HIP-HIP Hooray! HDB flats will undergo major upgrading, not once, but TWICE during the 99-year lease.

The first round of Home Improvement Programme, or HIP, helps you resolve common maintenance problems such as spalling concrete at around the 30-year mark. The second HIP round, or HIP II, will take place at around the 60- to 70-year mark.


The upgrades are done to help keep your flat safe and liveable.

We break down the important details for you.

1. Components of HIP

There are three main components of HIP:

• Essential Improvements These are done for public health and safety, or technical reasons. They include repairing spalling concrete and structural cracks, as well as replacing pipe sockets with an elderly-friendly clothes drying rack.
  

• Optional Improvements You can choose to upgrade your existing toilets/bathrooms, install a new decorative door or grille gate, or even a new refuse chute hopper. If you opt out of the optional toilet upgrading, your toilets/bathrooms must pass a water test for leaks to prevent ceiling leaks in the flat below.
  

• Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) Have elderly family members living at home? Under EASE, you can choose from a range of elderly-friendly fittings, such as slip-resistant treatment for bathroom floor tiles, grab bars and ramps. If you wish to get these improvements earlier without waiting for HIP, you can submit an online application for EASE on HDB’s website.

2. Optional improvements are heavily subsidised by the Government

For Singapore Citizen households, the essential improvements are fully paid for by the Government. The optional improvements are heavily subsidised (up to 95 per cent), so residents pay an estimated amount of between $630 and $1,575.

For EASE, the full range of items will cost around $2,500. After Government subsidies of up to 95 per cent, Singapore Citizens pay between $125 and $312.50/$367.50/$480, depending on their flat types and type of ramps they have opted for.

You can use CPF monies to pay for these costs, in full, if you wish. Payment can also be made by monthly instalments. If you require further financial support, you can approach your managing HDB Branch.

3. The duration

The upgrading works in each flat will take 10 days or less, depending on the improvements selected. But do note that no work will be done on Sundays!

4. The experience

Dust and noise

To minimise dust and noise, a dust and noise screen will be erected before hacking. The hacking tools used will come with a heavy dust extraction unit and a small breaker will be used to reduce noise. Regular cleaning and housekeeping will be provided. A rest area and study room will also be provided for residents’ usage.

Bathrooms

Temporary toilets with shower facilities will be set up at the void deck during working hours. After working hours, you can use the portable toilet set up in your flat – it even comes with hot water showers!

5. The process

When your precinct has been shortlisted for HIP, you’ll receive a letter from HDB. The HIP will proceed if at least 75 per cent of a block’s eligible Singapore Citizen households have voted in favour of the HIP. If you want to go for the optional improvements or EASE items, you can opt in during the polling period.

You’ll be given another six weeks to make your selection of optional items, by:

• Using the E-Opting System via ‘My HDBPage’ at www.hdb.gov.sg;
• Or looking for a Public Relations Officer at the HDB Information Centre.

You can also check if your flat is up for HIP here.

For more information about HIP, visit the HDB website.