BTO: Fewer available flats compared to October BTO
The latest round of the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) has selected over 29,000 HDB flats, as announced in a press release by HDB on February 16. The government has allocated a whopping $407 million for the necessary upgrading works.
These chosen flats are located in 13 different estates including Bedok, Bukit Batok, Bukit Merah, Bukit Panjang, Chua Chu Kang, Hougang, Jurong West, Pasir Ris, Queenstown, Sengkang, Tampines, Toa Payoh and Woodlands.
Since its inception in 2007, the HIP was created to assist flat owners in addressing common maintenance issues that arise due to wear and tear in older flats. Minister for National Development Desmond Lee has stated that since then, close to 381,000 flats have undergone upgrades, with a whopping 494,000 flats, or nine out of ten eligible flats, selected for the programme.
The HIP aims to carry out essential improvements to maintain the basic safety needs of residents, such as repairing spalling concrete and ceiling leakages due to wear and tear. The government fully funds these essential improvements for Singapore citizen households.
In addition to the essential improvements, flat owners can also choose to opt for optional improvements which include upgrading existing bathrooms and toilets, installing a new entrance door and grille gate, and installing a new refuse chute hopper. The government subsidises these optional improvements, with Singapore citizen households paying as low as 5% of the total cost, depending on the flat type.
Since 2012, the Enhancement for Active Seniors (Ease) programme has been included as part of the HIP. Under Ease, flat owners can opt to install senior-friendly fittings such as grab bars, ramps and slip-resistant treatment to toilet and bathroom tiles. The government covers up to 95% of the costs for Singapore citizen households making use of this option.
According to HDB, the government has allocated approximately $4 billion to the HIP and around $150 million to Ease as of March 31, 2014. To stay updated on the latest HDB listings, visitors can check out Ask Buddy, which allows them to view HDB properties, past HDB sale and rental transactions, and compare HDB loans with bank loans.