Sales volume of HDB resale flats in Q1 2021 up 27.4% compared to Q1 2020
HDB to Spend $407 Million on Upgrading Works for Over 29,000 Flats
In a recent press release on Feb 16, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) announced that more than 29,000 flats have been selected for the latest round of the Home Improvement Programme (HIP). This will see a budget of over $407 million allocated for the upgrading works.
The selected flats are located in various areas such as Bedok, Bukit Batok, Bukit Merah, Bukit Panjang, Chua Chu Kang, Hougang, Jurong West, Pasir Ris, Queenstown, Sengkang, Tampines, Toa Payoh, and Woodlands.
The HIP was first introduced in 2007 to assist flat owners in addressing common maintenance issues that arise due to wear and tear in older flats. Since its inception, a total of 494,000 flats or nine in 10 eligible flats have been selected for the programme, with close to 381,000 flats undergoing upgrades, according to Minister for National Development Desmond Lee.
Under the programme, selected flats will undergo essential improvements to ensure the basic safety needs of residents, such as repairing spalling concrete and ceiling leakages caused by wear and tear. These essential improvements are fully funded by the government for households with Singaporean citizens. Flat owners can also opt for optional improvements, which include upgrades to existing bathrooms and toilets, a new entrance door and grille gate, and a new refuse chute hopper. These optional improvements are subsidised by the government, with Singapore citizen households paying as low as 5% of the cost, depending on the flat type.
Since 2012, the Enhancement for Active Seniors (Ease) programme has been offered 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 for toilet and bathroom tiles. The government will cover up to 95% of the costs for households with Singaporean citizens.
Since their launches, the government has allocated approximately $4 billion to the HIP and around $150 million to Ease as of March 31, 2014, according to HDB. Those interested in purchasing HDB properties can check out the latest listings or consult Ask Buddy for past HDB sale transactions and rental transactions, as well as comparisons between HDB loan and bank loan rates. Shoppers can also compare the price trends of HDB, condominiums, and landed properties.