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Good day to you.

Given the situation, it’s wise to confirm whether the block has completed its first round of HIP. Alternatively, you could hire dependable renovation contractors and consider opting out of the HIP partially, ensuring that your home's cozy atmosphere remains unaffected. Let's team up and take the next steps toward achieving your homeownership goals.

Navigating a property transaction can feel overwhelming, especially when it intersects with major life events.
With over 15 years of experience as a property consultant, my role goes beyond market knowledge — it is to provide clarity, structure, and peace of mind through complex decisions.

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If you’re seeking clarity rather than pressure, I’m happy to have a conversation to understand your situation and outline possible next steps.

Mike Lim
CEA Reg No: R026708F | ERA
WhatsApp: https://wa.me/message/VCDD3MUYRD3JP1
Email: m52i@yahoo.com

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Hi, appreciate your sharing over PropertyGuru, looking at which part of Singapore ?

Done your HFE ?
Looking forward to assist you at WhatsApp +65 9696 4398  or email me at stewartlim96964398@gmail.com

Cheers
Stewart
PropNex Senior Associate Division Director Read More

Hi! Really glad you are thinking about this upfront — it is one of the most overlooked considerations when buying an older HDB and you are absolutely right to ask.

What is HIP:
The Home Improvement Programme is a government-funded upgrading initiative by HDB that covers essential repairs and improvements to older HDB flats — typically those that are 30 years and above. It covers items like spalling concrete repairs, pipe replacement, toilet upgrades and electrical rewiring.
Will you be forced to participate:
Yes — HIP is mandatory once your block is selected. You do not get to opt out. However residents do get to vote on whether to proceed and HDB requires a majority before implementation begins.
On your renovation concern — here is the honest picture:
What HIP typically affects:

Toilets — HDB will replace toilet fixtures and may require existing tiles to be hacked
Pipes — internal water pipes may be replaced requiring wall hacking
Electrical distribution board upgrades
Spalling concrete repairs on ceilings and walls

What HIP generally does not touch:

Your kitchen renovation — kitchen works are typically not part of standard HIP scope
Living room and bedroom flooring
Feature walls or carpentry

The key risk area for you:
If you have just renovated your toilets and HIP comes along shortly after, HDB will hack and redo the toilet regardless of your new renovation. Compensation offered by HDB for this is generally minimal and may not cover your actual renovation costs.
How to protect yourself:

Check HIP status before buying — ask your agent to verify whether the block has already undergone HIP, is currently scheduled, or is likely to be called in the near future. Blocks that have already completed HIP are the safest buy
Check with HDB directly — you can enquire at www.hdb.gov.sg whether a specific block is on the HIP schedule
Sequence your renovation wisely — if HIP has not been done yet, consider holding off on toilet renovation until after HIP is completed
Focus renovation budget on kitchen, living and bedrooms first — these are generally safe from HIP works

Bottom line:
Buying a 30 year old HDB is absolutely fine and can be great value — just verify the HIP status of the specific block before committing. A block that has already completed HIP gives you full renovation freedom with no future disruption risk.
Which estates or blocks are you currently shortlisting? I can help you verify the HIP status and find you the best value older HDB that gives you renovation peace of mind Read More

read up more about HIP at https://www.hdb.gov.sg/managing-my-home/upgrading-and-redevelopment/home-improvement-programme-hip.

There are essential stuff to be done and optional ones. Read More

Hi,
Having gone through HIP personally and through my clients, one thing to take note is what gets replaced. All metal pipes in the kitchen and toilets will be replaced during an HIP exercise. As such, if you are buying an older HDB apartment, it makes sense to work around it. If your contractor replaces these pipes, you can choose not to do HIP. The HIP contractor will do a water test in the toilet to see if there are leaks in the apartment below. If there is no issue, you will be exempted from the HIP.

Please contact me so that I can be of further assistance.
Cheers!

Elan Govan
MABA (Lancaster)
 90170747 
jayelan@gmail.com
www.goodpropertiesguide.com Read More

I would be glad to assist you.
Feel free to contact me at wa.me/6597100155
Hope to hear from you soon.
Pei Mobile: (65) 9 7 1 0 0 1 5 5.
Email: peicheng.tan@propnex.com
Associate Group Director
Propnex Realty Pte Ltd Read More

Hi

I can help you to check whether the HIP program has been completed for the particular blocks you are eyeing. The HIP works main areas are at toilets, so it is possible to opt out if you are able to pass the waterproofing test and that there is no safety issue due to spailing concrete.

https://www.hdb.gov.sg/managing-my-home/upgrading-and-redevelopment/home-improvement-programme-hip

More on the essential and optional scope of works here for HIP.

