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The Home Improvement Programme (HIP) (Chinese: 家居改进计划; pinyin: jiā jū gǎi jìn jì huá; Malay: Program Peningkatan Rumah) was introduced by the Housing Development Board (HDB) in August 2007, during Singapore's National Day Rally.[2] It replaced the earlier Main Upgrading Programme (MUP), which operated from 1990 to 2007.[2] The HIP focuses on addressing common maintenance issues that arise in ageing HDB flats, such as spalling concrete, ceiling leaks, and outdated infrastructure.[3] It offers essential and optional upgrades tailored to flats, where essential improvements are fully subsidised by the government, while optional improvements require co-payment from residents.[3][4]
Flats are eligible for HIP twice: once at 30 years old, and again between 60 and 70 years old. Initially, HIP targeted flats built before 1997,[5] but the scope has since expanded to cover more flats. The programme's objective is to ensure the long-term sustainability of Singapore's public housing stock.
HIP adopts a polling process, where at least 75% of Singaporean households in a block must vote in favour of the upgrading works before it can proceed.[4] The programme has sparked some political debate regarding priority, which has traditionally been given to wards held by the ruling People's Action Party.[6][7] When asked why opposition wards are penalised by the statutory board at a NUS student forum in 2011, then Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong responded, "The answer is that there has to be a distinction. Because the PAP wards supported the Government and the policies which delivered these good things.”[8][9]
In 2012, HIP was expanded to include the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme, offering elderly-friendly improvements, such as grab bars, ramps, and slip-resistant flooring.[10] By 2024, over 410,000 flats had been upgraded, with the government investing approximately S$4 billion. The programme's effectiveness has been bolstered by grassroots organisations and community engagement efforts.[11]
HIP has seen several key developments since its introduction, expanding in scope, scale, and technological innovation to meet evolving housing needs. The following is a timeline of HIP’s major milestones:
HIP was announced during then PM Lee Hsien Loong's National Day Rally Speech in August 2007, replacing the Main Upgrading Programme (MUP), which ran from 1990 to 2007.[2] Initially targeted at 320,000 flats built before 1986, HIP shifted focus to in-unit upgrades rather than large-scale precinct improvements, aiming to improve specific flat issues like concrete repairs, pipe replacements, and electrical upgrades.[3]
The programme's core elements included:
In March 2012, the EASE Programme was launched, offering modifications specifically aimed at improving accessibility and comfort for elderly residents. EASE can be opted into during HIP or applied separately by households whose flats have not yet undergone HIP.[12]
In 2018, the government expanded HIP to include 230,000 flats built between 1987 and 1997, broadening the programme’s reach and bringing the total number of eligible flats to over 550,000.[10] The expansion reflected the government’s ongoing commitment to upgrading Singapore’s older public housing flats to ensure they remained safe and functional for residents. The 75% polling requirement for residents to approve HIP works remained in place.
In 2020, HIP underwent a refresh to include more durable materials and modern features for optional improvements.[10] New additions included:
Announced during the National Day Rally 2023, EASE 2.0 introduced more advanced senior-friendly improvements.[13] [14] These include wider toilet entrances for wheelchair users and foldable shower seats. The initiative was part of broader efforts to enhance the quality of life for seniors, alongside other infrastructure upgrades like the installation of more rest points, shelters, and improved safety measures along frequently used walkways and streets.[14]
In 2024, the Singapore government announced that 53,000 flats built before 1997 had been selected for HIP in the latest round of upgrades. This batch covered flats in estates such as Jurong West, Hougang, Woodlands, and Pasir Ris, with the government allocating S$742 million for the exercise. By this time, HIP had upgraded over 370,000 flats, with a total investment of more than S$4 billion since the programme’s inception.[11]
Looking forward, HIP II is planned to provide a second round of upgrades to flats that are 60 to 70 years old, ensuring they remain safe and livable throughout their 99-year lease. HIP II will focus on addressing any structural wear and tear that may have developed since the first round of upgrades, as well as incorporating newer technologies and features in line with evolving housing needs.[15]
HIP follows a structured, resident-driven process that ensures upgrades are efficiently carried out while minimising disruption to daily life. The process emphasises transparency, thorough pre-construction assessments, and active resident participation. Below is an overview of the steps involved in the HIP process.
Precincts are selected based on the age of the flats (typically those that are at least 30 years old) and their maintenance needs. Flats that have not yet undergone major upgrading works or have recurring maintenance issues, such as spalling concrete or outdated infrastructure, are prioritised. Once a precinct is selected, HDB publicly announces it here and notifies residents through official letters detailing the proposed improvements and the next steps.
To engage and inform residents, HDB conducts informational surveys and holds mini exhibitions before polling. These exhibitions showcase the optional improvements available to residents, such as modernised toilets, new entrance doors, and retractable clothes drying racks. The exhibitions allow residents to view mock-ups of the proposed improvements, interact with HDB officers, and ask questions, helping them make informed decisions ahead of the polling process.
