Singapore is ageing, and the most common serious accident for older people at home is a fall — most often in the bathroom. HDB's Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme exists to reduce that risk, and it subsidises most of the cost. If you are renovating a home where an older family member lives, it is worth folding EASE into the plan rather than paying privately for the same fittings.

What EASE covers

EASE subsidises senior-friendly fittings that make a home safer to move around:

  • Grab bars — a first set of 8 to 10 grab bars for the main toilet and other parts of the flat, and a second set of up to 6 for a second toilet where it is technically feasible;
  • Slip-resistant treatment of existing floor tiles in bathrooms;
  • Ramps to smooth out steps and thresholds.

How much is subsidised

The subsidy is generous and scaled by flat type. For HDB flats, the household pays only a small share of the cost:

  • 1-, 2- and 3-room flats pay 5% — a 95% subsidy;
  • 4-room flats pay 7.5% — a 92.5% subsidy;
  • 5-room and larger flats pay 10% — a 90% subsidy.

Who qualifies

To apply directly for EASE, the household should have a family member aged 65 or above. Those aged 60 to 64 who need assistance with one or more Activities of Daily Living can also qualify. EASE is also offered as part of the Home Improvement Programme when a block undergoes HIP.

New: EASE is expanding to private property

From 1 April 2026, the programme is being extended to private residential properties for three years, to 2028. Eligible private property owners can receive S$1,200 in vouchers, subsidising 75% of the cost of similar senior-friendly fittings. This is new, so the details are worth confirming on the official channels when you apply.

Designing for ageing, beyond the grant

EASE covers the essentials, but ageing-friendly design goes further and is worth building in while you are renovating anyway: a level or ramped shower threshold instead of a step to climb over, lever handles rather than knobs for arthritic hands, storage kept between hip and shoulder height so there is no bending or reaching, and considerably more light — older eyes need much more of it, especially on stairs, in corridors and at the bathroom. None of these cost much when designed in from the start; all of them are expensive and disruptive to retrofit later.

Sources

Figures in this article were checked in October 2026 against the pages below. Schemes, rules and rates change — please confirm the current position before relying on them.

This is general information about renovating in Singapore, not legal advice. GoDesign is not a law firm. For a dispute or anything turning on your specific circumstances, consult a qualified practitioner.