As our homes age over the years, it is natural for wear-and-tear to take place. As part of HDB’s efforts to resolve common maintenance problems, the HDB Home Improvement Programme (HIP) for HDB flats was introduced in 2007, to help keep flats in good condition.
Since then, about 320,000 HDB homes built up to 1986 have benefitted from the highly-subsidised programme. In 2018, the HIP was extended to flats built between 1987 and 1997. With this, another 230,000 HDB homes are set to benefit from the improvements.
How HIP Works
Once the blocks have been identified for HDB HIP, a poll will be held among residents. Upgrading works for a particular block will only proceed if at least 75% of residents vote for it.
HIP Components
Under the HDB HIP, various improvements are carried out within the flat to enhance your safety and comfort. The HDB HIP for HDB flats comprises 3 main components – Essential improvements, Optional improvements, and Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) improvements.
1. Essential Improvements
Essential improvements are compulsory upgrading efforts carried out for public health and safety, and are fully-subsidised for Singapore Citizen home owners. The works include:
- Repair of spalling concrete and structural cracks
- Replacement of waste/ soil pipes
- Replacement of pipe sockets with new clothes drying rack
- Upgrading of electrical load
2. Optional Improvements
Like its name suggests, optional improvements under HDB HIP are not compulsory. You can choose to do some, all, or none of the Optional Improvements. You only need to pay for the items you choose, and at a highly subsidised rate. You can opt for these improvements during the polling period.
The list of Optional Improvements include:
- Toilet/ bathroom upgrading (wall/ floor tiles and sanitary fittings)
- New fire-rated main door or non-fire-rated main door
- New metal grille gate
- New refuse chute hopper, where applicable
3. EASE
The HDB EASE programme was launched in 2012, to help seniors living in HDB flats age safely and comfortably. The elderly-friendly fittings include slip-resistant treatment for bathroom tiles and installation of grab bars. Eligible households can also install customised/ portable ramps within the flat and at the entrance, to allow for better home navigation.
The EASE programme has been expanded to include customised ramps for flats with more than 3 steps at the entrance and a wheelchair lifter for flats where ramps cannot be installed due to site constraints.
Like optional improvements, you are free to choose any of the EASE improvement items and pay only for the items you choose. You can opt for the HDB EASE items during the polling period.
Here’s a summary of the components of HDB HIP:
| Essential improvements | • Repair of spalling concrete and structural cracks • Replacement of waste/ soil pipes • Replacement of pipe sockets with new external retractable clothes drying rack • Upgrading of electrical load |
| Optional improvements | • Toilet/ bathroom upgrades comprising new water proofing membrane, wash basin, floor and wall tiles, louvred vent, toilet door, grab bar and pedestal pan • New fire-rated main door or non-fire-rated main door • New metal grille gate • New refuse chute hopper, where applicable |
| EASE improvements | • Slip-resistant treatment for bathroom tiles • Grab bars • Single-step ramp for a single-step entrance; or portable/ customised ramp for a multi-step entrance • Wheelchair lifter |
Upgrading Costs
For Singapore Citizen households, all Essential improvements are fully funded by the Government. For Optional improvements, you pay only a fraction of the cost, as the Government subsidises up to 95% to ensure they are affordable for residents. You can pay in cash or with your CPF savings.
The tables below give an idea of how much you can expect to pay if you take all the Optional and EASE improvement items.
Optional Improvements
| Flat Type | 1/ 2/ 3-Room | 4-Room | 5-Room | Executive |
| You Pay | $550 (5%) | $825 (7.5%) | $1,100 (10%) | $1,375 (12.5%) |
| Government Pays | 95% | 92.5% | 90% | 87.5% |
EASE
| Flat Type | 3-Room | 4-Room | 5-Room | Executive |
| You Pay (cost dependable on ramp solution) | $125-387 (5%) | $187.50-$580.50 (7.5%) | $250-$774(10%) | $312.50-$967.50 (12.5%) |
| Government Pays | 95% | 92.5% | 90% | 87.5% |
Want to know if your block will be undergoing HIP? You can check which upgrading programmes have been announced for your block, here.
Note: The information in this article has been updated on 4 April 2023.
