NRP Singapore: HDB Block Improvements Guide 2025-2029

What is the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme?

The Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) is a comprehensive government-funded upgrading initiative launched by Singapore's Housing and Development Board (HDB) in August 2007. This programme specifically focuses on enhancing the communal spaces, block surroundings, and precinct-level amenities of older HDB estates rather than improvements within individual flats.

Unlike other HDB upgrading programmes such as the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) that targets interior flat maintenance, NRP transforms the shared living environment including parks, sheltered walkways, pavilions, fitness corners, playgrounds, and landscaped areas. The programme is fully funded by the government and implemented by respective Town Councils across Singapore.

Since its introduction, more than S$1.5 billion has been committed to 229 NRP projects, with 131 projects completed as of March 2025. The programme continues to expand, with the 16th batch announced in April 2025 covering 17 HDB neighbourhoods at a cost exceeding S$165 million, benefiting over 25,000 households.

NRP Eligibility: Which HDB Blocks Qualify?

Current Eligibility Criteria (Updated 2025)

The eligibility for NRP has expanded significantly since the programme's inception:

Original Criteria (2007): HDB blocks built before 1996 that had not undergone Main Upgrading Programme (MUP), Interim Upgrading Programme (IUP), or IUP Plus.

Extended Criteria (2015): Coverage expanded to blocks built up to 1995.

Latest Expansion (April 2025): For the first time, blocks built between 1996 and 1999 are now included in NRP, benefiting over 100,000 additional flats across Singapore.

All eligible HDB blocks built up to 1995 have already been selected for the NRP, and the programme continues to roll out to newer eligible blocks.

Checking Your Block's Eligibility

Residents can verify whether their HDB block has been announced for NRP or other upgrading programmes through the official HDB portal:

➡️ Check Your Block's Upgrading Status - HDB Official Portal

This service enables you to check announcements for:

• Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP)

• Main Upgrading Programme (MUP)

• Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP)

• Home Improvement Programme (HIP)

• Interim Upgrading Programme (IUP/IUP Plus)

• Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS)

Scope of NRP Works: Block-Level and Precinct-Level Improvements

Block-Level Improvements

Block-level improvements focus on the immediate surroundings of individual residential blocks, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal:

Resident Corners and Seating Areas
Void decks are transformed into welcoming community spaces with dedicated seating arrangements. These areas serve as informal gathering points where neighbours can socialize, fostering stronger community bonds and kampung spirit.

Aesthetic Upgrades

• New letterbox designs with improved functionality

• Modern lift lobby tiles on ground floors

• Fresh paint finishes and colour schemes

• Enhanced visual coherence across the block

Structural Maintenance

• Concrete crack repairs

• Apron floor improvements

• Drain maintenance and upgrading

• General structural enhancements to extend building lifespan

Precinct-Level Improvements

Precinct improvements span across multiple neighbouring blocks, creating cohesive environmental upgrades that benefit entire communities:

Covered Linkways and Sheltered Walkways
One of the most popular and impactful improvements, covered linkways provide weather protection for residents walking between blocks, to amenities, and transport nodes. These sheltered passages are particularly beneficial for:

• Elderly residents who may need more time to travel

• Families with young children in strollers

• All residents during Singapore's frequent rain showers

Drop-Off Porches and Pavilions
Enhanced entry points and covered gathering spaces improve the aesthetic character of precincts while providing functional areas for community activities, informal gatherings, and shelter from the elements.

Landscaping and Green Spaces
The NRP incorporates substantial landscaping improvements including:

• Therapeutic gardens designed to support mental wellbeing

• Community gardens for resident engagement

• Green corridors and enhanced plantings

• Nature-inspired design elements

Recreation and Fitness Facilities
To promote active and healthy lifestyles, NRP includes:

• Fitness corners with exercise equipment suitable for all ages

• Jogging tracks and walking paths

• Street soccer pitches and multi-purpose courts

• Improved playgrounds with modern, safe equipment

• Tai chi areas and morning exercise platforms

Pathways and Accessibility Features

• Improved footpaths with proper surfacing

• Barrier-free access ramps for wheelchair users and elderly

• Enhanced lighting for safety and visibility

• Clear wayfinding signage

Senior-Friendly Amenities Under NRP (2025-2029 Enhancement)

Age Well SG Integration

In line with Singapore's Age Well SG initiative announced in November 2023, future NRP works will incorporate enhanced senior-friendly amenities to better support ageing in place. This reflects Singapore's commitment to creating age-friendly communities as the population ages rapidly—by 2026, approximately 21% of Singapore's population will be aged 65 and above.

