Quick Guide for Condo Sellers: Timeline to Sell Condo in 2023
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Quick Guide for Condo Sellers: Timeline to Sell Condo in 2023

TLDR When selling a condominium in Singapore, understanding the critical steps is key. First, ensure you are not liable for...
Read More
Great Reasons for Condo Owners to Sell upon Reaching TOP – A Guide to Sub-Sale Transactions
All Opinion Selling Tips

Great Reasons for Condo Owners to Sell upon Reaching TOP – A Guide to Sub-Sale Transactions

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
Top 5 Factors: Singapore Property Market: Attractive Investment Opportunity Despite Cooling Measures
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Factors: Singapore Property Market: Attractive Investment Opportunity Despite Cooling Measures

The Singapore property market has always been a popular investment choice for both local and foreign investors, thanks to its...
Read More
Top 5 Reasons : Why Investing in Singapore’s Property Market Is a Smart Move for Millennials – Expert Analysis!
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Reasons : Why Investing in Singapore’s Property Market Is a Smart Move for Millennials – Expert Analysis!

In recent years, Singapore has emerged as a global financial hub and a prime destination for property investments. The city-state's...
Read More
Top 5 Reasons : How Can A Reputable Real Estate Agent Help You When Investing In Singapore Property
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Reasons : How Can A Reputable Real Estate Agent Help You When Investing In Singapore Property

Investing in Singapore property can be a lucrative venture, given the country's stable economy, strategic location, and high demand for...
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
Making Sense of 99-Year Landed Home Investments in Singapore
All Buying Tips Opinion

Making Sense of 99-Year Landed Home Investments in Singapore

TLDR Investing in a 99-year leasehold landed property in Singapore can be a lucrative venture due to the country's land...
Read More
Four Things to Avoid When Renting Out an HDB Flat
All

Four Things to Avoid When Renting Out an HDB Flat

TLDR Renting out an HDB flat in Singapore can be a lucrative source of secondary income. Key considerations include adhering...
Read More
Sell High Buy High : Will This Still Make You a Profit?
All Buying Tips

Sell High Buy High : Will This Still Make You a Profit?

  TL;DR Summary: Timing of Property Sale: Selling high and buying high may seem counterintuitive, but understanding market dynamics can...
Read More
ANALYSIS: Unveiling the HDB Towns with the Steepest and Lowest Price Surges!
All Buying Tips

ANALYSIS: Unveiling the HDB Towns with the Steepest and Lowest Price Surges!

TLDR The real estate market for HDB flats in Singapore has witnessed significant growth, with prices reaching new highs. The...
Read More
Top 5 : Factors Influence Real Estate Investors’ Decisions when Investing in Singapore Condos?
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 : Factors Influence Real Estate Investors’ Decisions when Investing in Singapore Condos?

Singapore's real estate market has always been an attractive investment option for both local and foreign investors. The city-state's stable...
Read More
Why Can’t More People Own Private Property?
All Opinion

Why Can’t More People Own Private Property?

TLDR The blog post discusses the aspirations of individuals like Siti and Mr. Tan regarding property ownership in Singapore. Siti...
Read More
Top 5 Things to Do in Singapore on a Rainy Day
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Things to Do in Singapore on a Rainy Day

Singapore, the beautiful island city-state, is known for its sunny weather and stunning attractions. However, even in this tropical paradise,...
Read More
5 Most Iconic Landmarks In Singapore’s Landscape
Mandarin Top 5

5 Most Iconic Landmarks In Singapore’s Landscape

Singapore's landscapes is renowned for its innovative and dynamic approach to urban development, boasting some of the most iconic landmarks...
Read More
Checklist for First-Time Homebuyers in Singapore: A Guide to Viewing Condos
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Checklist for First-Time Homebuyers in Singapore: A Guide to Viewing Condos

TLDR The checklist provides essential steps for first-time homebuyers in Singapore to consider when viewing a condo. It includes aspects...
Read More
3 Property Owners Reveal Their Major Mistakes: The Pitfalls of Ill-timed Home Sales
All Opinion Selling Tips

3 Property Owners Reveal Their Major Mistakes: The Pitfalls of Ill-timed Home Sales

TLDR When it comes to navigating the ups and downs of the Singapore property market, timing is crucial. Three real-life...
Read More
Top 5 Thai Restaurants in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Thai Restaurants in Singapore

Singapore, a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, is a food lover's paradise. Among the myriad of dining options available,...
Read More

Compare Listings