What is an HDB void deck funeral?
A void deck funeral is a wake held at the open ground-floor communal area of an HDB block. It is the most traditional and widely used funeral venue in Singapore — familiar, accessible, and close to home.
Most families hold the wake at the void deck of the block where the deceased lived, or a nearby block in the same precinct. It allows neighbours and community members to pay their respects easily.
Not sure whether to choose a void deck or funeral parlour? See our HDB vs Funeral Parlour comparison.
Who can book a void deck for a funeral?
Most Town Councils require that either the deceased or an immediate family member (spouse, child, parent, or sibling) is a resident of that block or precinct. Non-residents are generally not eligible.
Your funeral director will confirm eligibility and handle the booking on your behalf.
If you live in a condo see Condo Funeral Singapore for your options.
How to book an HDB void deck for a funeral
In practice, your funeral director handles this for you:
1. The funeral director contacts the relevant Town Council to check availability and reserve the space 2. An in-person visit to the Town Council office to complete the permit — bring the death certificate and your NRIC 3. Town Councils are understanding about timing — if the death occurs at night, paperwork can be completed the following morning 4. The funeral director coordinates setup: tentage, tables, chairs, altar, lighting, fans, and mobile toilet
If you need to use adjacent surface car park lots, a separate application to HDB is required (HDB Branch Service Line: 1800-225-5432).
HDB void deck funeral costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Void deck space rental | Waived (most Town Councils) |
| Electricity and water charges | Typically under S$100 total |
| Tentage setup | Included in most funeral packages |
| Mobile toilet | Included in most funeral packages |
| Fans / air coolers | Included in most funeral packages |
| Refreshments (first ~60 guests) | Included in most funeral packages |
💡 Tip
The void deck space itself is essentially free — the cost savings come from not paying parlour room rental (S$500–S$1,800 per day). This makes the void deck the most budget-friendly wake venue in Singapore. See Funeral Cost Singapore for a full breakdown.
What to expect at an HDB void deck wake
The funeral director handles full setup — you will arrive to find the space already arranged with:
• Covered tentage over the void deck area • Altar table with portrait of the deceased, incense, and offerings • Tables and chairs for guests • Fans or air coolers (void decks are not air-conditioned) • Mobile toilet unit nearby • Basic refreshments for the first ~60 guests
Red paper is pasted on stairwells and lift landings to inform neighbours that a funeral wake is in progress.
For what to wear see What to Wear to a Funeral Singapore. For condolence money see Pek Kim Singapore.
Rules and things to note
• No privacy — void decks are public communal spaces. Passersby will walk through. This is normal. • Overnight presence required — the space cannot be locked. Family members take turns keeping vigil. This is a traditional expectation at Chinese funerals. • Noise — be mindful of neighbours, especially late at night. • Newer HDB blocks — some newer estates have void decks integrated into sky gardens on upper floors. Check with your funeral director about setup feasibility. • Condominium residents cannot use HDB void decks — see Condo Funeral Singapore.
⚠️ Important
Condo residents cannot use HDB void decks — you must be a resident of an HDB block or have an immediate family member who is. Condo residents should arrange a funeral parlour wake. See Funeral Parlour Singapore.
