First introduced in 2007, HDB’s Home Improvement Programme (HIP for short) is a scheme designed to rectify common maintenance issues caused by accumulated wear-and-tear. When the programme was first launched, only homes built up to 1986 were eligible.
It was then extended to cover flats built from between 1987 to 1997 in 2018. Currently, 320,000 HDB flats have already undergone HIP, with another 230,000 set to benefit from the enhancements.
But First, What Does HIP Rectify Exactly?
Three main components make up the scheme. They are as follows:
Essential Improvements
These are compulsory upgrading efforts for the sake of public health and safety. Singaporean home owners will receive these works fully-subsidised. 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
Optional Improvements
These are not compulsory items, and whilst full subsidises are not available, you’d still be able to enjoy the updates at a competitive, highly subsidised rate. You can choose as many items as you wish! This list includes:
- 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
EASE
Launched in 2012, this programme was designed to ensure 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.
How The Home Improvement Programme Works
Once a block has been identified for HDB HIP, a poll will be held amongst residents, and works will proceed once 75% of residents vote in favour of the works.
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.
Here’s a quick table to show how much you’ll have to pay per set of improvements!
If all optional works are selected:
| 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% |
For all EASE Improvements:
| Flat Type | 1/ 2/ 3-Room | 4-Room | 5-Room | Executive |
| You Pay (cost dependable on ramp solution) | $125-192 (5%) | $187.50-$288 (8%) | $250-$384 (11%) | $312.50-$480 (14%) |
| Government Pays | 95% | 92% | 89% | 86% |
Article Adapted From: mynicehome, Other Images From: Freepik
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