Enhanced Features for Seniors (From 2025 onwards)

• Therapeutic gardens with wheelchair-friendly planter boxes

• Fitness trails with senior-friendly exercise equipment

• Improved wayfinding features including signage with pictograms

• Rest areas with adequate seating along walkways

• Better lighting for improved visibility

• Dementia-friendly features to aid navigation

• Barrier-free access ramps throughout precincts

Increased Budget for Senior Amenities
Starting from the 16th batch (April 2025), the budget per flat under NRP has increased from S$6,100 to approximately S$6,600 to accommodate these enhanced senior-friendly amenities.

➡️ Learn more: Age Well SG - Senior-Friendly Living Environment

Silver Upgrading Programme (SUP) - 2024-2029

Complementing NRP, the Silver Upgrading Programme (SUP) was launched in August 2024 specifically targeting older HDB neighbourhoods with higher proportions of residents aged 55 and above. SUP is also fully funded by the government and focuses on senior-specific enhancements.

SUP Coverage and Timeline:

• First Batch (2024): 4 precincts in Chong Boon, Ang Mo Kio (~3,400 households) - Completion expected second half of 2026

• Second Batch (April 2025): 12 precincts in Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Merah, and Toa Payoh (~11,000 households) - Completion expected from second half of 2027

• Future Expansion: Programme will extend to 22 additional precincts in Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Merah, Queenstown, and Toa Payoh over the next five years

• Target Completion: All SUP works estimated to be completed by 2029

In total, around 24,000 seniors across 26 precincts will benefit from SUP enhancements.

Age Well Neighbourhoods Initiative (From 2026)

Announced at NDR 2025 in August 2025, the new Age Well Neighbourhoods initiative will start in Toa Payoh and expand to other areas. This comprehensive programme includes:

• More accessible physical touchpoints

• Expanded home-based services (home fixes, basic health checks)

• Healthcare services brought closer to seniors

• Dedicated care staff for coordination and emergency response

• Care facilities for rehabilitation and physiotherapy

NRP Timeline and Future Plans (2025-2029)

Current Status (As of December 2025)

16th Batch NRP Projects (April 2025)

The latest batch includes 17 projects across Singapore:

• Hougang: Blocks 165-173, 166A, 172A Hougang Avenue 1; Blocks 916-931 Hougang Street 91/Avenue 4/Avenue 9

• Bukit Panjang: Blocks 501-532 Jelapang Road

• Geylang Bahru/Whampoa: Blocks 58-60 Geylang Bahru, Block 104 Whampoa Drive, Blocks 16-19 Jalan Tenteram

• Bukit Batok: Blocks 290A-291F Bukit Batok East Avenue 3/Street 24

• Cassia Crescent/Pine Close: Blocks 1-11 Pine Close, Blocks 28-56 Cassia Crescent

• Sengkang (Rivervale): Blocks 123-141 Rivervale Street/Drive

• And additional precincts in Sembawang, Sengkang, and other areas

Future Developments (2026-2029)

2026 Announcements:

• HDB will share more details on Home Improvement Programme (HIP) II, providing homeowners of older flats a second round of improvement works

• Continued rollout of SUP in eligible precincts

• New NRP batches expected to be announced

2027-2029 Timeline:

• Completion of SUP works in 12 precincts (from second half of 2027)

• All SUP enhancement works to be completed by 2029

• Continued NRP implementation for blocks built up to 1999

• Progressive enhancement of senior-friendly amenities across all upgrading programmes

55,000 New BTO Flats (2025-2027):
HDB will launch approximately 55,000 BTO flats from 2025 to 2027—a 10% increase from earlier plans. These new developments will incorporate senior-friendly designs from the outset.

Community Engagement: How Residents Shape NRP Outcomes

Participatory Design Process

NRP distinguishes itself through robust resident engagement mechanisms. The consultation process ensures that improvements reflect genuine community needs and preferences:

Feedback Collection Channels
Town Councils implementing NRP actively engage residents through:

• Town Hall Meetings for open discussion

• Dialogue sessions with smaller groups

• Block parties for informal feedback

• Mini-exhibitions displaying proposed improvements

• Surveys for broader input collection

Design Development
Resident proposals are systematically evaluated for:

• Technical feasibility

• Cost-effectiveness

• Alignment with planning objectives

• Community-wide benefits

Feasible proposals are incorporated into comprehensive design plans that balance individual preferences with precinct-wide coherence.

The 75% Consensus Requirement

A defining feature of NRP is the consensus gathering exercise: final improvement proposals must receive support from at least 75% of eligible flat owners before the project proceeds. This democratic threshold serves multiple purposes:

Democratic Legitimacy: Ensures broad community support and commitment to proposed improvements.

Ownership Mentality: Creates a sense of communal ownership that encourages residents to maintain and respect upgraded facilities.

Quality Assurance: Projects that fail to achieve consensus may be revised or redesigned based on feedback before being put to vote again.

