Way back before 1995, we had HDB flat types built for “sandwiched” Singaporeans. Executive Maisonettes, Executive Apartments, and Multi-Generation flats were built to bridge the gap for those who had higher incomes, but still couldn’t comfortably buy private homes. This resulted in rare flat layouts that feature huge living spaces, dual-storey living, and a level of flexibility that's hard to find today. All of these flats are also rare because, once the Executive Condominium (EC) scheme was launched in ‘95, HDB stopped building these. 

This week, we looked at five HDB flats with more than 1,700 sq ft of space that continue to offer a compelling alternative for buyers who simply want room to grow.

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Now let’s get on with the list of curated units this week!

Picked by Timothy Tay · Editor-in-Chief

No. 1

115 Clementi Street 13

TOP 1984

Swipe · 2 photos

Asking
$1,180,000
Price PSF
$680.90
Size
1,733 sq ft
Layout
Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3
Address 115 Clementi Street 13 Open in Google Maps ↗

Why I like it

Located near the future Maju MRT station (CRL), this executive maisonette is also close to neighbourhood eateries, a supermarket, and the park connector leading towards the Rail Corridor.

The owners have purchased the access balcony, creating a private buffer before entering the home. Although the layout is not perfectly regular in shape, it remains highly functional throughout.

The unit enjoys an unblocked view overlooking the landed estate and Clementi Forest, allowing plenty of natural light into the home. The living and dining areas are generously sized and clearly separated, whilst the living room also features a balcony with a double-volume ceiling.

All three bedrooms are located on the upper level, providing greater privacy from the communal spaces below. They are all comfortably sized, and buyers may also consider converting the common bathroom into a Jack-and-Jill layout to create a second ensuite bedroom.

Timothy Tay

Original listing on propertyguru.com.sg (may no longer be available)

Picked by Ryan Ong · Consultant

No. 2

137 Bishan Street 12

TOP 1987

Swipe · 2 photos

Asking
$1,588,888
Price PSF
$894.64
Size
1,776 sq ft
Layout
Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3
Address 137 Bishan Street 12 Open in Google Maps ↗

Why I like it

Located near Bishan MRT station (NSL/CCL), Junction 8, Chung Ling Wet Market, and Bishan–Ang Mo Kio Park, this home is also within 1 km of Pei Chun Public School and Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Primary School.

This is a rare Multi-Generation flat comprising a main home and a separate studio, functioning similarly to a dual-key layout. Situated on a high floor, the unit receives a generous amount of natural light.

The current owners have extensively reconfigured the layout to maximise space. The studio has been enlarged with a larger kitchen and bathroom, whilst also accommodating a proper bedroom so it functions more like a one-bedroom apartment.

Within the main home, the original balcony has been levelled out to enlarge the living and dining space. The master bedroom has been combined with the adjacent bedroom to create a larger suite, whilst a replacement bedroom has been carved out from part of the original living area.

Ryan Ong

Original listing on propertyguru.com.sg (may no longer be available)

Picked by Hailey Khoo · Writer

No. 3

256 Pasir Ris Street 21

TOP 1993

Swipe · 3 photos

Asking
$1,500,000
Price PSF
$733.50
Size
2,045 sq ft
Layout
Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3
Address 256 Pasir Ris Street 21 Open in Google Maps ↗

Why I like it

Located opposite Loyang Point, this executive maisonette is also close to the park connector leading towards Pasir Ris Park and the beach.

The layout is efficient, with very little wasted space. The living and dining areas are both generously proportioned, whilst one particularly uncommon feature is the sizeable open terrace on the lower level that spans almost the full width of the unit.

Three bedrooms are located upstairs, whilst one bedroom is positioned on the lower floor. This could be particularly practical for households with elderly family members who may prefer to avoid stairs.

All four bedrooms are well-sized, with the master bedroom being especially spacious and featuring its own balcony. Buyers may also consider converting the common bathroom into a Jack-and-Jill configuration to create a second ensuite bedroom.

Hailey Khoo

Original listing on propertyguru.com.sg (may no longer be available)

Picked by Gail Lau · Writer

No. 4

664A Yishun Avenue 4

TOP 1986

Swipe · 3 photos

Asking
$1,050,000
Price PSF
$594.90
Size
1,765 sq ft
Layout
Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3
Address 664A Yishun Avenue 4 Open in Google Maps ↗

Why I like it

Located near Wisteria Mall, Yishun Park Hawker Centre, Yishun Park, and various neighbourhood eateries, this Executive Apartment offers a highly practical layout for larger families.

Despite being on a lower floor, the home receives a good amount of natural light. The layout is particularly efficient, with minimal wasted circulation space and no long corridor leading to the bedrooms.

The living and dining areas are spacious and separated, whilst a long balcony stretches across both spaces. An additional family area provides further flexibility and could potentially serve as a fifth bedroom, study, or play area.

The long kitchen provides the option of adding a service balcony if desired, whilst the current L-shaped cabinetry maximises storage and carves out a dedicated laundry area. All four bedrooms are comfortably sized.

Gail Lau

Original listing on propertyguru.com.sg (may no longer be available)

Picked by Druce Teo · Writer

No. 5

442 Sin Ming Avenue

TOP 1990

Swipe · 3 photos

Asking
$1,650,000
Price PSF
$958.19
Size
1,722 sq ft
Layout
Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3
Address 442 Sin Ming Avenue Open in Google Maps ↗

Why I like it

Located near Bright Hill MRT station (TEL), Upper Thomson MRT station (TEL), Thomson Plaza, Upper Thomson's food stretch, Windsor Nature Park, and Bishan–Ang Mo Kio Park, this executive maisonette is also within 1 km of Ai Tong School.

This home features one of the more unusual Executive Maisonette layouts. Rather than entering directly into the living room, the main entrance first opens onto a balcony before a secondary entrance leads into the home, providing an additional layer of privacy.

The living and dining areas are exceptionally spacious and are complemented by both a balcony and a sizeable open terrace. Unlike most Executive Maisonettes, which place all bedrooms on the upper level, this home has two bedrooms downstairs and two upstairs, making it particularly suitable for multi-generational households.

All four bedrooms are generously sized, and buyers could potentially convert the common bathroom into a Jack-and-Jill arrangement to create a second ensuite bedroom.

Druce Teo

Original listing on propertyguru.com.sg (may no longer be available)