SINGAPORE: More than 18,000 Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats across Singapore have been selected for upgrading under the Home Improvement Programme (HIP), with the government setting aside over S$253 million for the works.

The latest round covers 198 HDB blocks across 12 towns, including Bedok, Bukit Batok, Pasir Ris, Tampines, and Woodlands. The programme focuses on older flats facing common wear-and-tear problems such as ceiling leaks and spalling concrete. Residents can also choose optional upgrades ranging from new entrance doors to refuse chute hoppers, with the bulk of the cost covered by the government.

Second Minister for National Development Indranee Rajah encouraged residents to urge family members, especially seniors, to take up the programme so they can benefit from the heavily subsidised improvements, Channel NewsAsia (CNA) reported (May 16).

Singapore’s housing policies are now adapting to an older population

Singapore’s public housing estates are ageing alongside the population living in them, which has turned programmes like HIP from a basic maintenance effort into something more socially important.

For many households, ageing flats, besides peeling walls or leaking ceilings, are increasingly tied to residents’ mobility, safety, and the ability of elderly residents to continue living independently.

This explains why the accompanying Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme has expanded beyond grab bars and ramps. New additions now include foldable shower seats, rocker switches, home fire alarms and bidet sprays.

Singapore’s housing policies are now adapting to an older population that wants to age in place rather than move elsewhere.

Since its launch in 2007, HIP has covered about 512,000 flats, or roughly nine in 10 eligible units. Nearly 409,000 flats have completed upgrading works. The government has spent around S$5 billion on the programme so far.

Residents pay a small fraction of the cost

One reason HIP remains accepted by residents is the level of subsidy involved. Essential safety improvements are fully paid for by the government for Singaporean households. Optional works are also heavily subsidised.

A resident living in a four-room flat, for example, pays S$899.25 for the full-optional package, while the government covers more than S$11,000. Owners of one-, two- and three-room flats pay even less at S$599.50.

The EASE programme follows a similar structure. A four-room flat owner would pay around ...