Living Heritage

For first-time home owner Qazim Karim, having an HDB flat to call his own felt surreal – not just because it marked a new chapter of his life, but because it was in an area steeped in memories. His 3-room resale flat, less than 2 kilometres from his parents’ home, sits in a neighbourhood where he lived as a child. “My great-grandmother used to live nearby too,” he shares. “Now I get to build my own home in a place I’ve known all my life.”

When he turned 35, Qazim applied for his HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter and began house-hunting. As it turned out, the very first unit he viewed ended up being “the One”. With a rectangular layout identical to his childhood home, the flat also ticked all the right boxes: breezy interiors, minimal renovations required, and most importantly, everyday convenience – just a short walk to the MRT station, Town Centre, and his parents’ place.

Drawing inspiration from his background in the arts and heritage sector, Qazim envisioned a home that pays homage to the charm of HDB flats built in earlier times. Instead of recreating a specific era, he wove in nostalgic touches that blended harmoniously: a retro grille gate at the entrance, ventilation blocks forming a divider between the kitchen and dining area, and a curved wooden bedroom door. These sit alongside warm wood tones, terrazzo patterns, and a green palette that give the space a soft, retro feel.

Small but meaningful cultural references also come through in the décor, like an art print from the National Museum of Singapore, a table runner with a Peranakan-inspired print, and an eclectic mix of seating such as rattan and folding chairs, that add to the home’s lived-in charm.

From choosing a flat in a neighbourhood rich with family memories to incorporating retro touches into the design and décor, these choices have shaped his home into what he calls a “living heritage” – something personal and woven into his everyday life. “For me, heritage isn’t just something to look back on. It’s something we live with and build upon, and I believe in playing my part to keep it alive.”

Reflecting on his home buying and renovation process as a single home owner, Qazim shares, “Every decision is solely yours – which can be liberating, but also somewhat overwhelming.” The $50,000 in housing grants he received – the Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) and CPF Housing Grant for Singles – helped lighten the load. He does not have to fork out any cash for his monthly mortgage, giving him breathing room to focus on turning the flat into a home he could truly call his own.

Now, with the foundation laid, Qazim sees his home as a work in progress. “I’d describe my house as currently at ‘Stage 1’ – the renovations are done, but it’s not a finished product. It’s a flexible space that will grow and change with me, adapting to the different needs and phases of my life.”

See more of Qazim’s home on our Instagram!

Story by: Farihin Khairunan