In the heart of Southeast Asia, Singapore stands as a beacon of modern urban development, showcasing a unique blend of culture, technology, and progressiveness. Among the hallmarks of this city-state are the Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats, a dominant feature of Singapore’s residential landscape. In recent years, a significant shift has been observed as more residents are drawn to the allure of high-rise living within these HDB complexes. This article delves into this growing phenomenon, exploring the reasons, experiences, and future of living amongst the clouds in Singapore’s HDB flats.
The charm of high-rise HDB living
High-rise living in Singapore is not just a housing choice; it’s a lifestyle statement. Residents are increasingly seeking apartments on higher floors, motivated by the promise of panoramic views, a touch of luxury, and the modern appeal these lofty homes offer. This trend reflects a broader shift in urban living preferences, where the height of one’s home is becoming synonymous with a certain quality of life.
The Pinnacle @ Duxton – The tallest one so far
At the forefront of this trend is The Pinnacle @ Duxton, an iconic HDB project and the tallest in Singapore. Located on 1 Cantonment Road and rising to 50 storeys, this complex is not just about its height; it’s about community and connectivity. The sky bridges on the 26th and 50th floors are more than architectural marvels; they are social spaces and hubs of community interaction. This project exemplifies how high-rise living can blend modern amenities with a vibrant community ethos.
High-rise HDBs across Singapore’s neighbourhoods
Singapore’s landscape is dotted with high-rise HDBs, each neighbourhood offering its unique charm. From the bustling Central Business District to the serene suburbs, these buildings are a testament to Singapore’s diverse urban tapestry. Each area offers its residents a different slice of Singaporean life, from local hawker centres to lush green parks, all within the shadow of these towering homes.
Central
In Central, neighbourhoods like Holland Village and Buona Vista showcase a high volume of private properties. Nevertheless, HDB flats can still be found, especially towering ones.
| Location | Address | Blocks over 30 floors | Highest floor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghim Moh Valley | 22 to 28 Ghim Moh Link | 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28 | 40 |
| Ghim Moh Edge | 29 to 33 Ghim Moh Link | 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33 | 38 |
| Dover Gardens | 28 Dover Crescent | 28A, 28B, 28C and 28D | 40 |
| Buona Vista Court | 18 Holland Drive | 18A, 18B, 18C and 18D | 40 |
Now, how about neighbourhoods with some of the oldest HDB estates? Commonwealth and Queenstown boast HDB estates that raked up the recent million-dollar transactions, thanks to their location on the edge of the city. We’re putting a special mention of Skyville@Dawson as the third-highest HDB flat in this list, at 47 storeys high!
| Location | Address | Blocks over 30 floors | Highest floor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth 10 | 50 and 53 Commonwealth Drive | 50 and 53 | 40 |
| Commonwealth View | 89 to 91 Tanglin Halt Road | 89, 90 and 91 | 40 |
| Forfar Heights | 48 to 53 Strathmore Avenue | 48 and 52 (40 floors); 53 (43 floors) | 40 and 43 |
| SkyVille@Dawson | 86 to 88 Dawson Road | 86, 87 and 88 | 47 |
| SkyTerrace@Dawson | 89 to 93 Dawson Road | 89, 90, 91, 92 and 93 | 43 |
| SkyOasis@Dawson | 39 to 43 Margaret Drive | 39A, 40A, 42A and 43A (45 floors); 41A (32 floors) | 32 and 45 |
| SkyResidence @ Dawson | 30 to 37 Margaret Drive | 30, 32, 33, 34, 36 and 37 | 47 |
| SkyParc@Dawson | 94 to 96 Dawson Road | 94 and 96 (43 floors); 95 (40 floors) | 40 and 43 |
| Dawson Vista | 79 Dawson Road | 79 | 39 |
If you’re opting to live near good cafes, unique boutiques, and other desirable amenities, look no further than the HDB districts in Telok Blangah, Bukit Merah, and Tiong Bahru. Here, City Vue @Henderson steals the second spot for the tallest HDB flat in this list!
| Location | Address | Blocks over 30 floors | Highest floor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telok Blangah Towers | 80 Telok Blangah Street 31 | 80A and 80C | 38 |
| City Vue @Henderson | 95 and 96 Henderson Road | 95A, 95B and 96B (40 floors); 95C and 96A (48 floors) | 40 and 48 |
| Tiong Bahru View | 9 and 10 Boon Tiong Road | 9A, 9B and 10A | 40 |
| Havelock View | 52 to 58 Havelock Road | 57 (35 floors); 52, 54 and 55 (36 floors); 58 (38 floors); 53, 56 (40 floors) | 35, 36, 38 and 40 (depending on the block) |
| Kim Tian Green | 126 to 127 Kim Tian Road | 126A, 126C, 127A, 127C and 127D | 40 |
Looking for a new start? Whampoa and Kallang went through significant rejuvenation over the last decade. You get access to various cafes, interesting restaurants, and spin studios. Additionally, with new BTOs like Kempas Residences (to be completed in late 2024) and easy access to the Downtown and North-East lines, connectivity shines best here. We should also mention City View @ Boon Keng for its 40-storey build and a view of its namesake.
