I’ve Lived In Braddell View For 14 Years: What It’s Like To Live In Singapore’s Largest Residential Site
Braddell might not be the first estate that comes to mind when you think of popular family-friendly spots, but maybe it should be.
The neighbourhood is just far enough from the CBD to offer a peaceful escape, yet close enough to make commuting into the city a breeze. For families, the proximity to prestigious schools is the icing on the cake. Plus, the lush sanctuary of MacRitchie Reservoir is just minutes away, so you can see why more families are increasingly drawn to the area.
As the estate moves forward with bold new plans (think The Orie and the rezoning of land near Caldecott MRT), it’s the perfect time to take stock of what’s already here.
Perched along Braddell Hill, Braddell View stands as the estate’s stalwart and one of Singapore’s largest HUDC estates. Its size alone makes it hard to ignore. Spacious, lush, and undeniably retro, it’s the kind of place that either wins you over with its old-school charm or leaves you walking right past it.
And for one family, Braddell View has been home to them for the past 14 years. From tranquil mornings walking around the estate to enjoying unblocked views from their home, M and her family share their experience living in this unique project.
Comparing Other Projects to Braddell View
Built as part of Singapore’s 18 HUDC projects, Braddell View harks back to the 70s and 80s, a time when space and individuality took precedence over sleek facades and uniform layouts. For those who appreciate urban history, the contrast between older condos like this and today’s newer, more compact developments is both striking and telling.
Given its age, it may come as a surprise that Braddell View was only privatised in 2017. Spanning a massive 1.14 million square feet with just 918 units, each home effectively enjoys around 1,242 square feet of shared land, which is an uncommon luxury in Central Singapore.
Its age shows, sure. But for M and her family, that’s what makes it special. “Those who really mind a modern-looking facade for their home might find Braddell View an old and worn-out project, but with this, we get to enjoy a low-density, green and breezy home, so it’s really a matter of priorities and preferences”.
Like most families, space was another consideration. “Back when we were still looking for a home, the main concern was having ample space for our growing family,” M says. “This was one of the few places that offered it.”
Units here range from 1,450 to a staggering 3,300 square feet—a size that feels like a dream in today’s market. Another interesting fact was that Braddell View was designed to mimic the spacious HDB 5-room Point Block layouts.
Even after 14 years, M still appreciates the tranquillity and greenery that surrounds them.
“In the past decade, the skyline from my balcony has changed a lot. It used to be completely unblocked, but even with all the changes, it’s still beautiful,” she says.
What Made Braddell View Stand Out From Other Choices
When asked about her family’s first impression of Braddell, M admitted they hadn’t heard much about the neighbourhood beforehand. But over time, its central location and peaceful vibe won them over. “It was our first time living in Braddell, so we went in with an open mind. But honestly, the location turned out to be so much better than we ever imagined,” she shared.
Connectivity was another unexpected bonus. The addition of the Thomson-East Coast Line at Caldecott made getting around even easier. “Some prefer Caldecott MRT, though the stairs can be a bit much for some. Braddell MRT is the other option, and I’d say both walks are manageable—and actually quite nice,” M added.
This allows for residents to have access to three MRT Lines; the Circle, Thomson-East Coast and North-South lines within a 10-minute walking distance.
What truly stood out for M, though, was the greenery. “The natural environment here is amazing. It’s so rare to find an estate in Singapore with this much greenery and wildlife. Fourteen years later, I still enjoy my walks home from the MRT as much as I did back then. Sometimes, you can even spot the occasional squirrel,” she said with a smile.
As a nature lover, being close to MacRitchie Reservoir was an unexpected highlight. “MacRitchie and the Thomson Nurseries nearby give the area so much character. It’s something I look forward to constantly and suggest to my neighbours,” M said.
While the family can’t quite recall the other options they considered at the time, Braddell View’s location and surroundings ultimately stood out as the clear winners.
“Our family did not have any kids studying in the nearby schools, but I imagine families with school-going children would see the proximity to all those popular schools (Raffles Institution, Raffles Girls’ School and CHIJ Primary Toa Payoh) as a huge plus,” she added.
A Typical Day at Braddell View
For M, the charm of Braddell View extends beyond its gates, thanks to its location in a vibrant, established neighbourhood.
“Toa Payoh West Market & Food Centre is probably where I eat most often,” she says. “But when I’m feeling indulgent, it’s Creamier for ice cream.” With local food options aplenty and eateries nearby, dining out is never a hassle.
On days when she wants to venture further, Toa Payoh Hub is the next stop. “There’s a good variety of food and shops, and the Dragon Playground is close by, which is one of Toa Payoh’s many icons,” M adds.
Nature lovers will also find a lot to enjoy. “One of the best parts of living here is being close to the Caldecott landed enclave and MacRitchie Reservoir,” M shares. “It’s a rare kind of peace that’s hard to come by in Singapore.”
Back at the estate, M makes full use of the facilities. “The pool is my go-to. It’s well-maintained and a really relaxing place to unwind,” she says.
For those looking for variety, Braddell View doesn’t disappoint.
“Yoga in the aerobics room is another favourite, and I know the gym and table tennis room are popular with others. The facilities might not scream luxury, but they work well. It’s all about function over flash, and that’s something I’ve grown to appreciate,” she says.
Braddell View also makes an effort to bring the community together. “The management hosts events now and then, which is a nice way to meet neighbours across the estate,” she says.
“Most of the people here are really friendly, so it’s easy to strike up a conversation. But I’ve noticed that many of the older neighbours have moved out, and there are more new faces around these days.”
A Look Behind Braddell View’s Facade
Braddell View isn’t shiny or new, and its age is plain to see. For some, that’s a dealbreaker. For M and her family, it’s part of the charm.
“People do comment on how Braddell View looks old, and that’s fair,” M admits. “But the greenery here makes it unique. I’d take that over a sleek facade and cramped living any day.” Ultimately, it’s about priorities and what you value in a home.
She’s also quick to note the management’s effort in keeping the estate in good shape. “The team is pretty active and responsive when it comes to maintenance. It’s clear there’s a lot of love for this place,” she says. “Even though it’s an old estate, you still see updates happening here and there, which is really nice.”
One thing she especially appreciates? The cleanliness. “The estate is generally very clean, and that’s a big deal for me,” M shares. “It’s something that doesn’t go unnoticed.”
Considerations Potential Buyers Should Know
With a project of this size and age, talk of an en bloc is almost inevitable. While Braddell View’s most recent attempt in 2019 fell through with no bids for the massive site, it’s still something future buyers should keep in mind.
One thing M mentioned is the estate’s hilly terrain. Braddell View sits on a hill, which means stairs and slopes are part of the daily routine. “It’s not a big deal for me,” she says. “But I’ve noticed that getting to certain spots does involve climbing stairs, which might not be ideal for everyone.”
She also pointed out an issue that could use improvement: the narrow non-resident indoor car park. “It’s not a huge problem, but I’ve seen quite a few cars get scratched trying to navigate in and out,” M notes. “It’s definitely something to be aware of.”
Staying At Braddell View
Living at Braddell View is unlike anything else. Few condos in Singapore offer such low-density living surrounded by greenery, all while maintaining excellent amenities and convenience.
But for M and her family, it’s time to move on. “We’ve been renting here, and with the landlord recently raising the rent, it’s no longer within our budget. Otherwise, we’d probably stay much longer,” she admits with some regret.
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