HDB flats are a lot less cookie-cutter than you may think. True, many are built to a certain standard, like a practical ceiling heights of around 2.6 to 2.8 metres. But HDB does undergo occasional periods of experimentation - and with so many HDB units on the market, it’s easy to lose sight of the unique ones. 

Occasionally, you can find top-floor units with pitched roofs, loft-style flats, or even ground-floor units built with higher ceilings. The result is a very different feel from a typical HDB flat: more natural light, taller windows, and interiors that feel noticeably more open.

Here are five HDB flats with unusually high ceilings, across different parts of Singapore:

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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

709 Jurong West Street 71

TOP 1993

Swipe · 3 photos

Asking
$832,000
Price PSF
$541
Size
1,539 sq ft
Layout
Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2
Address 709 Jurong West Street 71 Open in Google Maps ↗

Why I like it

Located within walking distance from Pioneer MRT station (EWL), this block sits close to Pioneer Mall and Jurong West Hawker Centre. There is also a wet market, supermarket, and various eateries across the street, while the nearby park connector links to Jurong Central Park and Jurong Lake Gardens.

This unit is an Executive Apartment located on the top floor. As a result of the pitched roof design, three of the common bedrooms enjoy high ceilings. The study or bedroom area also features a striking double-volume ceiling framed by both regular and clerestory windows, allowing a significant amount of natural light into the space.

The living and dining areas are very large, typical of Executive Apartments from this era. Some glass walls and sliding doors have been added to create a small enclosable balcony in the living area. The layout is efficient with minimal wasted space, and every room in the home is comfortably sized.

Timothy Tay

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

Picked by Ryan Ong · Consultant

No. 2

111 Hougang Avenue 1

TOP 1982

Swipe · 3 photos

Asking
$999,988
Price PSF
$698
Size
1,432 sq ft
Layout
Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2
Address 111 Hougang Avenue 1 Open in Google Maps ↗

Why I like it

This block sits a short walk from Hougang Avenue 1 Market and Food Centre, with additional dining options at The Promenade @ Pelikat and nearby HDB clusters. It is also located along the park connector that runs beside the Serangoon River.

The unit is a top-floor Executive Maisonette. Upon entry, the main door opens into a foyer with a noticeably high ceiling, creating a sense that the home is divided into two sections.

From here, there is a step down into the entertainment area consisting of the living, dining, and kitchen spaces, while a staircase leads up to the second level. The living room also features an attached balcony, while the open kitchen helps the dining area feel more spacious.

All three bedrooms are located on the upper floor, which provides additional privacy. Due to the pitched roof design, each bedroom enjoys a higher ceiling than a typical flat. The layout remains efficient with very little wasted space.

Ryan Ong

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

Picked by Hailey Khoo · Writer

No. 3

93 Dawson Road

TOP 2015

Swipe · 3 photos

Asking
$1,310,000
Price PSF
$1,255
Size
1,044 sq ft
Layout
Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2
Address 93 Dawson Road Open in Google Maps ↗

Why I like it

Located within walking distance of Queenstown MRT station (EWL), this flat is also a short stroll from Dawson Place and near the famous Margaret Drive Hawker Centre. A supermarket and various food options are also available in the neighbouring HDB clusters. The block sits along the park connector that eventually links to the Singapore River.

This is a 4-room loft unit on a high floor. The most distinctive feature is the double-volume ceiling in the living and dining areas, paired with floor-to-ceiling windows that make the space feel much larger while allowing abundant natural light to enter.

There is also a small balcony attached to the living area. The kitchen includes a separate service yard, and the layout is regularly shaped, making furniture placement straightforward.

Hailey Khoo

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

Picked by Gail Lau · Writer

No. 4

118A Alkaff Crescent

TOP 2020

Swipe · 3 photos

Asking
$999,999
Price PSF
$999
Size
1,001 sq ft
Layout
Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2
Address 118A Alkaff Crescent Open in Google Maps ↗

Why I like it

Located within walking distance to Woodleigh MRT station (NEL) and The Woodleigh Mall, this flat is also within walking distance of Woodleigh Village Hawker Centre. Residents are a short walk from Alkaff Lake and Bidadari Park, and the block sits within one kilometre of two popular primary schools: Maris Stella High School and St. Andrew’s School (Junior).

This is a ground-floor four-room flat with a ceiling height of around 3.3 metres across most of the unit. The added vertical space helps the home feel noticeably more spacious than a typical HDB flat.

The layout is regularly shaped, which makes furniture placement easier. The household shelter is positioned along the walkway leading toward the bedrooms, helping to keep it out of the main living spaces. The kitchen also comes with a separate service yard.

Gail Lau

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

Picked by Druce Teo · Writer

No. 5

270B Punggol Field

TOP 2011

Swipe · 4 photos

Asking
$1,500,000
Price PSF
$932
Size
1,610 sq ft
Layout
Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2
Address 270B Punggol Field Open in Google Maps ↗

Why I like it

Located about a short walk from Punggol MRT station (NEL) and Waterway Point, this unit also sits close to the park connector running along the Punggol Waterway, which leads toward Coney Island and Lorong Halus Wetland Park. Various eateries can also be found within the surrounding HDB clusters.

This is a 5-room loft penthouse with two levels. The living and dining areas feature a double-volume ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a bright and open interior. The stairwell leading to the upper level also benefits from full-height windows.

A large glass-panelled wall further enhances the openness of the living and dining spaces. The master bedroom is located on the upper level for added privacy and comes with a walk-in closet and a bathroom designed in a hotel style with dark marble finishes and a bathtub.

A study area has been suggested on the lower floor, which could be used flexibly or potentially combined with the adjacent bedroom to create a larger room.

Druce Teo

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