These Rare HDB Flat Types Are Basically Private Houses
HDBs - More Cool Than Cookie Cutter
More than just a developer of cookie cutter BTOs, HDB has been responsible for some of the most unique housing spaces in Singapore! From hipster cool vintage flats to extremely spacious penthouses, these ultra-rare HDB flat types look just like condo/landed developments - without the hefty price tag and with CPF subsidies. Score!
1. HDB Terrace Houses
With a front porch and distinctive sloped roof, these semi-detached/terrace houses actually have HDB block numbers on them! Developed by HDB’s predecessor SIT (Singapore Improvement Trust), these pseudo-landed properties were first built in the 1960s, and can be found in the Queenstown, Whampoa and Jalan Bahagia areas.
Considering Singapore’s land constraints, HDB hasn’t been building them since. So, getting one is like hitting a jackpot - besides an expansive floor area (much like real landed houses), HDB terraces are also significantly cheaper, ranging from $600,000 to less than a million.
A Peek Into An HDB Terrace Home
Imagine by SK66 - Stirling Road
A perfect getaway for the girl-about-town! This Pinterest-worthy tropical bungalow comes complete with sequinned cushions, rattan furniture and glamorous decor (a tiara and sash, anyone?).
The stylish outdoor porch set in monochromes evoke a colonial flair - hard to imagine this elegant villa is actually an HDB!
2. HDB Loft Units
Step aside condominium SOHOs and lofts - HDB has jumped in on the bandwagon with their own affordable version of loft housing! Found in recent developments such as SkyTerrace@Dawson and Treelodge@Punggol, these HDB loft units can double as multi-generation houses, depending on its size.
With it’s popularity peaking in recent years, HDB loft units do come at a premium - starting from $600,000 for resales.
A Peek Into HDB Loft Units
Dyel Design - Skyterrace@Dawson
Lofty full length windows and ceiling heights add instant luxury to this neat apartment. An open-plan living cum kitchen area was constructed to help maximise the home’s area.
Taking on a Scandinavian theme, the home is equally space saving and functional throughout. Concealed doorways and hidden cubbyhole shelving bring a hint of mystery and practicality to the neat space.
IdeasXchange - Skyterrace@Dawson
Complete with huge windows and an extensive built-ins, it’s hard to tell that this loft space is all part of an HDB flat! Every inch of this interesting apartment is different from the other, unfolding itself in different styles in throughout various areas.
For instance, the striking glass staircase is decidedly futuristic, the master bedroom is classy with a hint of victorian. Meanwhile, the study area cum gaming space is a laid-back affair, with cosy bean bags and unfussy furnishings.
3. Jumbo HDB Flats
Call it a beautiful accident - when many 3/ 4 room flats went unsold in Woodlands and Yishun back in the 1990s, HDB decided to combine those unoccupied units to form jumbo flats!
With some as big as 192 sqm, homeowners are really snagging a good deal with all that square footage - prices range from $600,000 - $800,000 for jumbo flats in those neighbourhoods today. However, they are a rare sight; only 485 units exist in Singapore.
A Peek Into Jumbo HDB Flats
Co. Prozfile Design - Woodlands Block 820
The biggest perk about owning a jumbo flat? Having enough space to try whatever you want in terms of decor.
Here, this eclectic HDB in Woodlands is a veritable museum of interior styles, with multiple themes (industrial, futuristic, traditional and Scandinavian) brought together into one expansive space.
The Roomaker - Marsiling Block 133
How does an urban jungle look like? This - a jumbo flat in Marsiling blends the best of lush greenery with clean, modern furnishings. Take the vertical garden greeting guests by the living area, to the bits and bobs of indoor plants dotted around the expansive, Muji-esque space.
To further enhance this home’s clean, relaxing rep, minimal furniture come complete with a ton of smart storage shelving and features.
4. HDB Penthouse Maisonettes
Maisonettes are rare enough, but this takes it to the next level. Forget expensive condominium penthouses - you can live the literal ‘high life’ with HDB’s very own ‘penthouse’ maisonettes!
These top-level humongous apartments were developed in the 1990s in areas like Bishan, Pasir Ris or Hougang. Besides a huge house area (some are as big as 215 sqm!) they also come with its iconic feature - a sky garden/balcony that provides an unprecedented view of the city. Definitely more affordable than condo penthouses, but still not cheap - prices can start from $800,000.
A Peek Into A (Similar) Penthouse-Style Maisonette
Take the lead from this penthouse-style HDB in Pasir Panjang! Sunlight pours into this cheery space, which makes the best of this home’s sliding glass doors and windows.
Balancing those striking pops of blue and yellow with a solid neutral background, compact, loose furnishings used throughout add space to the cramped up areas, like the dining and foyer.
Outdoors, the sky balcony is a green patch of heaven, with plants and faux grass - perfect for gazing away.
5. Post-War SIT Flats
In the heart of Singapore’s ultimate hipster enclave is an equally cool HDB flat to match! The unique, Bauhaus style of Post War flats in Tiong Bahru exude a vintage charm that’s unlike any typical flat/condo. Built by the SIT in 1948 - 1951, only a few select blocks remain (specifically Blk 17 to Blk 50 in the estate) under the public housing scheme. And despite its 99-year lease closing in, flats are still on high demand, and usually range around $600,000 - $700,000.
A Peek Into Post-War SIT Flats
Free Space Intent - Tiong Bahru
It’s retro door grilles may just look the part in this old-school flat, but walk past its doors and an ultra modern, edgy industrial space unfolds! Raw cement screed set the background and is peppered with all sorts of accents old and new.
For example, take the mid-centrury modern Eames chair in the living room, which pairs magnificently vintage partitions, adding a cool eclectic touch.
Metamorph Design - Kim Cheng Street
When you’ve got big windows lining the entire expanse of your home, you’ve got to take full advantage! With that in mind, this sleek contemporary pad turns it into it’s highlight, pairing it with ritzy glass partitions.
The clear, see-through surfaces help to demarcate the various rooms, whilst retaining a bright, open-plan feel.
Your humble HDB can also look like a fancy, high-class abode.
The key’s in getting the right interior professional - and Qanvast can help! Request for a quote here, and get matched with 5 interior designers, based on your budget and style. All recommendations made will be covered under the Qanvast Guarantee, up to $50,000.
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