Why Buy an HDB Flat in Hougang?

Ohmyhome

June 20, 2018

Hougang is a residential town located in the North-East Region of Singapore, in fact, the most populous in the region, an estimated 180,500 Housing and Development Board flat residents call Hougang home.

Why Hougang?

The name Hougang stems from the Hokkien and Teochew word Au-Kang, which refers to the ‘river end’, as Hougang is located upstream or at the back of Sungei Serangoon.

It was once a large area of forested land, with pig-rearing farms. The last of these pig farmers were relocated to new HDB flats built in the town by the mid-1990s.

What Makes Hougang Town Interesting?

Hougang is the largest HDB town based on land area.

In January 2011, Hougang was announced as one of the three heartland areas that will undergo comprehensive redevelopment under the Remaking Our Heartland (ROH) programme. The plans will rejuvenate the town centre and enhance the town’s rich history and heritage. ROH aims to make Singapore a distinctive and endearing home for all.

There’s no wonder Hougang promises a relevant, vibrant and sustainable town to dwell in. Now, what makes it unique?

Is it Preferable to Live in Hougang?

At Hougang Street 21, there is a well which marks the location of the former Teochew Village, called ‘tua jia ka’ or ‘foot of a big well’. The village was popular for its food and street opera, or wayangs.

Leisure

In addition to several neighbourhood parks and precinct parks, residents in Hougang have easy access to many major parks in the north-eastern region via the North-Eastern Riverine Loop (NERL) park connectors.

Hougang is home to Punggol Park, a 16-hectare town garden with a fishing pond as its centrepiece. A scenic space where residents can play and exercise. The park is also connected to the NERL by the Park Connector Network.

Accessibility

Hougang is conveniently served by Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) such as Hougang, Buangkok and Kovan stations. The closely situated major arterial roads are linked to the Kallang Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE), making it possible for a 15 minutes drive to the Central Business District and Orchard Shopping Belt.

Dining and Entertainment

The well which used to mark the Teochew Village is now located within the area known as Kovan City, a bustling centre where you can find shopping amenities and a wide array of food choices. Hougang Mall, Heartland Mall and Compass One are also nearby.

Education

Hougang is surrounded by Top Schools in Singapore such as Xinmin Primary and Secondary Schools, Xinghua Primary School, Yuying Secondary School, Serangoon Junior College, Holy Innocents’ Primary and High School, Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School and Montfort Junior School and Secondary School.

Healthcare

Sengkang General Hospital (SKGH) is a new 1000-bed tertiary care hospital being built in Sengkang housing estate which will serve the residents of the nearby towns including Hougang.

The existing Sengkang Polyclinic is situated diagonally opposite SKGH’s specialist clinics wing. Adjoining the general hospital will be Sengkang Community Hospital (SKCH), a 400-bed rehabilitative and non-acute hospital which can provide longer-term palliative care. These new healthcare facilities will provide seamless healthcare for patients and residents in the wider community in this region.

Any Future Plans for Hougang?

The Hougang Central Integrated Transport Hub is scheduled to open its doors in 2023 – further boosting transportation in the area.

Hougang is one of the towns selected in 2011 under Remaking Our Heartland (ROH) programme. This initiative was launched as a new comprehensive blueprint to renew and further develop existing HDB towns to ensure sustainability and vibrancy of the HDB heartlands and to make Singapore a distinctive and endearing home for all.

Hougang offers a good mix of public and private housing types to cater to a range of needs and preferences. Experience a serene and tranquil lifestyle right in the heart of Hougang and enjoy the fantastic view of the Serangoon River.