Recent Success Examples:

• Kolam Ayer NRP (August 2023): 80.4% residents voted YES

• Kampong Glam NRP (December 2019): 87% residents voted YES

NRP Budget and Funding

Government Funding

NRP is fully funded by the government, meaning residents do not pay for the upgrading works. This makes it an accessible improvement option regardless of household income levels.

Budget Per Flat (Updated April 2025)

The increased budget supports enhanced senior-friendly amenities including therapeutic gardens, fitness trails, and wayfinding features.

Recent and Projected Funding:

• 2024: Over S$95 million for 23 upgrading projects

• April 2025: Over S$165 million for 17 NRP projects (Batch 16)

• Total since 2007: More than S$1.5 billion committed (excluding latest batch)

➡️ Official Information: MND - Rejuvenating Our Towns & Estates

NRP Implementation Process

From Announcement to Completion

Phase 1: Announcement and Planning (6-12 months)

• HDB and MND announce eligible precincts

• Town Council engages design consultants

• Initial concept development begins

Phase 2: Community Consultation (3-6 months)

• Town Hall meetings and feedback sessions

• Collection and analysis of resident input

• Design refinement based on feedback

Phase 3: Consensus Gathering (1-2 months)

• Final proposals presented to residents

• Voting exercise conducted

• Project proceeds if 75%+ support achieved

Phase 4: Construction (12-24 months)

• Town Council engages building contractors

• Construction works commence

• Regular progress monitoring

Phase 5: Completion and Handover

• Final inspections conducted

• Upgraded facilities handed over to residents

• Ongoing maintenance by Town Council

Total Timeline: NRP projects typically take 2-4 years from announcement to completion.

Managing Construction Disruptions

Town Councils employ strategies to minimize disruption during construction:

• Phased implementation maintaining essential access

• Coordination with residents' schedules

• Alternative routes provided during major works

• Dust and noise control measures

• Regular communication updates

Complementary HDB Upgrading Programmes

While NRP focuses on neighbourhood environments, other HDB programmes address different improvement needs. Understanding these programmes helps residents maximize the benefits available to them.

Home Improvement Programme (HIP)

HIP offers improvements within individual flats and comprises three main components:

Essential Improvements (Fully funded for Singapore Citizens)

• Repair of spalling concrete and structural cracks

• Replacement of waste/soil pipes

• Replacement of pipe sockets with new clothes drying rack

• Upgrading of electrical load

Optional Improvements (Heavily subsidized - pay as low as 5%)

• Toilet/bathroom upgrading (wall/floor tiles and sanitary fittings)

• New fire-rated or non-fire-rated main door

• New metal grille gate

• New refuse chute hopper

EASE (Enhancement for Active Seniors)

• Slip-resistant treatment for bathroom tiles

• Grab bars installation (including new bidet sprays and foldable U-profile grab bars from 2025)

• Ramps for entrances

• Lowered toilet entrance kerbs (new from 2025)

• Wheelchair lifters where applicable

Latest HIP Batch (February 2025):

• 29,000 flats across 371 blocks selected

• Locations: Choa Chu Kang, Pasir Ris, Tampines, Jurong West

• Budget: Over S$407 million allocated

Coming in 2026: HIP II
HDB will share details on the Home Improvement Programme II, providing homeowners of older flats a second round of improvement works.

➡️ Learn more: MyNiceHome - HDB Home Improvement Programme Guide

➡️ Additional Info: Gov.sg - 5 Things to Know About HIP

Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP)

Introduced in 2001, LUP retrofits older blocks with lifts that stop at every floor. More than 5,000 blocks have been retrofitted, and approximately 99% of HDB blocks now have direct lift access on every floor.

Lift Access Housing Grant (Enhanced April 2025)
For blocks that cannot be retrofitted due to cost or technical constraints, HDB offers the Lift Access Housing Grant:

Maximizing Your Home's Value: Interior Renovations to Complement NRP

Why Interior Upgrades Matter

As NRP transforms the external environment of your HDB estate, many residents take the opportunity to upgrade their interior living spaces. This creates a comprehensive improvement that maximizes both comfort and property value.

Professional renovation services can help you create interiors that complement the enhanced precinct environment, ensuring your home matches the refreshed surroundings.

Recommended Interior Improvements

Bathroom and Toilet Renovation
Modernize your bathroom with updated fixtures, improved waterproofing, and contemporary designs. Professional toilet renovation services typically start from S$9,990 and include complete overhauls with plumbing upgrades and quality finishes.

➡️ Toilet Renovation Singapore: HDB Packages & Pricing Guide

Kitchen Renovation
Transform your kitchen into a functional, modern space. Quality kitchen renovation packages in Singapore start from S$5,590 and include custom cabinetry, ergonomic layouts, and premium finishes.

➡️ Kitchen Renovation Singapore: Cost, Packages & Ideas Guide

Painting Services
Fresh paint transforms interior spaces and creates cohesion with exterior improvements. Professional painting services for HDB 2-room flats start from S$1,150, with larger flats proportionally priced.

