New Upgrades to Benefit 56,000 Flats in Initial Phase
The Home Improvement Programme (HIP) is now underway for Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats constructed between 1987 and 1997.
First Batch of Upgrades Targets 56,000 Flats
The Housing Development Board (HDB) announced on February 20 that approximately 230,000 flats built during this period are eligible for HIP. Of these, 56,000 flats have been chosen to form the first batch of precincts to undergo improvements.
Polling began in September 2021 for these households, and by December 31, 2021, all polled blocks met the minimum approval threshold of 75% required for HIP to proceed. Around two-thirds (66%) of eligible households have participated in the polling.
Expanding a Proven Initiative
Previously, HIP was available for flats constructed up to 1986 that had not undergone the Main Upgrading Programme (MUP). To date, nearly all 320,000 eligible flats in that category have undergone or are in the process of receiving upgrades.
Out of these, 81% (approximately 259,100 flats) have completed the improvements, while 17% (around 55,100 flats) are in various stages of completion. Remaining flats will be progressively upgraded.
Key Features of the HIP
HIP offers three categories of improvements for flats: Essential items, Optional upgrades, and the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE).
Essential Improvements
Funded entirely by the government, these enhancements aim to meet health and safety standards. They include:
Repairing spalling concrete and structural cracks
Replacing waste discharge and soil stacks
Upgrading electrical loads
Installing retractable clothes drying racks
Optional Improvements
Heavily subsidised but partially paid by flat owners, optional upgrades allow residents to choose specific items, such as:
Upgraded toilet or bathroom packages
New decorative doors and grille gates
New refuse chute hoppers
EASE: Enhancing Senior Accessibility
The EASE programme focuses on elderly-friendly features, including:
Slip-resistant flooring for bathrooms
Installation of grab bars (up to 16 across two bathrooms and other areas)
Ramps for single-step level differences within the flat or main entrances
Availability for Non-HIP Flats
Residents of flats not eligible for HIP can also apply for EASE directly, provided they meet specific criteria, such as having a household member aged 65 or older, or aged 60–64 with assistance needs for daily activities.
Virtual Visualisation with AR Technology
Since July 2021, the Mobile@HDB app features an Augmented Reality (AR) tool, allowing residents to visualise how EASE fittings such as grab bars and ramps will look in their homes.
Participation and Costs
As of December 31, 2021, over 255,500 households have applied for EASE. About 63% of these applications were combined with HIP, while 37% were through direct applications. The government has spent approximately S$102 million on the EASE programme as of March 31, 2021.
The expanded HIP ensures that Singapore’s flats remain safe, accessible, and comfortable for all residents, adapting to the evolving needs of the population.
