18,000 Singapore HDB Flats Selected for Upgrading Under Home Improvement Programme

More than 18,000 Singapore HDB (Housing & Development Board) flats across 12 towns have been selected for upgrading works under the Home Improvement Programme. The Silicon Review reports on the S$253 million allocation & subsidised optional improvements for Singaporean households.

More than 18,000 Singapore HBD (Housing & Development Board) flats have been selected for upgrading works under the Home Improvement Programme (HIP), Second Minister for National Development Indranee Rajah announced on May 16. The government has allocated over S253million (US198 million) for these works, which will cover 198 blocks across 12 towns including Bedok, Bishan, Bukit Batok, Jurong West, Pasir Ris, Sengkang, Serangoon, Tampines, & Woodlands .

HIP was launched in 2007 to address common maintenance issues in older flats, such as spalling concrete and ceiling leaks caused by wear and tear. Flats built before 1997 are eligible, and upgrading proceeds only if at least 75 percent of eligible Singaporean households in a block vote in favour. The programme includes two main components: essential improvements, which are fully funded by the government for Singaporean households, & optional improvements, which are heavily subsidised.

For optional improvements which include new entrance doors, refuse chute hoppers, & upgraded toilets Singaporean households pay as little as 5 percent of the cost. A four-room flat owner pays S899.25 for the full optional package, or 7.5 percent of the total cost. Five-room flat owners pay S1,199 (10 percent), while executive flat owners pay S$1,498.75 (12.5 percent).

Households with seniors can also opt for senior-friendly fittings under the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme, which was enhanced in 2024 to include rocker switches and home fire alarm devices. As Singapore becomes a super-aged society in 2026 with 21 percent of the population aged 65 and older these improvements are designed to help seniors age safely in their own homes.

Since HIP’s launch, the government has spent approximately S$5 billion on upgrading works. About 512,000 flats have been selected for the programme to date, representing 9 in 10 eligible flats. Of these, nearly 409,000 flats have completed upgrading. The latest selection brings HIP to another 198 blocks, with residents in affected blocks able to check their eligibility through HDB’s website.

Singapore’s approach to public housing upgrading has become a global benchmark for urban renewal. By the third quarter of 2026, HDB expects to complete voting and commence works for the newly selected blocks. The programme’s high participation rate 9 in 10 eligible flats demonstrates strong resident demand for government-subsidised home improvements.

The Silicon Review’s analysis indicates that HIP’s subsidised optional upgrade model where residents pay as little as 5 percent of costs has been critical to achieving widespread adoption. This approach balances fiscal sustainability with resident affordability, offering a replicable model for other public housing systems facing ageing infrastructure challenges.

Q: Which HDB blocks are selected for HIP upgrading in 2026?
A: The 198 blocks are located in Bedok (Blocks 650-672 Jalan Tenaga/Jalan Damai), Bishan (Blocks 288-293 Bishan Street 22/24), Bukit Batok (Blocks 288A-289G Bukit Batok Street 25), Bukit Merah, Bukit Panjang (Blocks 513-532 Jelapang Road), Choa Chu Kang, Jurong West (Blocks 639-647 Jurong West Street 61), Pasir Ris (Blocks 700-725 Pasir Ris Drive 10), Sengkang (Compassvale Lane Blocks 205A-206D), Serangoon (Blocks 543-554 Serangoon North Avenue 3), Tampines (Blocks 352-363 Tampines Street 33/34), and Woodlands .

Q: How much do HDB flat owners pay for HIP upgrading works?
A: Essential improvements are fully funded by the government for Singaporean households. For optional improvements, owners of 1- to 3-room flats pay S599.50 (5percent), 4−room flats pay S599.50 (5percent), 5-room flats pay S1, 199(10percent), and executive flats pay S1, 199(10percent), S1, 498.75 (12.5 percent). The government covers the remaining cost.

Q: What is the EASE programme for seniors under HIP?
A: The Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme provides senior-friendly fittings such as grab bars, ramps, rocker switches, and home fire alarm devices. It was enhanced in 2024. Singaporean households pay the same subsidised rates as HIP optional improvements (5-12.5 percent).

Q: How are HDB blocks selected for HIP upgrading?
A: Blocks are selected based on their age. Once selected, eligible Singaporean households vote, and upgrading proceeds only if at least 75 percent vote in favour. Permanent residents are not eligible to vote.

Q: How many HDB flats have been upgraded under HIP since 2007?
A: As of May 2026, about 512,000 flats have been selected for HIP (9 in 10 eligible flats), and nearly 409,000 flats have completed upgrading. The government has spent approximately S$5 billion on the programme.

Q: What happens if an HDB block fails to reach 75 percent approval for HIP?
A: Six blocks have failed to reach the threshold in the last 10 years. HDB has allowed re-polling after about one year in some cases, and four blocks have successfully re-polled. Residents can also apply for the Goodwill Repair Assistance scheme, under which HDB subsidises 50 percent of repair costs for ceiling leaks and spalling concrete.