Singapore HDB Upgrading Schemes Guide 2026 (HIP, SERS & VERS)

Complete guide to HDB upgrading schemes. Explains Home Improvement Programme (HIP), Selective En-Bloc (SERS), Voluntary Early Redevelopment (VERS), & cost sharing.

Statutory Overview & Housing Framework

To maintain public housing quality and renew aging heartland estates, the Ministry of National Development (MND) and HDB implement major statutory estate renewal programs under the Housing and Development Act. Primary upgrading programs include the Home Improvement Programme (HIP - heavily subsidized toilet, front door, and spalling concrete upgrades for flats around 30 years old), Selective En-Bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS - full acquisition and replacement of high-development-potential aging blocks), and Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS - ballot-based redevelopment scheme for flats 70 years and older).

Key Statutory Rules & Housing Criteria

Home Improvement Programme (HIP) Government Subsidy TiersHIP Subsidy 95%

Singapore Citizens pay 5% of upgrading cost (approx. S$630 for full toilet renovation).

Selective En-Bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS) RenewalSERS En-Bloc

Acquires aging blocks for full redevelopment; offers owners new replacement BTO flats at subsidized prices.

Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS) 70-Year BallotVERS Scheme

Allows precinct residents to vote on selling aging flat back to government for estate redevelopment.

EASE (Enhancement for Active Seniors) Elderly Friendly UpgradesEASE Upgrades

Subsidized installation of grab bars, ramps, and slip-resistant bathroom tiles for senior citizens.

Qualification Rules & Statutory Compliance

Applies to Singapore Citizen and PR flat owners living in eligible HDB upgrading precincts.

HIP requires at least 75% of eligible Singapore Citizen households in a block to vote 'Yes'.

SERS compensation includes full market valuation compensation plus S$30,000 SERS grant for replacement flat.

Permanent Resident flat owners pay 100% unsubsidized HIP cost unless a household member is SC.

Statutory Document Checklist & Forms

Housing and Development Act (Cap. 129) Upgrading Scheme Provisions

HDB HIP Upgrading Poll Ballot Notice & Authorization Form

HDB SERS Acquisition Gazette Notice & Compensation Schedule

EASE Senior Friendly Fitting Application Form

Step-by-Step Housing & Property Workflow

Receive Official HDB HIP Upgrading Announcement Notice

HDB announces precinct selection for Home Improvement Programme.

Participate in Precinct HIP Polling Exhibition

Vote 'Yes' during official 3-day polling exercise (requires 75% SC votes).

Select Essential & Optional Renovation Works

Choose optional toilet overhaul, main door, grille, and EASE senior fittings.

Construction Execution (approx. 10 Working Days)

HDB contractors install portaloo unit and complete toilet waterproofing & tiling.

Final Inspection & Co-Payment Settlement via CPF

Inspect completed works; co-payment (approx S$630) deducted from CPF OA.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

HIP is an HDB upgrading scheme designed to fix common structural maintenance problems in flats built up to 1997 (around 30 years old), focusing on toilet waterproofing, spalling concrete, main door replacement, and waste pipes.

The Singapore government subsidizes up to 95% of HIP costs for citizen households. For a full optional package (toilet upgrading, door, grilles), Singapore Citizens pay approximately S$550 to S$630, which can be settled using CPF OA.

SERS (Selective En-Bloc Redevelopment Scheme) is a government-initiated redevelopment of high-potential aging sites, offering owners market compensation and new replacement flats. VERS (Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme) is a voluntary precinct vote for flats aged 70+ years to sell back to HDB.

EASE is an HDB scheme that provides subsidized elderly-friendly home fittings—such as grab bars, slip-resistant bathroom floor treatment, and wheelchair ramps—subsidized up to 95% by the government.

No. PR households pay 100% of the upgrading cost without government subsidies. However, if a PR owner subsequently obtains Singapore Citizenship, they can apply to HDB for a subsidy refund.

Toilet upgrading takes about 10 working days per flat. HDB provides a portable toilet/shower cubicle with water heater inside the flat or at the void deck during construction.