Hope the above clarifies. I am well-versed with HDB and private property transactions, having helped more than 100 home-owners to smoothly complete their housing plans over the years. Please reach out to me at (65) 9 7 4 3 2 3 9 5 for a more in-depth discussion :)

May I have more info on your requirements so as to make better recommendations? Thanks and looking forward to chat more

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We would like to thank you for ensuring a smooth and well-explained process throughout the whole selling Read More

Hi! Excited for your upgrade to a larger HDB.

It is possible to predict this as you can check the HDB's upcoming schedule for HIP polling. Meanwhile, HIP also comprises essential improvements vs optional ones.

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As per HDB's website:

Essential improvements:
These compulsory improvements are considered necessary for public health, safety, and for technical reasons.

They include:
- Repair spalling concrete/ structural cracks
- Replace waste/ soil discharge stacks
(The pipes will be changed if they are cast iron, mixture of cast iron and UPVC, or if they are UPVC and there are leaks and cracks.)
- Replace pipe sockets with new clothes drying rack
- Upgrade electrical load
(This will be carried out after the completion of HIP works, if necessary.)

Optional improvements:
You may choose any of the improvements below and only pay for your share of the improvement works carried out in your flat. The Optional Improvements are:

- Package to upgrade existing toilet(s)/ bathroom(s)*
- New entrance door**
- New grille gate
- New refuse chute hopper, where applicable

* Your toilets must pass a water test for leaks to prevent ceiling leaks in the flat below, before you can opt out of the optional toilet upgrading.

** HDB will first determine whether your flat requires a fire-rated or non-fire rated main door, based on SCDF’s Fire Code. You can opt for a fire-rated door if your flat requires one. A home fire alarm device (HFAD) will also be installed as part of this fire safety work. If your flat does not require a fire-rated door, you can opt for the non-fire-rated door offered under HIP.

------

I'm a Harvard graduated real estate agent with a degree in economics, and I have a decade of experience working on Singapore public policy. I would love to schedule a free consultation to discuss your options if you need any support.

Feel free to reach out via whatsapp or email.

Kay Cloud
The Harvard Educated Agent
Propnex Realty Pte Ltd
cloud@propnex.com
Tel: (+6.5.) 8.5.6.7.4.5.8.5
Whatsapp -> https://wa.me/6585674585 Read More

Hi,

1) The HDB will carry out waterproofing test at your bathroom(s) to ensure they are qualify to be excuse from the HIP.
2) They will excuse from carry out HIP work once the bathroom(s) passed the waterproofing test.
3) However, they might still have to carry out the HIP portion at your kitchen.
4) There is a water/air drainage piping system above and below your kictchen water/air drainage system.
5) The contractor is able to remove your cabinet and restate them back after changing out the O-ring between floors.
6) You just have to fork out a small sum for the additional work.
7) This is a major government project, the main reason of such was the spalling concrete due to aging and material used during the 60/70/80s' couldn't survive after years of corrosion/decay.
8) In order to live happily for the next 20 or more years without any hassle, it is advised to carry out the HIP as per receommended.

All The Best!!!

Hope the above answers your main concerns, but if there are more queries, please feel free to contact me at 90110636  or email: ling.ck7@gmail.com if more information is needed.
I'll be glad to assist.

Best regards
Ling CK
 90110636 
ling.ck7@gmail.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckling/
https://agents.huttonsgroup.com/R056727F/ Read More

Hi Do contact me at 97970200  to understand more and discuss.

Mark, your RIGHT choice
Propnex Read More

✔1 CORE CONCEPTS:
HIP is a mandatory government scheme upgrading essential utilities and structural health in blocks aged thirty years or older.

✔2 RECONSIBILITY IMPACT:
Standard works frequently involve hacking bathrooms and replacing pipes which can affect recently completed home improvements.

✔3 DUE DILIGENCE:
Buyers should confirm if a block has finished its upgrading phase to ensure complete creative freedom for new renovations.

✔4 FINANCIAL SAFETY:
Delaying bathroom upgrades until after the official programme concludes prevents the loss of renovation capital.

✔5 EXPERT ASSISTANCE:
Consulting with a specialist helps identify units that have already cleared these hurdles for a smoother ownership experience.

The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly. — Buddha

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