Singapore is a vibrant garden city. But given our land scarcity, more and more towering HDB blocks have to be built to house the growing population, in turn blocking the views of those who used to be able to look out at nature. Still, we can enjoy gorgeous views – we’ve curated a selection of 10 HDBs that have unblocked access to the beauty of our garden city.
1. Punggol Waterfront District
Image credit: @coco.hous
Away from the city centre and nestled northeast of Singapore, Punggol has significantly progressed past its old image of being an ulu, boring place. Now regarded as an ‘it’ place for families, Punggol’s current elevated status isn’t due to the all-purpose amenities it has in place, such as Waterway Point and Northshore Plaza.
Rather, it is thanks to the picturesque landscapes that residents enjoy from their windows.
Image credit: @deigo.abas
This oasis of calm has scenic parks, gardens, and the star of the show – the ocean. Punggol residents in ocean-facing units have the luxury of a vast ocean view in the comfort of their own homes. We can imagine these residents having the time of their lives, seeing the sun setting beyond the horizon, and getting that golden hour glow every day. For this, we’re green with envy.
Out of the 7 waterfront districts, the Northshore district and Punggol Point district offer the best ocean views, which explains the online buzz surrounding the recently completed Waterfront I & II @ Northshore and Punggol Northshore Drive BTO flats. With undefeated views and a digital district in the works, there’s no saying how high resale prices of these BTOs can go.
2. Sengkang Anchorvale/Sengkang Rivervale
Image credit: @jov_zth
One stop away from Punggol on the North East Line lies Sengkang, which sits snugly beside 2 rivers.
Lucky residents facing either of the rivers get stunning sceneries of the long winding water body blanketed by luscious greenery. Those living in the Sengkang Anchorvale neighbourhood are greeted with views of Sungei Punggol, including Sengkang Floating Wetland and Seng Kang Riverside Park.
@zannienini After 6 long years, our long awaited BTO is here. Excited to embark on this journey ahead! ❤️ #bto #rivervaleshores #home #singapore
On the other side, there’s Sengkang Rivervale, which boasts the scenic landscape of Sungei Serangoon. Homeowners of the newly completed Rivervale Shores BTO can enjoy chef’s kiss scapes of the 8km river, for which they patiently waited 6 long years.
3. Southern Ridges
Image credit: Rahul Kumar
Now we’ve reached the opposite end of the North East Line: Harbourfront. There have been constant developments of HDBs around the Southern Ridges, with the arrival of Telok Blangah Ridgeview, Telok Blangah Parcview, and the upcoming Telok Blangah Beacon all heralding access to sights of Singapore’s waters.
If you don’t want to buy a resale flat, then keep your eyes peeled for the 2025 Keppel Club site BTO launch. Just make sure you can handle three things: the stiff competition, the possibly exorbitant prices, and the 10-year MOP – all because it falls under the PLH model.
Image credit: @richard_lim_yang
If you’re more of a greenery person, living around the Southern Ridges would be heaven. It connects five parks – Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill, HortPark, Kent Ridge Park, and Labrador Nature Reserve – and has numerous entryways to them. Nature is calling you to take a restful break by the window.
Another merit to HDBs around the Southern Ridges is being able to see the precious Singapore flags being flown near and during National Day – just in case you’re feeling patriotic.
4. Bras Basah/Bain Street
Though this is taken from a corridor, residents of Bras Basah Complex have a similar view from their windows.
Image credit: Anton V.
Some people prefer to be around nature, while others dig the cityscape. Aside from the perks and convenience of being near the city centre, Bras Basah residents live in the moment with spectacles of Marina Bay Sands, the Art Science Museum, and the Esplanade – just wait till you see the night view.
@shiffythecow Not my house ! But woah the views tho … wonder how many hdbs there are in such areas #tiktok #tiktoksg #fypシ #fypsg#fypシ゚viral #fypage
Bras Basah residents have truly struck gold because of their housing’s prime location. However, it’s worth noting that a resale flat here is pricey and has a shorter lease balance of around 60 years.
5. Grove Spring @ Yishun & Yishun Boardwalk
Image credit: HDB
If you’re willing to look past the odd happenings in Yishun, try to score a bargain with the affordable flats here and you may be rewarded with lovely views.
Grove Spring @ Yishun and Yishun Boardwalk are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024 to 2025, and both projects look across the waterway at Khatib Bongsu Nature Park and Seletar Island.
Additionally, those staying in the coveted higher-floor units will get the privilege of admiring the Johor Strait landscape.
