More than 18,000 HDB flats across Singapore have been selected for upgrading under the Home Improvement Programme (HIP), the government announced on May 16, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
The HIP upgrades will include 198 HDB blocks located in 12 towns: Bedok, Bishan, Bukit Batok, Bukit Merah, Bukit Panjang, Choa Chu Kang, Jurong West, Pasir Ris, Sengkang, Serangoon, Tampines, and Woodlands [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. In Bukit Batok East Nature View alone, more than 1,600 households across 14 blocks are included in this upgrading batch [2, 3, 4, 5].
The government has allocated about S$253 million for these works [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The programme addresses common maintenance issues including spalling concrete, ceiling leaks, and structural cracks to improve living conditions within the flats [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
HIP consists of two components: essential improvements that address safety and structural needs, which are fully funded by the government, and optional improvements such as toilet or bathroom upgrades and new entrance doors. Optional works are heavily subsidised, with residents paying as low as 5 percent of the cost [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Flat selection is based on block age and is followed by a poll where upgrading proceeds only if at least 75 percent of eligible Singaporean households in the block agree to the works [2, 3, 4, 5].
Since its launch in 2007, about 409,000 HDB flats have been upgraded under HIP, with total government spending reaching approximately S$5 billion [2, 3, 4, 5].
Households selected for HIP can opt for senior-friendly fittings through the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme, which was enhanced in 2024 to include items like rocker switches and home fire alarm devices. The government also subsidises these additions. Second Minister for National Development Indranee Rajah noted, "Many of you may have already heard about EASE, however, some of you might not be aware that EASE was enhanced in 2024 to include a wider range of senior-friendly items, such as rocker switches and home fire alarm devices" [2].
Indranee Rajah urged residents, "Please encourage your family and friends to sign up for the programme, especially if they have seniors in their households, so they too can benefit from these heavily subsidised improvements" [1].
Singapore is set to become a super-aged society in 2026, with at least 21 percent of the population aged 65 or older, making these senior-friendly upgrades timely [2, 3, 4, 5].
Upgrading will proceed following resident polls in the selected blocks to confirm approval of at least 75 percent of eligible households [2, 3, 4, 5].