➡️ Painting Services Singapore 2025: HDB & Condo Contractors Guide

Carpentry Works
Custom built-in storage, wardrobes, and furniture maximize space in HDB flats. Quality carpentry services ensure durability and design coherence throughout your home.

➡️ RCS Carpentry Contractor Singapore: Complete Services Guide

Complete HDB Renovation Packages

For comprehensive improvements, consider complete renovation packages that coordinate all works efficiently:

3-Room HDB Renovation
Complete 3-room HDB renovation packages in Singapore offer comprehensive solutions including flooring, electrical works, bathroom and kitchen upgrades, painting, and carpentry.

➡️ 3-Room HDB Renovation Package Singapore 2026

5-Room HDB Renovation
Larger 5-room HDB renovation packages start from S$7,490 for BTO units and S$24,490 for resale units, depending on scope and condition.

➡️ 5-Room HDB Renovation Package Singapore 2026

Detailed Pricing Information
For transparent cost breakdowns across all flat types and renovation scopes:

➡️ HDB Renovation Price List 2025: Real Costs Revealed

Choosing a Reliable Renovation Contractor

When selecting renovation services to complement NRP improvements, consider:

Essential Credentials

• Valid HDB contractor licensing (verify via HDB Directory of Renovation Contractors)

• BCA registration for relevant works

• Comprehensive insurance coverage

• Transparent pricing without hidden charges

Service Quality Indicators

• Portfolio of completed HDB projects

• Clear project management processes

• Written warranties on completed works

• Professional communication and client testimonials

➡️ Professional Consultation: RCS Renovation Contractor Singapore

Official Resources and External Links

For authoritative information on NRP and related programmes, consult these official government sources:

HDB Official Resources

• Check Your Block's Upgrading Status - Verify NRP, HIP, LUP announcements

• HDB Directory of Renovation Contractors - Verify contractor credentials

Ministry of National Development (MND)

• Rejuvenating Our Towns & Estates - Official estate renewal information

Government Explainers

• Home Improvement Programme Guide - Comprehensive HIP information

• 5 Things to Know About HIP - Quick HIP overview

Age Well SG

• Senior-Friendly Living Environment - Aging-in-place initiatives and NRP senior enhancements

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does NRP take to complete?

NRP projects typically take 2-4 years from announcement to completion, depending on the scope of works and number of blocks involved. The construction phase usually spans 12-24 months.

Do residents pay for NRP works?

No. NRP is fully funded by the government. Residents do not pay any costs for the upgrading works.

Can residents reject NRP?

Yes. NRP requires at least 75% support from eligible flat owners during the consensus gathering exercise. If this threshold is not met, the project may be revised or postponed.

How is NRP different from HIP?

NRP focuses on block surroundings and precinct-level improvements (external areas), while HIP focuses on improvements within individual flats (internal areas). Both programmes can benefit the same precinct at different times.

Will NRP increase my flat's value?

While individual property values depend on multiple factors, improved precinct amenities and aesthetics generally contribute positively to the desirability and value of flats in the area.

How do I know if my block is eligible for NRP?

Check the HDB Upgrading Status Portal to see if your block has been announced for any upgrading programmes including NRP.

When will blocks built after 1999 be eligible?

Currently, NRP covers blocks built up to 1999. Future expansion will be announced by HDB and MND. The programme typically expands eligibility every few years based on block age and upgrading needs.

What is the Silver Upgrading Programme (SUP)?

SUP is a complementary programme launched in 2024 for precincts with higher densities of seniors that have already undergone previous upgrading. It focuses specifically on senior-friendly enhancements and will be progressively rolled out until 2029.

Important Disclaimer

General Information Only: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. While comprehensive research has been conducted to ensure accuracy as of December 2025, readers should not rely solely on this content for major financial, property, or construction decisions.

Subject to Change: Programme details, eligibility criteria, funding amounts, timelines, and implementation schedules are subject to change by HDB, MND, and relevant government agencies. Always verify current information directly with official sources before making decisions.

Professional Advice Recommended: Individual circumstances vary significantly. Consultation with qualified professionals including licensed contractors, financial advisors, and relevant government agencies is strongly recommended before undertaking any renovation or property-related decisions.

No Warranty: The author and publisher make no warranties or representations regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or fitness of this information for specific purposes. Any reliance on the information provided is at the reader's own risk.

Advertising Disclosure: This article contains links to third-party renovation service providers. These links are provided for reader convenience and informational purposes. Readers should conduct their own due diligence when engaging any service provider.

Not Government Affiliated: This article is not produced by, endorsed by, or affiliated with HDB, MND, or any Singapore government agency. For official information, always refer to government websites and publications linked above.