Home Improvement Programme (HIP)
What is HIP (Home Improvement Programme)?
The Home Improvement Programme (HIP) is HDB's upgrading programme for ageing flats, fixing common problems such as spalling concrete and old pipes. It covers flats built up to 1997, goes ahead only if at least 75% of a block's eligible citizen households vote for it, and the Government fully funds the essential works for citizen households.
Key facts
- Introduced
- 2007, for flats built up to 1986; extended in August 2018 to flats built from 1987 to 1997
- Vote needed
- At least 75% of a block's eligible Singapore citizen households
- Essential improvements
- Fully funded by the Government for citizen households
- Optional improvements (citizens pay)
- 5% (1- to 3-room), 7.5% (4-room), 10% (5-room) or 12.5% (executive) of the cost
- PR households
- Pay the full upgrading cost
- Timing
- About 1.5 to 2 years per precinct; 10 working days or less inside each flat
As of 6 Nov 2026. Source: HDB, Gov.sg.
How the HIP works
- HDB shortlists a precinct and announces polling dates.
- Citizen households vote. The HIP goes ahead for a block if at least 75% of its eligible citizen households agree. PR households don’t vote.
- A working committee of residents, grassroots leaders, HDB and town council officials oversees the works.
- Works take about 1.5 to 2 years for a typical precinct of 8 to 10 blocks, but no more than 10 working days inside each flat.
What citizens pay
Essential improvements are fully funded. For the full optional package, HDB’s estimates (including 9% GST) are:
| Flat type | Your share of optional costs | Estimated amount for the full optional package |
|---|---|---|
| 1-, 2- or 3-room | 5% | $599.50 |
| 4-room | 7.5% | $899.25 |
| 5-room | 10% | $1,199.00 |
| Executive | 12.5% | $1,498.75 |
These amounts are for the package with a fire-rated main door and home fire alarm device, for HIP projects polling after 30 March 2020.
Example
Your 4-room flat, built in 1992, is in a precinct shortlisted for the HIP. Your block votes in favour. You receive the essential works free, and choose the full optional package, paying about $899 as a 7.5% share of the cost.
Common mistakes
- Not voting. The HIP needs 75% of eligible citizen households in your block.
- Assuming PRs are subsidised. PR households pay the full cost.
- Skipping the toilet upgrade without a test. Your toilets must pass a water test for leaks before you can opt out of that item.
Frequently asked questions
What do the essential improvements include?
Repairing spalling concrete and structural cracks, replacing waste and soil discharge pipes, replacing pipe sockets with a new clothes drying rack, and upgrading the electrical load.
What are the optional improvements?
A toilet or bathroom upgrade package, a new entrance door, a new grille gate and a new refuse chute hopper. You pay only for the items you choose.
What is EASE?
Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) offers optional items such as grab bars, slip-resistant flooring and ramps, to make flats safer for seniors. It is offered with the HIP and is also highly subsidised.
Will my flat get a second upgrade?
The Government has said flats will be upgraded once at about 30 years old through the HIP, and a second time at about 60 to 70 years old.
Related terms
Sources
Every figure on this page was checked against the official government sources above on 6 Nov 2026. See our editorial policy.
This is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice.