'Money can't buy this place': The long-time Tiong Bahru residents who refuse to sell

Key Concepts

• HDB Flat: Public housing in Singapore, developed and managed by the Housing & Development Board.
• Transactional Value: The price at which a property is bought or sold.
• Leasehold: A system of land tenure where the right to occupy land or property is held for a fixed period.
• Heritage Place: A location with significant historical, cultural, or social value.
• Walk-up Flat: A residential building without a lift.

The Value Beyond Monetary Offers: A Family’s Attachment to Their HDB Flat

The speaker recounts resisting offers to sell their long-held Housing & Development Board (HDB) flat, emphasizing the profound emotional and historical value it holds for their family, outweighing any financial gain. Initially, they received an offer of 1 million Singapore dollars for the unit, a significant increase from the approximately 800,000 Singapore dollars transactional value a year prior. However, the speaker declined, stating, “money can’t buy this place.”

Historical Context and Family History

The flat’s history is deeply intertwined with the speaker’s family narrative. They have resided in the unit since 1963, initially as renters paying $69 per month, later purchasing it for 20,000 Singapore dollars in the 1970s when the HDB transitioned from rental to sales. The speaker details specific modifications made to the flat, such as installing wire mesh to provide privacy, highlighting a personal connection to the physical space. A particularly poignant detail is the recollection of their father spending his final ten years paralyzed in a room within the flat, imbuing the home with deeply personal and emotional significance. “This house holds memories of our family staying here,” the speaker states, underscoring the irreplaceable nature of these experiences.

The Changing Neighborhood and Preserved Memories

The speaker reflects on the dramatic changes in the surrounding Karu area since their childhood. They actively share these memories with their children, pointing out the locations of a former temple, a roadside satay stall (a Southeast Asian grilled meat dish), and the original playground. These recollections serve as a way to connect their children to the past and illustrate the area’s evolution. The speaker acknowledges the neighborhood’s transformation, noting, “every part of this Karu area, every step that you’re actually taking brings back memories that money come by.” Despite the changes, the enduring sense of community within the older neighborhood is highlighted, with residents knowing each other by floor and staircase, fostering a close-knit environment.

Practical Considerations and Future Uncertainty

The speaker acknowledges the practical challenges of living in a walk-up four-story flat, particularly as they age. They recognize that climbing the stairs may become more difficult in the future, stating, “future maybe you go up first Slowly you rest for a while. You come up again slowly.” However, they express a determined attitude, emphasizing, “You find a way. I have to find a way. Right. If there's a will, there's a way.”

A significant concern is the remaining lease on the flat. The speaker expresses a desire to remain in the property even after the lease expires, hoping the HDB or government will consider its historical value. They state their willingness to pay a “top up” (additional fee) to extend the lease, viewing the flat as a “very old heritage place.”

Generational Perspectives and Legacy

The speaker expresses hope that their grandchildren will continue to cherish the flat, but acknowledges that their future preferences are uncertain. “I hope my grandchildren will carry on right but it's uh up to them when they grow big the the thinking might change.” This acknowledges the potential for shifting values across generations.

Conclusion

The speaker’s narrative is a powerful testament to the non-monetary value of home and the enduring power of memory. The decision to remain in their HDB flat is not based on financial logic, but on a deep emotional connection to their family history, the surrounding community, and the irreplaceable memories embedded within the walls of their home. The speaker’s willingness to overcome practical challenges and their hope for future generations underscore the profound significance of preserving heritage and maintaining a sense of belonging.