Home Improvement Programme

The Home Improvement Programme (HIP) is a programme announced by HDB, during the National Day Rally in August 2007 that replaced the Main Upgrading Programme (MUP). The HIP offers lessees a choice on the works they want to be included in the upgrading of their flats. It also helps lessees deal with common maintenance problems in ageing flats, such as spalling concrete and ceiling leaks, in a systematic and comprehensive manner. Flats built up to 1986 which have not undergone the Main Upgrading Programme are eligible for HIP. Priority of upgrading programmes is traditionally given to wards held by the ruling People's Action Party, which appoints the Minister for National Development who oversees the Housing Development Board. When asked why opposition wards are penalised by the statutory board at a NUS student forum in 2011, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong responded, "The answer is that there has to be a distinction. Because the PAP wards supported the Government and the policies which delivered these good things.”

These are improvements deemed necessary for public health, safety or technical reasons. They are compulsory if HIP is polled successfully.

Owners may opt out of any or all of these improvements, with a corresponding reduction in co-payment. However, to opt out of toilet upgrading, the toilets will have to pass a water test for leaks. This is to prevent ceiling leaks at the flat below.

It was also announced in Parliament on 5 March 2012, that HDB will introduce more elderly friendly options under the HIP. These improvements come under the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) and aims to create a safer and more comfortable living environment for them.

HDB will ramp up the HIP, to select and offer HIP to another 100,000 flats in 2015, for implementation within the next two years. The pace of HIP will be stepped up from 35,000 to 50,000 flats a year to allow more homes to benefit from HIP earlier. The selection of all eligible flats is expected to be completed by 2018.

In 2015, HDB will also select flats for HIP for both 2015 and 2016 for implementation within the next two years. The early selection will help residents who plan to renovate their flats to better decide whether to wait for HIP or proceed with their own renovations first.

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