District 27 is quite popular with property buyers because it is a relaxing, peaceful district far removed from the constant activity of city life. Residents here can enjoy a myriad of parks, reservoirs, community centres and country clubs. As such, there are numerous HDB estates for people to choose from, as well as enclaves consisting of landed properties and condos, like Eight Courtyards and executive condo, like One Canberra.  

Sembawang

Sembawang is a secluded area located at Singapore’s northern tip, which first appeared on the 1830 Franklin & Jackson Map of Singapore with the name “River Tambuwang.” At that time, the area was a rubber plantation. In 1920, the area was developed into a British naval base with colonial barracks built in a monochromatic style. These barracks still exist today and are called the “black and white houses.” The town was renamed in 1980 after the Sembawang tree.

In 1965 Singapore gained its independence, at which time the Sembawang Corporation took ownership of the naval base. Those black and white houses are now occupied by expats. Today, the town is more urbanized with its HDB estates, condos, and recreational facilities. People love escaping the city to relax in a 15-hectare park where you’ll often find campers. Residents, along with friends and family members can also enjoy a variety of interesting and what some might consider unconventional activities at the Sembawang Hot Springs and the Bottle Tree Village. For a game of golf, they can go to the Seletar Golf Course or the Orchid Golf Course. 

Yishun

Yishun was called Nee Soon in the early years after a successful peranakan businessman. The area was primarily made up of various plantations growing gambier, pepper, pineapple, or rubber. The area acquired the name Yishun when the Singaporean government started a campaign to eliminate Chinese dialects. They wanted people to use Chinese-Mandarin in an effort to bring cohesion to Chinese-Singaporeans. Today, Yishun is a residential community with quite a few HDB estates and condos. 

Yishun is different than Sembawang in that it offers residents more conventional ways to spend leisure time with modern shopping malls and entertainment facilities. These include the Chong Pang City, Northpoint Shopping Centre, and Yishun 10 Cineplex. Residents can also enjoy the Yishun Community Library. Throughout Yishun you will find quite a few clubs and community centres. These encourage strong ties among neighbours and help get older residents involved in various community projects at the Nee Soon South Community Centre and the Nee Soon East Community Club.