Image credit: @mellyjaytee
6. Lakeside View
Image credit: NParks
Lakeside View at Jurong West – the name of this HDB project is apt as it tells you everything you need to know about exactly what view you will have. Overlooking Jurong Lake, Lakeside View is a BTO launched in May 2022. With the estimated completion date sitting snugly in end 2026, Lakeside View residents won’t have to wait too long to be treated to the gorgeous sights of Jurong Lake and Jurong Lake Gardens.
With a 4-minute walk to Lakeside MRT station, slightly more affordable units, and sufficient amenities, perhaps the west side is truly the best side. We mean, who wouldn’t want to wake up to such a peaceful sight?
7. Kallang Trivista/Kallang Horizon
Image credit: @yiliang_tan
Not so fast – the Eastsiders have Kallang Trivista to brag about. Besides being accessible to 3 MRT stations, Kallang Trivista is also in a prime location for impressive window views, so much so that residents have been proudly showing it off on social media. Kallang Trivista is built by the Kallang River, allowing residents to get a 360° glistening view of the 10km river.
Image credit: @bernadine_r
Kallang Trivista also overlooks the National Stadium, Singapore Flyer, and Marina Bay Sands. So if you aren’t a fan of the cityscape in Bras Basah, look to Kallang, where you can enjoy the festivities with an extra touch of nature.
Kallang Trivista residents won’t be the only lucky ones with such a view. Estimated to be completed in 2028, Kallang Horizon BTO will have its residents join in on the fun.
However, those eyeing a resale must be equipped with either money or patience. After all, Kallang Trivista units have an average resale price of around $1,000,000, while Kallang Horizon units will enter the resale market only in 2038 as it is under the PLH model.
8. Marine Parade
The East side has one more contender. Famously known for perfect seascapes, the Marine Parade estates were a shoo-in for our list.
With accessible amenities including Marine Cove and nature surrounding it, Marine Parade is an attractive location in the East to settle down. Furthermore, with the East Coast Park and the Singapore Strait in its vicinity, it is no wonder that ocean-facing units of Marine Parade have created a buzz in the property resale market.
It won’t be long before more million-dollar HDB resale flats in Marine Parade will start popping up in the news. If you’re eyeing ocean-facing units, try Marine Terrace, Marine Crescent, and Marine Drive, where you can feel the ocean breeze 24/7.
9. Bishan/Ang Mo Kio
Image credit: @brice.li.12
Securing units with unblocked views of nature is not a walk in the park. We all know how hard it is with many eyeing the same unit, but the pay-off is absolutely worth it. Bishan and Ang Mo Kio residents who’ve secured their units can literally take a walk in Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park below their flats with peace of mind.
With 62 hectares of lush greenery, canals, and the Kallang River as its neighbours, the Bishan and Ang Mo Kio units that envelop the urban park are an object of envy.
Image credit: @lifeofpoo
But it won’t be long before existing residents have to share the scenery with new homeowners of the Kebun Baru Edge BTO. In 2025, the Kebun Baru Edge BTO will get a piece of this beauty, with stacks that offer relatively unblocked views of the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. Just imagine waking up to the melodic sounds of nature and animals around the park – it’s an absolute dream.
10. Hougang Capeview
Image credit: Edmund Ooi
Located at Upper Serangoon View, Hougang Capeview is enclosed by the Serangoon River, Sungei Pinang, and Punggol Park. Residents get full access to the greenery and waterways around them, which is a major plus point for nature lovers.
Image credit: lim fedric (Mil Cirdef)
Back when Hougang Capeview BTO was launched, it faced quite a bit of backlash due to its ‘unusual’ and ‘inconvenient’ location. In hindsight, homeowners of Hougang Capeview units were actually blessed with vast views overlooking nature and low-rise buildings. We’d do anything to wake up to this stunner.
Image credit: @hs1304
Another unique feature of Hougang Capeview is the viewing decks – communal spaces for everyone to enjoy. On the viewing decks, you can stare at the Serangoon River for days, and perhaps you may even spot a cute otter or two.
Stunning HDB window views
Singapore is a beautiful city offering a unique mix of urban and natural elements. Whether you like being surrounded by nature or prefer being near the cityscape, these 10 flats offer some of Singapore’s best sceneries. That said, the list is non-exhaustive. Here’s to prioritising good window views without breaking the bank.
Read more articles here:
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Cover image adapted from: @deigo.abas, @bernadine_r, @brice.li.12
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