Living in a Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat is a quintessential Singaporean experience. For many, it’s a rite of passage, a significant milestone that marks the beginning of a new chapter in life. Yet, for all its familiarity, the reality of HDB living is filled with nuances that you only truly understand once you’ve collected your keys and moved in.
Beyond the official floor plans and renovation guides lies a world of unwritten rules, surprising discoveries, and shared community experiences. What is it really like to live stacked so close to your neighbors? How do you navigate the unique challenges of maintaining a flat? And what are the small joys that make it all worthwhile?
To get the real story, we spoke to a dozen homeowners across Singapore, from those in new BTOs to residents of mature estates. They shared their honest, unfiltered truths about HDB living—the good, the bad, and the unexpected. This guide compiles their collective wisdom into 12 essential insights, offering a genuine glimpse into what you can expect when you make an HDB flat your home.
The Good: Perks and Pleasant Surprises
All About HDB living offers more than just an affordable roof over your head. Homeowners highlighted several positive aspects that significantly enhance their quality of life.
1. Convenience is King
One of the most praised aspects of HDB living is the unparalleled convenience. HDB towns are master-planned communities designed to be self-sufficient. This means essential amenities are almost always just a short walk away.
“Everything I need is downstairs,” says Wei, a Punggol resident. “There’s a 24-hour supermarket, a food court with great options, a clinic, and even a bubble tea shop. I rarely have to travel far for my daily errands, which saves me so much time.”
This integrated planning extends beyond just shops. Most estates are well-connected by public transport, with MRT stations and bus interchanges strategically located. Parks, community clubs, and schools are also woven into the fabric of the neighborhood, creating a complete ecosystem where residents can live, work, and play.
2. The Kampung Spirit is Alive and Well
In an era of digital disconnection, many fear that the famous Singaporean kampung (village) spirit is a thing of the past. However, homeowners report that community bonds are still very much alive in HDB estates, especially among immediate neighbors.
“My next-door neighbor has a spare key to my place,” shares Siti, who lives in a mature estate in Ang Mo Kio. “We help each other water plants when one of us is away and often share food. Just last week, she gave me a container of her delicious homemade curry.”
These small acts of kindness and trust build a strong sense of belonging. From corridor chats to sharing bulk purchases, these informal support systems make HDB living feel safer and more connected. It’s a modern version of the village, adapted for high-rise living.
3. Space Can Be Surprisingly Flexible
While HDB flats may seem compact on paper, their layouts often offer surprising flexibility. Many homeowners get creative with renovations to maximize their living space. Hacking down non-structural walls to create an open-concept kitchen and living area is a popular choice, making the home feel larger and more sociable.
“We combined one of the common rooms with our master bedroom to create a walk-in wardrobe and a small study nook,” explains Ben, a homeowner in Bidadari. “It completely changed the feel of our home. With a bit of smart design, you can really tailor the space to your lifestyle.”
This adaptability allows residents to personalize their homes far beyond what’s possible in many private condominiums, where layouts are often more rigid.
The Bad: Challenges and Frustrations
Of course, HDB living isn’t always perfect. Sharing walls and common spaces comes with its own set of challenges that require patience and compromise.
4. Noise Travels (A Lot)
This was, by far, the most common complaint among homeowners. With flats built so close to one another, a certain level of noise is inevitable.
“I can hear my upstairs neighbor’s children running around every evening. It sounds like a herd of elephants,” laments Priya, a resident in a new Sengkang flat. “And don’t get me started on the renovations. The drilling can go on for weeks.”
Common sources of noise include footsteps from the unit above (often called “stomping”), dragging furniture, loud music or television, and corridor chatter. While most neighbors are considerate, the architectural design of HDBs means sound can travel in unexpected ways.
5. The “Corridor is My Living Room” Mentality
The shared corridor is a unique feature of HDB life, but it can also be a source of tension. Some residents treat this common space as an extension of their own home, leading to clutter and obstructions.
“My neighbor leaves their shoe rack, several potted plants, and even their kids’ bicycles right outside their door,” says Ken, who lives in Tampines. “It makes the corridor narrow and difficult to navigate, especially when I’m carrying groceries.”
While the SCDF has clear guidelines on keeping corridors clear for fire safety, enforcement can be inconsistent. Navigating these situations often requires a delicate balance of direct communication and, sometimes, mediation by the Town Council.
6. Dealing with the Town Council Can Be a Mixed Bag
Every HDB resident pays Service and Conservancy Charges (S&CC) to their local Town Council, which is responsible for the maintenance of common areas. However, the efficiency and responsiveness of Town Councils can vary significantly.
“When the lights in our lift lobby fused, it took them three days to fix it despite multiple calls,” recounts one homeowner. In contrast, another shared, “I reported a bulky waste removal, and they came to collect it the very next day. It really depends.”
Issues like lift breakdowns, cleanliness, and landscaping maintenance fall under the Town Council’s purview. Your experience will largely depend on how well-managed your specific estate is.
The Unspoken Rules: Navigating HDB Etiquette
Beyond the official by-laws, there’s a set of unspoken rules that govern harmonious HDB living. These are the social contracts that residents learn to live by.
7. Thou Shalt Not Drip Thy Laundry
One of the cardinal sins of HDB living is allowing your wet laundry to drip onto your downstairs neighbor’s clothes. It’s a classic source of neighborly disputes.
“Always wring your clothes thoroughly before hanging them out,” advises Auntie Mary, a long-time resident of Bedok. “It’s just basic courtesy. If you don’t, you can expect a knock on your door.” This simple act of consideration goes a long way in maintaining peace.
8. Acknowledge Your Lift Companions
The lift is a shared, intimate space. While you don’t need to start a full-blown conversation, a simple nod, smile, or “good morning” is the expected norm. Ignoring someone you see every day can be seen as unfriendly. This small gesture helps build a sense of community, one lift ride at a time.
9. Return Trays at the Hawker Centre
This rule extends beyond your block to the heart of the HDB community: the hawker centre or coffee shop. With the national tray-return policy now in effect, it’s more important than ever. Leaving your trays behind is not just inconsiderate to the cleaners but also to the next person who wants to use the table.
10. Be Mindful of Second-Hand Smoke
While smoking is prohibited in most common areas, the smell can easily waft into neighboring units through open windows. If you are a smoker, be mindful of where the smoke is going. Smoking near a window where you know your neighbor often hangs their laundry is a surefire way to cause friction.
11. Respect the Void Deck’s Dual Purpose
The void deck is a multi-purpose space. On any given day, it can host a Malay wedding, a Chinese funeral, or a group of kids playing football. Understanding and respecting its function as a communal space for all life’s events is crucial. This means being tolerant of the temporary noise and crowds that come with these functions.
12. Communicate Before You Escalate
Perhaps the most important unspoken rule is to talk to your neighbors first. If you have an issue—whether it’s noise, clutter, or a leaky pipe—have a friendly chat before lodging a formal complaint with HDB or the Town Council. Most disputes are unintentional misunderstandings that can be resolved with a simple conversation. Escalating prematurely can create lasting tension and awkwardness.
Living Your Best HDB Life
HDB living is a rich and layered experience. It’s a microcosm of Singapore itself—a blend of different cultures and lifestyles learning to coexist in a dense, shared space. It demands a higher level of tolerance, communication, and community-mindedness than other forms of housing.
The key to a happy HDB life lies in embracing both its advantages and its challenges. By understanding the unspoken rules and practicing a little empathy, you can not only avoid conflict but also build meaningful connections with the people around you. After all, a house is just a structure, but it’s the community that truly makes it a home.