Once the mini exhibition is completed, HDB issues an official Polling Notice to all eligible households within the precinct. The notice outlines the essential and optional improvements available and explains the polling process, including how residents can vote (either in person at designated polling centres or online via My HDBPage). The notice also emphasises the importance of reaching the 75% approval threshold for HIP to proceed. Residents can refer to this guide should they require any assistance in using the E-Opting system.
Polling is a key feature of HIP, allowing residents to decide on the implementation of upgrading works in their block. The polling process takes place over 3-4 days, and residents can cast their votes either in person at polling centres set up at convenient locations (like the void deck or community centres) or online via My HDBPage using their SingPass credentials. For HIP to proceed, at least 75% of eligible Singapore Citizen households in the block must vote in favour.
If the poll is successful and the 75% threshold is reached, HDB informs residents of the result within two weeks of the last polling day. If the poll fails to meet the threshold, the block will not undergo HIP, and residents must wait for future rounds to re-poll.
After a successful poll, residents are given six weeks to select optional improvements and EASE modifications. They can make their selections either in person at Information Centres set up near the precinct or online via the E-Opting system. Optional improvements include modernised toilets, fire-rated doors, and retractable clothes drying racks. EASE modifications, such as grab bars and ramps, are offered to elderly residents.
Residents must finalise their choices within the six-week period, as changes are not permitted afterward. If a resident later decides not to install an item, they are still required to pay for it, and uninstalled items will not be handed over to them.
Before construction begins, HDB conducts a condition survey to assess the current state of each flat and identify any repairs that need to be made. Additionally, for residents opting out of toilet upgrades, a water test is required to ensure there are no leaks that could affect the flat below. If the toilet fails the water test, the toilet upgrading becomes mandatory.
Approximately four months after the polling process, the upgrading works commence. Work hours are typically from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and construction in individual flats is completed in around 10 working days. Essential works, such as waste pipe replacement and spalling concrete repair, are prioritised. For soil/waste pipe repairs in the kitchen, residents must remove any obstructing cabinets at their own cost to facilitate the repairs.
Once the works are completed, HDB conducts a final inspection to ensure all improvements meet quality standards. Residents are encouraged to inspect their flats and report any defects during the one-year Defect Liability Period (DLP), during which contractors will fix any issues free of charge.
After the completion of all upgrading works, HDB sends an invoice detailing each household’s share of the cost for optional improvements. Payment is required only after the works have been completed. Residents can pay via CPF, cash, or through a flexible instalment plan. HDB offers financial assistance for low-income households and senior citizens, ensuring affordability (see below).
HIP provides residents with a mix of essential improvements, which focus on critical safety and maintenance issues, and optional improvements that allow for customisation according to individual needs. Additionally, the EASE programme offers modifications to make homes more elderly-friendly, improving accessibility and comfort for older residents.
Once a block has been selected for HIP and the required polling threshold is met, essential improvements become mandatory. These are fully funded by the government and address key issues related to the safety, health, and structural integrity of ageing flats. The primary goal of these improvements is to tackle common maintenance problems in older buildings, ensuring that flats remain livable and structurally sound as they age. Key essential improvements include:
These essential upgrades are crucial for keeping older HDB flats in line with modern safety standards and providing a safe and comfortable living environment for all residents.
In addition to the essential improvements, residents can opt for a variety of optional enhancements, which are heavily subsidised by the government. While residents are required to co-pay for these improvements, the government bears a significant portion of the cost. Optional improvements allow for increased comfort, safety, and aesthetic appeal, and they include:
Residents who opt for these optional improvements benefit from government subsidies, with their co-payment depending on their flat type. The following table outlines the cost-sharing ratios and estimated costs for the optional improvement package:[17]
Flat Type | Co-Payment Ratio | Estimated Amount Payable* (with fire-rated main door & HFAD) | Estimated Amount Payable* (with non-fire-rated main door) |
---|---|---|---|
1/2/3-Room Flats | 5% | S$599.50 | S$594.05 |
4-Room Flats | 7.5% | S$899.25 | S$891.05 |
5-Room Flats | 10$ | S$1199.00 | S$1188.10 |
Executive Flats | 12.5% | S$1498.75 | S$1485.10 |
*These estimates are based on HIP projects that began polling after 30 March 2020 and include 9% GST. The final amount will be determined after the completion of the upgrading works.
Introduced in 2012, the EASE programme aims to create a safer and more comfortable living environment for elderly residents by offering various elderly-friendly modifications. These improvements are designed to improve accessibility and safety, particularly for seniors with mobility challenges, enabling them to continue living independently in their homes. EASE can be opted for during the HIP process or applied separately for flats that have not yet undergone HIP.
