Sembawang

Colonial-era heritage buildings next to brand-new BTO blocks.

North · former naval base, now one of the fastest-growing northern towns

total resident population: 102,640 (2020 census), more than tripled since 2000
HDB-resident population: 92,860 (Sembawang, as at 31 Mar 2025 — HDB-resident population only, per HDB Annual Report)
housing mix: HDB 28,584 · Condo/apt 3,509 · Landed 943 (of 33,049 total households, 2020 census)

Singapore only publishes a full per-area population breakdown every 10 years at the census. The HDB figure above is the most recent official update available, but it only covers HDB residents — it can't be directly compared to the total population figure.

What it's like to live here

Sembawang carries genuine colonial-naval-base history — black-and-white heritage bungalows sit not far from brand-new BTO towers, a contrast you don't find in many other towns.

Who it suits

Buyers drawn to the area's unique heritage character. Families wanting newer flats in a still-developing northern corridor. Worth noting the longer commute to the city centre.

Popular schools

Primary

Sembawang Primary School
Wellington Primary School

Secondary

Canberra Secondary School
Northland Secondary School (nearby)

Must-try food

Sembawang Hawker Centre
Stalls near Sembawang Shopping Centre

Nature spots

Sembawang Park
Sembawang Hot Spring Park — Singapore's only natural hot spring

Interesting fact

Sembawang is home to Singapore's only natural hot spring, inside Sembawang Hot Spring Park, where you can actually boil an egg in the spring-fed pools.

MG's honest take

"Sembawang has the most unusual local landmark I sell near — a literal hot spring you can boil an egg in. Clients are always surprised by that one."

Thinking about Sembawang? Let's talk through whether it actually fits what you need.

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