18,000 HDB Flats Across 198 Blocks to Undergo Home Improvement Programme Upgrading
HDB Upgrading | The Straits Times | 17 May 2026
Some 18,000 HDB flats across 198 blocks in 12 towns will be offered Home Improvement Programme upgrading in this latest exercise, with $253 million allocated for the works. The announcement was made by Second Minister for National Development Indranee Rajah on 16 May 2026 at Bukit Batok East.
Flats Offered HIP
Blocks
Towns
Allocated
Latest HIP Exercise: 198 Blocks in 12 Towns
The latest batch of Home Improvement Programme upgrading covers 18,000 flats across 198 blocks in 12 towns, with $253 million set aside for the works. Second Minister for National Development Indranee Rajah made the announcement on 16 May 2026 during a visit to Bukit Batok East Nature View.
The 12 towns included in this exercise are Bedok, Bishan, Jurong West, Pasir Ris, Sengkang, Serangoon, Tampines and Woodlands, among others. HDB will be reaching out to eligible households with details on the scope of works and polling schedule.
How the Home Improvement Programme Works
HIP addresses common maintenance issues in older HDB flats. The programme has two components: essential improvements that cover structural and safety-related items, and optional improvements such as upgrading of toilets and bathrooms.
Essential works are fully funded by the Government, while optional works are co-funded with homeowners paying a subsidised share of the cost. To proceed, a block must achieve at least 75 per cent approval in a residents’ poll.
HIP Track Record Since 2007
The Home Improvement Programme was first launched in 2007 and has since reached approximately 409,000 flats at a total Government expenditure of about $5 billion. The programme remains one of the largest ongoing public housing maintenance initiatives in Singapore.
In Bukit Batok East alone, more than 1,600 households across 14 blocks are part of the latest exercise.
EASE and Neighbourhood Renewal Programmes
Beyond HIP, the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme has benefited about 379,000 households since it began in 2012, with around $190 million spent on accessibility upgrades for elderly residents.
On the neighbourhood level, the Jurong-Clementi-Bukit Batok Town Council is currently seeking feedback from residents on the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme for selected precincts. In April, 17 NRP projects were announced for estates in Canberra, Hougang and Toa Payoh.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many flats are included in this HIP exercise?
About 18,000 flats across 198 blocks in 12 towns have been selected for the latest Home Improvement Programme upgrading, with $253 million allocated for the works.
What is the difference between essential and optional HIP works?
Essential improvements cover structural and safety-related items and are fully funded by the Government. Optional improvements, such as upgrading of toilets and bathrooms, are co-funded with homeowners paying a subsidised share.
How many flats have been upgraded under HIP since it started?
Since the programme launched in 2007, approximately 409,000 flats have been upgraded at a total Government expenditure of about $5 billion.
What is the EASE programme?
The Enhancement for Active Seniors programme provides accessibility upgrades for elderly residents. It has benefited about 379,000 households since 2012, with around $190 million spent.
What approval is needed before HIP works can proceed?
A block must achieve at least 75 per cent approval in a residents’ poll before HIP works can proceed.
Source
The Straits Times, 17 May 2026
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