Most HDB flats tend to look a bit same-ish, but there are some unique ones out there – such as maisonette types, those that come with a balcony, and even landed HDB units. But one of the most striking among these, which get asked about a lot, is the loft units: the ones with high ceilings that look way more impressive and spacious, the moment you step into the living room. You’d be right in guessing they’re a rarity, but we managed to find a few areas where they exist:
1. 449 Sin Ming Avenue
These are older flats built in 1990, and this particular block has 80 units. The model listed is 4A, which is unusual as we previously believed this model was only built from 1993 onward (we’re still asking around about this).
In any case, these 4-room flats are larger than what you’d usually find today. Most are in the range of 1,130 sq. ft., and given that some are loft units, these can feel a lot more spacious than newer flats.
The location is somewhat average – although Sin Ming is technically in Bishan, it’s not within the hub of Bishan MRT/Junction 8. This block is closer to Upper Thomson MRT (TEL), which is within walking distance. The area is also lighter on amenities than Bishan proper: most of the needs are serviced by Thomson Plaza nearby. This isn’t the biggest mall, but it has an NTUC FairPrice.
Bus connections to Bishan proper are also reasonably convenient, through services like 410W. School-wise, Ai Tong is within enrolment distance, whilst Bishan Park Secondary and Peirce Secondary are rather close by as well.
2. 721 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8
This block has only three units, which date back to 1980. These maisonette (double-storey) units are situated right above commercial units downstairs; at last check, these were a range of clinics, with a coffee shop.
With these types of properties, a lot depends on how you feel about being above a coffee shop. Some home buyers dislike it as they feel it causes potential pest problems, and can be noisy in the evenings; but just as many might find it convenient.
You also want to consider the implications of a double-storey unit if you’re older, or have elderly family members. If the bedrooms are upstairs, it could be difficult for them to be going up and down all the time; ideally you’ll want at least one bedroom on the first floor for them, but we’d check with a contractor/designer to see if this is doable.
Location wise, the immediate surroundings are full of heartland amenities: clinics, minimarts, the coffee shop right downstairs, etc. Jubilee Square is also just a short walk away, which adds more food options. Ang Mo Kio MRT (NSL, CRL) is also within walking distance, and next to it is AMK Hub; this is the main mall servicing the neighbourhood, so just about anything you need is nearby.
Overall, this is one of the better-located flats in the mature Ang Mo Kio area. The only issue to contend with is the block’s age: at 44 years old, it’s reaching the halfway point of its lifespan.
There have been no recent transactions for this block.
3. Punggol Sapphire
Punggol Sapphire is relatively new (built in 2013), so you may be surprised that some units have high ceilings. Keep this in mind if you like loft units, but don’t like the often-related lease decay. Units here have also transacted for around $670,000, for 4-room flats of around 1,000 sq. ft; this may be lower than the other options on this list.
You are also quite closely located from Punggol MRT (NEL). Next to Punggol MRT is Waterway Point, the major lifestyle and retail hub of the neighbourhood; most of your retail and dining needs can be met here. If you don’t fancy the walk, the LRT station (Soo Teck) is just a short walk down the road.
There are also a good number of schools within one-kilometre: Punggol Green, Punggol Cove, Punggol View, Edgefield Secondary and Compassvale Secondary are all within a close distance. This makes Sapphire a good family location; and while it’s definitely a non-mature location, the relatively quick access to Waterway Point makes up for this.
A nice bonus is the Sungei Punggol nearby: some of the higher floor units may have a good river view.
4. Treelodge @ Punggol
We’ve done a detailed review of Treelodge @ Punggol for those interested to find out more about the place. The HDB is conveniently located within walking distance to One Punggol, an integrated lifestyle hub that will bring great convenience to residents living here. It features a regional library as well as a hawker centre.
Similar to Punggol Sapphire, Treelodge @ Punggol is also within walking distance to to Punggol MRT and Waterway Point.
In terms of primary schools, Treelodge @ Punggol is right next to Punggol View primary and within 1km to another 6 primary schools.
5. SkyTerrace @ Dawson
This HDB project is famous for its 26 loft units (out of 758 units). Back in 2021, one of these 5-room loft units was the most expensive flat ever sold in Queenstown ($1.328 million).
SkyTerrace @ Dawson was also a pioneering project when it launched in 2009 (it was completed in 2016). It was a pilot for the “housing-in-a-park” concept, which uses above-ground sky parks and link bridges. Subsequent projects like Waterway Terraces (Punggol), as well as some other HDB projects in Bidadari and Tampines North, followed these design concepts from SkyTerrace.
Besides its iconic status, SkyTerrace is also pricey due to its proximity to Queenstown MRT (EWL), which is arguably walkable (though a bit of a long stroll). For more immediate amenities, Dawson Place – and HDB-run mall – is a short walk away, and can provide for day-to-day needs; there’s an NTUC FairPrice and a food court.
One of the biggest draws for SkyTerrace is the proximity of Crescent Girls’, which is within enrolment distance. Queenstown Primary and Secondary are also close by, and within walking distance.
6. 49 Strathmore Avenue
Disclaimer: This HDB we’ve seen admittedly doesn’t have as high of a loft as the other HDBs and are only located on the ground floor.
This is a less fancy flat than SkyTerrace @ Dawson, but is even closer to the Queenstown MRT station (EWL). This block dates back to 2006, and it’s about half the time to walk to the train station compared to SkyTerrace.
It’s also within walking distance of Dawson Place, an HDB mall with a food court and most day-to-day amenities. Also nearby is the Mei Ling Market & Food Centre (famous for Shih Hui Yuan, one of the few hawker stalls with consecutive Bib Gourmand awards). Alternatively, the new double-storey Margaret Drive hawker centre is also nearby, so this is a good place for a foodie to be in.
At Stacked, we like to look beyond the headlines and surface-level numbers, and focus on how things play out in the real world.
If you’d like to discuss how this applies to your own circumstances, you can reach out for a one-to-one consultation here.
And if you simply have a question or want to share a thought, feel free to write to us at stories@stackedhomes.com — we read every message.
2 Comments
Sky Terrace @ Dawson isn’t a DBSS project