| Location | Address | Blocks over 30 floors | Highest floor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whampoa Dew | 78 Lorong Limau | 78 | 40 |
| McNair Towers | 113 Mcnair Road | 113A and 113B | 35 |
| Towner Crest | 149 Towner Road | 149A (35 floors); 149B (39 floors) | 35 and 39 |
| City View @ Boon Keng | 7 to 9 Boon Keng Road | 7, 8 and 9 | 40 |
| Bendemeer Light | 10 Bendemeer Road | 10A, 10B and 10C | 40 |
| St. George’s Towers | 26 St. George’s Lane, Singapore 321026 | 25A (34 floors); 26A and 26B (32 floors) | 32 and 34 |
| Kempas Residences | 1B and 2B Kempas Road | 1B (37 floors); 2B (36 floors) | 36 and 37 |
| Tenteram Peak | 116 Jalan Tenteram | 116A and 116B | 31 |
Having been a desirable residential area, Toa Payoh brags a mature estate packed with amenities. It’s also a big plus for dog owners as the neighbourhood is one of the 5 top areas to live for dog owners and lovers! We’re talking about the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio park, of course! Special mention of The Peak @ Toa Payoh with its 42-storey build that towers over most other Toa Payoh blocks.
| Location | Address | Blocks over 30 floors | Highest floor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toa Payoh Crest | 130 and 131 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh | 130A, 130B, 131A and 131B | 40 |
| The Peak @ Toa Payoh | 138 and 139 Lorong 1a Toa Payoh | 138A and 139B (42 floors); 138B, 138C and 139A (41 floors) | 41 and 42 floors |
| Central Horizon | 79 Toa Payoh Central | 79A, 79B, 79C, 79D and 79E | 40 |
| Toa Payoh Apex | 262 Toa Payoh East, Singapore 310262 | 261, 262, 263 and 264 | 36 |
| Toa Payoh Towers | 145 to 152 Lor 2 Toa Payoh | 145, 146, 147 and 152 | 40 |
North-East/Central
Marymount and Bishan are some of the continuously populated towns in Singapore, being centrally located in Ang Mo Kio. We’re giving a shoutout to Natura Loft, with its hefty 40-storey build, the tallest HDB in Bishan.
| Location | Address | Blocks over 30 floors | Highest floor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teck Ghee Parkview | 455 Ang Mo Kio Street 44 | 455A and 455B (32 and 34 floors); 455C (31 and 33 floors) | 34 (depending on the block) |
| Teck Ghee Vista | 308 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 | 308A and 308B | 31 |
| Cheng San Court | 590 and 591 Ang Mo Kio Street 51 | 590A (31 floors); 590B and 591A (32 floors) | 31 and 32 |
| Natura Loft | 273 to 275 Bishan Street 24 | 273A, 273B and 275A | 40 |
| Bishan Towers | 156 Bishan Street 11 | 156A and 156B | 33 |
North
In the northern region, estates generally have lower buildings, possibly because of restrictions on air space. Marsiling Heights and Marsiling Greenview include a mix of rental and for-sale properties, fostering a more seamless blend of rental apartments within the local community. Also, Woodlands Peak consists of studio apartments and 3-room flats.
| Location | Address | Blocks over 30 floors | Highest floor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marsiling Heights | 180 Marsiling Road | 180A, 180B and 180C | 31 |
| Marsiling Greenview | 182A Woodlands Street 13 | 182A | 32 |
| Woodlands Peak | 302A Woodlands Street 31 | 302A | 33 |
West
A variety of the flats in Clementi are BTOs that were built in the 2010s. We’d like to note Clementi Towers here because it was the first HDB to integrate a bus interchange and a mall and additionally, Trivelis, which is a DBSS project. Both of these HDB flats rise to 40 storeys high and all the tallest in Singapore’s West.
| Location | Address | Blocks over 30 floors | Highest floor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casa Clementi | 416 to 425 Clementi Avenue 1 | 416, 420, 421 and 425 | 39 |
| Clementi Crest | 445 Clementi Avenue 3 | 445A and 445B | 40 |
| Clementi Cascadia | 440 Clementi Avenue 3, Singapore 123440 | 440B and 440C | 40 |
| Clementi Ridges | 312 Clementi Avenue 4 | 312A, 312B and 312C | 37 to 40 |
| Trivelis | 311 Clementi Avenue 4 | 311A, 311B and 311C | 40 |
| Clementi Gateway | 208 Clementi Avenue 6 | 208A and 208B | 38 |
| Clementi NorthArc | 209 and 210 Clementi Avenue 6 | 209A and 209B (40 floors); 210A and 210B (33 floors) | 33 and 40 |
| Clementi Towers | 441 Clementi Avenue 3 | 441A and 441B | 40 |
Even though Bukit Batok is a non-mature estate (meaning there aren’t many amenities, schools, or facilities), those who love greenery would enjoy living in the area. You get access to large green spaces like the Bukit Batok Nature Park, Dairy Farm Nature Park, and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. You’d get stunning views of Singapore’s West.
