5 Rare HDB Flats You Won’t Find Anywhere Else (Gated Access And 3 Bathrooms!)

Like many of our readers, we’re always on the lookout for scarce or one-of-a-kind HDB flats. Given how standardised public housing is (or will be getting), there’s a certain thrill in finding or owning a home that doesn’t conform; and some of the unique features may be a helpful design quirk, or boost a prospective buyer’s interest. Here are some of the more unusual projects we’ve found, among many decades of HDB projects:

1. HDB blocks with condo-like security gates

One of the advantages of a condo is 24-7 security. Even though Singapore has a low crime rate, we still have the occasional security risk (it’s mainly loan shark runners vandalising things, but burglaries still do happen). You’ll notice when it comes to viewing resale condos, no one mentions checking for signs of loan shark activity*.

Does anyone know why there’s a security gate at this HDB block’s lift lobby?
byu/ramblebummer insingapore

In some blocks in Bedok South (Block 5 is one of them), however, you’ll find HDB projects where attempts were made to improve security. These blocks have security gates that bar access to the general public, and residents need a key fob to get in. As for visitors, there’s an intercom used to call the residents they’re visiting, much like a condo security system.

This appears only in a handful of flats, and may have been a trial run. We’re not sure why it wasn’t ultimately implemented: theories range from higher maintenance costs, to residents finding it an inconvenience (e.g., if you didn’t bring the key fob, someone had better be at home to unlock the gate for you). On top of that, residents who lose their key fobs would need replacements, would likely dispute the replacement costs, and there would be a security risk if an outsider got their hands on it. 

Also, given that condos often have to replace security gates and doors from wear and tear, this would likely have been an issue for HDB security gates too.

It would also be quite annoying today, given that we often have food delivery, parcel deliveries, etc. at all times of day. You’d have to come down to the gate for deliveries every time, so we don’t think everyone would love this. These reasons may explain why the security gates were never widely implemented, although DBSS projects have some similar features. 

*For the record, loan shark activities in condos have become a growing issue. Some condos have seen cases of loan shark runners “infiltrating” condos as food delivery riders, home movers, etc.

2. An HDB block with just two units

Block 10C Bedok South Avenue 2 has just two units; and two rather large ones from the look of it. This block was built back in 1995, and it’s possibly the lowest unit count out of any HDB block. 

We don’t know why this exists: perhaps there was just a vacant space where it wasn’t practical to include anything else. Whatever the case, it seems quite pleasant to have an HDB flat with just one neighbour – we probably wouldn’t give that up for anything.

This block is quite far from the Bedok MRT station though (not walking distance), so that’s a bit of a tradeoff. 

3. The top floor units of Potong Pasir’s “ski-slope” flats

The “ski slope” flats are an icon of Potong Pasir, but did you know it’s not just a feature of the exterior? The very top floors of these flats have an interior that follows the sloping pattern of the roof, and at the highest point, the ceiling height can reach 5.5 metres. That’s higher than some condo loft units, where we seldom see ceiling heights go past four metres.

And in case you’re wondering, the lower end of the slope doesn’t compromise on space. At the lowest point, the height is on par with a standard flat, at around 2.6 metres. So in this sense, the owners of these flats are getting a lot of extra square footage, albeit of a vertical nature. 

Even without the extra vertical space, the flats are bigger than today’s HDB offerings. A typical example, Block 139 Potong Pasir, has 4-room flats that are around 1,149+ sq. ft., as opposed to newer 4-room flats that are typically about 960 sq. ft. This is partly a matter of age: most of these blocks were built around 1984 when HDB was more experimental and also tended to build bigger homes. 

On top of that, the “ski slope” blocks are quite close (walking distance) to Potong Pasir MRT and The Poiz Mall, which makes them quite desirable despite their age. 

4. A DBSS project where the units have three bathrooms

Two bathrooms are standard for HDB flats, but some DBSS projects broke the pattern. Belvia is one of these, featuring a layout with three bathrooms: a master bathroom attached to the main bedroom, another across one of the bedrooms, and one more attached to the study.

What’s surprising is that, upon review, we found Belvia’s units are actually on the small side; so it’s the last project we’d expect to have three bathrooms in a unit. This could go either way: 

On the one hand, anyone with a big family knows the value of not having to share a bathroom (think of that moment when one person is going to school, two are going to work, one just really needs to go, etc. and everyone is in a queue to get their shower.)

On the other hand, some might bemoan the added bathroom as an unnecessary utility, which takes up valuable living space. If you’re a small family or just a young couple, you might well prefer a bigger study, living room, etc.

Nonetheless, with even 4-room flats here able to reach $828,000, there’d better be something outstanding about them.

5. HDB maisonettes with a roof terrace

Roof terraces are a luxury associated with top-floor condo units; but apparently some maisonettes have these features (reportedly, there are maisonettes in Bishan with especially spacious ones). 

Besides enjoying the view, the roof terrace allows for some limited gardening, as well as outdoor space to host small events, eat lunch on the rooftop, etc. You should expect to spend a bit more on renovations to really maximise this space though, so it’s not for everybody; and indoor types will probably just complain it’s hot and hard to keep clean. Nonetheless, it beats planter boxes anytime – and assuming a good facing, rooftop terraces make a unit much brighter and breezier. 

This will be especially appreciated by anyone whose previous home had a garden (e.g., previous landed property owners). It’s not a full backyard by any stretch, but it’s lavish compared to common corridor spaces for plants.