As HDB flats age, essential building elements, concrete, plumbing, wiring, simply wear out faster than an owner's own renovation budget is designed to cover. HIP exists to close that gap for older flats, on a scheduled, government funded basis rather than leaving it to individual owners to fund alone.
What HIP actually covers
HIP addresses structural and essential maintenance items rather than cosmetic upgrades, common components include repair of spalling concrete, upgrading of old pipes, rewiring of ageing electrical systems, and improvements to toilets. The exact scope of works offered under a given HIP exercise is set by HDB and can vary between phases, so check the specific scope confirmed for your block rather than assuming it matches a neighbour's experience from an earlier phase.
How a flat becomes eligible, and how owners find out
Eligibility and the timing of invitations are determined by HDB, generally based on a flat's age and condition, and rolled out in phases across different towns over time. Owners are typically informed directly by HDB or through their town council once their block has been selected for an upcoming phase, there is no self application process for owners to bring their flat forward. If you are unsure whether your block has been invited, check directly with HDB or your town council rather than assuming a fixed nationwide timeline.
What HIP is not, the difference from SERS
HIP is easy to confuse with the Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme, SERS, but the two are entirely different. HIP upgrades essential infrastructure in a flat that continues to stand and that you continue to live in. SERS involves HDB acquiring and redeveloping an entire site, with affected residents relocated to a replacement flat elsewhere. Being selected for HIP says nothing about your block's SERS prospects, and the reverse is also true.
What owners typically pay
Owners generally pay only a portion of the cost of works carried out under HIP, with the balance subsidised by the government, and the owner's exact cost share can depend on flat type and the specific works involved. Because this figure is set at the level of each HIP exercise and can be updated over time, do not rely on an old cost figure you may have seen elsewhere, confirm the current cost share for your flat once your block's HIP details are announced.
How HIP interacts with your own renovation plans
If you are planning your own renovation and your block is due, or recently completed, a HIP exercise, it is worth sequencing the two. Works already scheduled or completed under HIP should not be duplicated in your own renovation budget, and any of your own renovation works still need the usual HDB renovation permit and rules, regardless of whether HIP has already touched the flat.
Frequently asked questions
Is HIP the same as SERS?
No. HIP upgrades essential infrastructure in a flat that continues to stand, while the Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme, SERS, involves the government acquiring and redeveloping an entire site, with residents relocated to a new flat. They are entirely different schemes with different implications for owners.
Do all HDB flats eventually get HIP?
Not on a fixed schedule that owners can rely on. Eligibility and invitation timing are determined by HDB based on the flat's age and condition. If your block has not yet been invited, check with HDB or your town council for the current status rather than assuming a timeline.
Not sure where your block stands on HIP?
Winfred can point you to the right HDB and town council channels to confirm your block's status before you plan your own renovation around it.
Book a free 30 minute callWinfred Quek is an Associate Marketing Consultant at Crestbrick Pte Ltd (CEA Licence No. L31010886H). CEA R073319H. This page is for general information only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Rates and rules reflect the position as at 9 Aug 2026; verify current figures with IRAS, HDB, or MAS before making any decision.