The improvements offered under EASE focus on fall prevention, additional support within the home, and modifications to accommodate the use of wheelchairs or mobility aids. Key enhancements include:[21][22]
Announced during the National Day Rally 2023, the EASE 2.0 programme brings a broader selection of senior-friendly improvements to further enhance the quality of life for elderly residents in HDB flats. This expanded programme includes:
These upgrades are part of a continuous effort by the government to ensure that seniors can age in place safely and with dignity. Alongside home improvements, EASE 2.0 is part of a broader initiative to enhance seniors' living environments. This includes building more shelters and rest points around HDB estates, as well as revamping frequently used streets and linkways to improve safety and ease of mobility.
EASE works are heavily subsidised by the government, with Singapore Citizen households paying between 5% and 12.5% of the total cost, depending on their flat type. The estimated cost for the full EASE package, including the installation of all improvement items and ramps, varies according to flat type. For elderly residents living in HDB rental flats, the full cost of the EASE improvements is covered by the government.
Flat Type | Co-Payment Ratio | Estimated Amount Payable* (With single-step ramp) | Estimated Amount Payable* (with portable ramp) | Estimated Amount Payable* (with customised ramp for 2-3 steps) |
---|---|---|---|---|
1/2/3-Room Flats | 5% | S$286.65 | S$310.65 | S$359.70 |
4-Room Flats | 7.5% | S$430.00 | S$465.95 | S$539.55 |
5-Room Flats | 10% | S$573.30 | S$621.30 | S$719.40 |
Executive Flats | 12.5% | S$716.65 | S$776.60 | S$899.25 |
Executive Maisonettes | 12.5% | $731.65 | S$791.60 | S$914.20 |
These estimated amounts are inclusive of 9% GST, and the final amount is determined upon completion of the upgrading works. Residents can also use the HIP with EASE Financial Calculator to estimate the upgrading cost payable and monthly instalments.
For households that may struggle with payment, HDB offers several assistance schemes. Residents earning a monthly household income of less than S$2,000 can extend their payment period for up to 25 years. Elderly residents aged 55 and above can defer their payments until the flat is sold or transferred, subject to specific CPF guidelines. In cases of financial hardship, HDB may allow for a deferment of payment, with interest, subject to an annual review. Residents in need of financial assistance can also visit here for more details and information.
Although HIP significantly enhances the living conditions in older flats, the construction phase can create temporary disruptions for residents. These disturbances, while unavoidable, are managed through a series of measures aimed at minimising the impact.
HDB also provides several temporary amenities to alleviate the inconvenience residents may experience during the construction phase.
Even with careful planning, challenges may arise during the HIP construction process. To address these issues, HDB and contractors collaborate closely with residents to provide solutions:
Over the years, HIP has embraced various technological innovations that not only enhance the efficiency and quality of the construction process but also minimise disruption to residents. These advancements reflect a commitment to addressing the needs of ageing flats in a sustainable, cost-effective manner.
One of the most notable technological developments in HIP is the Corrosion-Resistant Repair (CRR) Method, which was introduced in 2021 to tackle the persistent issue of spalling concrete, particularly in toilet ceilings. Spalling concrete is caused by the corrosion of steel reinforcement bars within the ceiling, exacerbated by Singapore's humid climate. The CRR method consists of:
This innovative method was trialled in 2021 in over 300 flats and has since become a standard technique in HIP for managing spalling concrete, one of the most common maintenance issues in ageing HDB flats.
As part of HIP, fire safety features have been modernised in line with current safety regulations. One key improvement is the inclusion of fire-rated doors as an optional upgrade. These doors are designed to withstand high temperatures and offer critical protection during a fire. Another advancement is the installation of the Home Fire Alarm Device (HFAD), which is aligned with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) fire safety standards.
Key features of the fire-rated doors include:
Enhanced Locking Mechanism: Modern locking mechanisms provide both improved security and fire protection for residents.
In response to the outdated bamboo pole system commonly used in older flats, HIP has introduced retractable clothes drying racks. These new systems are safer and more convenient, especially for elderly residents.
The key features include:
Durability: Made from rust-resistant materials, the modern clothes drying racks are designed to withstand Singapore’s humid climate and require minimal maintenance.
To make the decision-making process easier for residents, HDB introduced Augmented Reality (AR) technology through the Mobile@HDB app. This tool allows residents to visualise and virtually place various HIP improvement options, such as grab bars, ramps, and doors, within their flats.
Benefits of AR in HIP include:
Improved Accessibility: The AR tool provides elderly and less mobile residents with an easy way to explore HIP options without physically leaving their flats.
As part of Singapore's broader effort toward sustainability, HIP incorporates various energy-efficient solutions aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of public housing. These solutions not only lower energy consumption but also contribute to more sustainable living.
Looking ahead, HDB is exploring the integration of smart home technologies in upcoming HIP projects. These features could include:
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