Housing & Community Living

Welcome to Singapore, where housing is about so much more than just four walls and a roof. It’s an adventure in connection, designed to bring people together. Forget lonely apartment blocks - here, community is built into the very foundations of the city.

Learn what it's like to be part of a community in Singapore, from housing to local customs. The iconic public housing system, clever use of shared spaces and a culture of togetherness create a living experience that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

The HDB Life

When you hear about housing in Singapore, you’ll quickly come across three letters - HDB. This stands for the Housing & Development Board, the force behind the country's world-renowned public housing. Over 80% of Singaporeans live in HDB flats, making these estates the buzzing, beating heart of the nation.

HDB estates are designed as self-sufficient "towns." Each neighbourhood is a complete ecosystem, planned with incredible foresight. You'll find everything you need for daily life just a short walk from your doorstep. We’re talking about markets, supermarkets, clinics, schools and of course, food courts. This brilliant design minimises travel time and maximises opportunities for residents to bump into each other, share a word and build those casual connections that make a place feel like home. It’s a system that fosters independence while nurturing a powerful sense of community.

Void Decks & Hawker Centres

So, where does the community magic happen? A lot of it takes place in two uniquely Singaporean spaces: void decks and hawker centres.

The Void Deck: An Open Canvas for Community

The ground floor of nearly every HDB block is an open, sheltered space known as the "void deck." This might seem like a simple architectural feature, but it's a stroke of genius in community building. These spaces are a blank canvas for social life. You’ll see neighbours chatting on benches, kids playing games and students studying together. They also serve as venues for community events, weddings and cultural celebrations, transforming into lively hubs of activity. It’s a shared living room for the entire block, encouraging spontaneous interaction and fostering a spirit of togetherness.

Hawker Centres: The Nation’s Dining Room

If you want to truly feel the pulse of Singapore, head to a hawker centre. These bustling food courts are the epicentre of Singaporean social life. Here, people from every walk of life come together to share delicious and affordable food. It’s a democratic space where you’ll see students, families and office workers all sharing tables and enjoying meals.

Local Customs and Harmony in Action

Living in a Singaporean community means embracing a set of unspoken rules and customs rooted in mutual respect. In a nation where multiple ethnicities and religions coexist, tolerance isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a daily practice.

You’ll see this harmony in the way festivals like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya and Deepavali are celebrated. Neighbours often share festive treats and public decorations go up for every major cultural event, making everyone feel included. This shared experience strengthens bonds and reinforces the idea that everyone is part of the same Singaporean family. Simple acts of consideration, like keeping noise levels down or smiling at your neighbours in the lift, are small but powerful ways that people contribute to a peaceful and supportive living environment.

Living in Singapore is a chance to be part of something bigger. It’s an invitation to join a community that’s built on connection, shared spaces and a deep respect for one another.