Everyone dreams of coming home to peace and quiet after a long day, but in Singapore’s heartlands, noise can be a very real problem for homeowners. For some, the sound of kids playing downstairs is “community spirit”; for others, it’s straight-up noise pollution.
So before your BTO keys are even in hand, how do you figure out whether your block will be a serene haven or a daily noise fest? Here are 6 signs to look out for, your early warning system to help safeguard your future peace of mind.
1. Check your block’s proximity to busy roads & MRT tracks
Image credit: @bennysaik
One of the biggest noise culprits? Traffic and trains. Blocks that face expressways or traffic junctions often get a constant hum of cars, buses, and the occasional honk. If you’ve ever stood near HDBs along PIE in Bedok Reservoir or the ones at Bishan that look straight out at Braddell Road, you’ll know that background soundtrack never really goes away.
It’s not just roads either. MRT-facing units can be surprisingly loud, especially if you’re near above-ground tracks like Yishun MRT or those open-air LRTs in Sengkang. Even on higher floors, the screeching from trains carries upwards, so don’t assume elevation guarantees peace.
2. The void deck factor
Image credits: TheSmartLocal
Void decks can be the heartbeat of a neighbourhood, but sometimes, that heartbeat is a little too loud. Blocks with kopitiams, mamak shops, or even bustling badminton courts downstairs are alive at all hours, from early-morning hawker prep to late-night drinking sessions. Not to mention, if your block is directly beside a multipurpose hall, it would mean the occasional Malay wedding or Chinese funeral.
Contrast that with the quieter void decks in purely residential estates like Tampines North, where the communal space is mostly for passing through rather than hanging out, versus heartland hubs like Ang Mo Kio Central, where the void deck often doubles as a mini community centre – lively, social, and noisy.
When picking your BTO or resale unit, take a walk past the void deck at different times to get a real sense of the daily soundtrack.
3. Level matters, high floors aren’t always quiet
Image credit: Darren Soh
Being on a higher floor usually cuts out traffic noise, but it doesn’t mean total silence. You might still hear the unavoidable wind howling or the rain pelting. On a particularly windy day, rain travels horizontally if you are on a high enough floor so you might get more pelting music or a very wet floor.
In Singapore’s warm climate, sound can also refract upwards due to the warm ground air causing it to travel upwards. To combat this, you should strike the perfect balance by choosing mid-level units.
4. Playgrounds & fitness corners
Image credit: Chua Chu Kang Town Council
Playgrounds bring life to an estate, sometimes there’s laughter, chatter, and the occasional shriek from kids testing their lung power. In newer towns like Punggol, almost every cluster has one or two, which means the soundscape is lively well into the evening.
It’s heartwarming for some, it allows the kids to destress and it enhances the “kampong spirit”. But if your unit faces a playground, just know that your “evening wind-down soundtrack” might be less Spotify Lo-fi, and more child prodigy in vocal training.
5. F&B options & commercial units
Image credit: Everyday Tour Company
Living near beloved hawker centres or markets (think Whampoa, Holland Drive) means supper is never far away. The trade-off? Early mornings often come with the rumble of delivery trucks, cleaners doing their rounds, and once in a very long while, the unmistakable “wake-up call” of lion dance performing because a new stall just opened.
Image credit: Darren Soh
Convenience is great, until you realize your alarm clock is now a 7am vegetable delivery lorry.
6. Future developments in the area: Master plan surprises
Image credit: Urban Redevelopment Authority
That empty plot next door might look peaceful now, but the URA Master Plan could have other ideas. A future school could mean morning bells and the National Anthem wafting over your balcony; a planned community hub might bring extra foot traffic, cafes, or even a playground.
Take Tengah, for example, BTOs that are quiet today will eventually see MRT lines, malls, and community spaces sprouting up, and completely change the current vibe. So always check long-term plans before committing. What’s quiet today might be the next bustling hotspot tomorrow!
Look out for these noisy tell-tale signs when choosing your next flat
Image credit: Home Guide Interior Design
When it comes to noise, nothing beats first-hand feedback. If you’re buying a resale flat, or even checking out a BTO area with older blocks nearby, take a walk around and chat with residents about daily noise levels. Auntie gossip aside, they often know best.
Of course, noise can’t be completely avoided, but being observant before committing helps ensure your future home actually suits your lifestyle. Total silence is rare in Singapore, but a little savviness before balloting or purchasing can save a lot of headaches later.
And if you’ve already picked your unit but realise it’s on the “lively” side, don’t worry, we’ve got a noise-proofing guide here to help you tune out the chaos.
Think of these tips as your pre-purchase checklist for peace of mind. And remember: The next time you’re eyeing a BTO, don’t just look at the floor plan, listen to the soundtrack of the neighbourhood.
Can’t get enough? Your next read is just a click away:
- How to soundproof your HDB flat
- We share 11 Singaporeans’ experiences with noisy neighbours
- 10 HDB rules you should know
Cover image adapted from: Everyday Tour Company, Chua Chu Kang Town Council
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