| Location | Address | Blocks over 30 floors | Highest floor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skyline I @ Bukit Batok | 194 Bukit Batok West Avenue 6, Singapore 651194 | 194A and 194B | 36 |
| Skyline II @ Bukit Batok | 296 Bukit Batok Street 22, Singapore 652296 | 296A and 296C (38 floors); 296B (33 floors) | 33 and 38 |
| SkyPeak @ Bukit Batok | 292 and 293 Bukit Batok East Avenue 6 | 292B, 293B and 293D (31 and 35 floors); 292C, 293B and 29C (40 floors) | 31, 35 and 40 |
Read more: New HDB BTO classification: Know the difference between Standard, Plus, and Prime flats
We also have neighbourhoods that are perfect for those who want seclusion from the hustle and bustle of city life, thanks to Choa Chu Kang and Bukit Panjang being less accessible and secluded.
| Location | Address | Blocks over 30 floors | Highest floor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senja Heights | 640A Senja Road | 640A | 38 |
| Senja Valley | 647 Senja Close | 647A and 647B | 36 |
| Senja Gateway | 635A Senja Road | 635A | 34 |
| Senja Ridges | 638A Senja Road | 638A | 33 |
| Teck Whye View | 161 Jalan Teck Whye, Singapore 683161 | 161B and 161C | 31 |
And here we are at the last estate in our long list. Finally, right? We take a look at Jurong East, a self-contained mini-town that has three shopping malls connected by the Jurong East MRT stations.
| Location | Address | Blocks over 30 floors | Highest floor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teban Vista | 20 to 23 Teban Gardens Road | 20, 21, 22 and 23 | 40 |
| Teban View | 55 to 57 Teban Gardens Road | 55, 56, 57 | 38 |
Living in the clouds – advantages and challenges
The allure of high-rise living extends beyond the impressive views. Residents enjoy a sense of seclusion and exclusivity, far removed from the noise and bustle of ground-level life. The air is often perceived as fresher and less polluted, and there’s a unique tranquillity that comes with being perched above the city. Additionally, these residences often feature modern design and amenities, reflecting a contemporary urban lifestyle.
However, living at such heights is not without its challenges. Elevator wait times can be significant, particularly during peak hours, and maintenance costs can be higher due to the complexity of high-rise structures. There’s also the aspect of wind speed and noise, which can be more pronounced on higher floors. Moreover, in the event of a power outage, reliance on elevators can become a significant inconvenience.
Weather patterns also play a unique role in the high-rise living experience. The higher floors are more exposed to elements like rain and sun, potentially leading to quicker wear and tear of the building exterior and interiors. This exposure can also affect energy consumption, as units might require more cooling during hot days or more heating during cooler periods. Balancing these aspects with the desire for panoramic views and a prestigious address is a constant consideration for high-rise dwellers.
The financial aspect of high-rise HDB living
High-rise HDB flats often come with a premium price tag, reflecting their desirability and unique offerings. The market value of these flats is influenced by several factors, including the view, height, and location. Typically, units on higher floors command higher prices, attributed to the unblocked views and perceived prestige. This premium can be substantial, depending on the location and specific features of the block.
From an investment perspective, high-rise units often show a strong potential for appreciation. Their unique position in the market makes them attractive to a segment of buyers who value the lifestyle they offer. However, potential buyers should also consider the liquidity of these units. While they are desirable, the higher price point might limit the pool of potential buyers, potentially affecting resale times and prices.
Maintenance and insurance costs for high-rise units can also be higher. These costs are often overlooked by buyers but play a significant role in the long-term financial implications of owning a high-rise HDB flat. The upkeep of common areas, structural integrity, and amenities like elevators and sky gardens require consistent investment, which can translate to higher service and conservancy charges.
The decision to purchase a high-rise HDB flat, therefore, is not just about affordability. It involves a comprehensive evaluation of the long-term financial implications, including the potential for capital appreciation, maintenance costs, and the changing dynamics of Singapore’s property market.
Conclusion
High-rise living in HDB flats is more than just a trend; it’s a reflection of Singapore’s evolving urban identity. As the city continues to grow, these towering homes stand as symbols of progress, offering a unique way of life that blends modernity with community, and luxury with practicality.
HDB properties for you
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