HongKong

๐Ÿข

Public Housing

Sections

Overview of Public Housing in Hong Kong

Public housing in Hong Kong is managed by the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA) and the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS). It is designed to provide affordable housing for residents who cannot afford private housing. Public housing is divided into two main categories:

  1. Public Rental Housing (PRH):

    • Provides affordable rental flats for low-income families.
    • Rent is heavily subsidized and based on household income.

  2. Home Ownership Scheme (HOS):

    • Allows eligible residents to purchase subsidized flats at below-market prices.
    • Aimed at helping middle-income families transition from renting to homeownership.

Categories of Public Housing

  1. Public Rental Housing (PRH):

    • Flats are located in public housing estates across Hong Kong.
    • Designed for long-term rental at affordable rates.

  2. Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme (GSH):

    • A subcategory of HOS, offering subsidized flats for PRH tenants and eligible Green Form applicants.

  3. Home Ownership Scheme (HOS):

    • Flats are sold at discounted prices to eligible applicants.
    • Buyers can resell the flats in the open market after a certain period, subject to restrictions.

  4. Interim Housing:

    • Temporary housing for people in urgent need, such as those displaced by natural disasters or redevelopment projects.

  5. Tenants Purchase Scheme (TPS):

    • Allows PRH tenants to purchase their rental flats at discounted prices.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for public housing in Hong Kong depends on several factors, including income, assets, residency status, and family composition. Below are the general criteria:

Public Rental Housing (PRH):

  1. Residency:

    • At least one family member must be a Hong Kong Permanent Resident.
    • All family members must reside in Hong Kong.

  2. Income Limits:

    • Monthly household income must not exceed the prescribed limits set by the HKHA. (As of 2023, the income limit for a 4-person household is HKD 33,800.)
    • Limits vary based on household size.

  3. Asset Limits:

    • Total household assets must not exceed the prescribed limits. (As of 2023, the asset limit for a 4-person household is HKD 530,000.)

  4. No Property Ownership:

    • Applicants and their family members must not own any residential property in Hong Kong.

Home Ownership Scheme (HOS):

  1. Residency:

    • At least one family member must be a Hong Kong Permanent Resident.

  2. Income and Asset Limits:

    • Higher limits compared to PRH, as it targets middle-income families. (As of 2023, the income limit for a 4-person household is HKD 74,000, and the asset limit is HKD 1.73 million.)

  3. No Property Ownership:

    • Same as PRH.

Costs

  1. Public Rental Housing (PRH):

    • Rent is heavily subsidized and ranges from HKD 300 to HKD 3,000 per month, depending on the size and location of the flat.
    • Rent is reviewed every two years and adjusted based on household income.

  2. Home Ownership Scheme (HOS):

    • Flats are sold at 30-50% below market prices.
    • Prices vary depending on the location, size, and market conditions. For example, a 2-bedroom flat under HOS may cost around HKD 2-4 million.

  3. Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme (GSH):

    • Similar to HOS, but prices are slightly lower as it targets PRH tenants.

Application Procedures

Public Rental Housing (PRH):

  1. Obtain an Application Form:

    • Forms are available online, at Housing Authority offices, or at estate offices.

  2. Submit the Application:

    • Applications can be submitted online or in person.
    • Required documents include proof of income, assets, and residency.

  3. Verification:

    • The Housing Authority will verify the applicantโ€™s eligibility.

  4. Allocation:

    • Once approved, applicants are placed on a waiting list. Flats are allocated based on availability and priority.

Home Ownership Scheme (HOS):

  1. Obtain an Application Form:

    • Forms are available during the sale period announced by the Housing Authority.

  2. Submit the Application:

    • Submit the completed form along with the required documents and an application fee (usually around HKD 200).

  3. Balloting:

    • A lottery system determines the order of flat selection.

  4. Flat Selection:

    • Successful applicants are invited to select a flat based on their ballot number.

Waiting Times

  1. Public Rental Housing (PRH):

    • The average waiting time for general applicants is 5.3 years (as of 2023).
    • Elderly applicants (aged 60 or above) have a shorter waiting time of around 2.9 years.

  2. Home Ownership Scheme (HOS):

    • Waiting time depends on the availability of flats and the applicantโ€™s ballot number.

Local Considerations and Cultural Aspects

  1. High Demand:

    • Public housing is in extremely high demand due to Hong Kongโ€™s housing crisis. Be prepared for long waiting times, especially for PRH.

  2. Family-Oriented System:

    • The public housing system prioritizes families over single applicants. Single-person households may face longer waiting times or lower priority.

  3. Living Space:

    • Flats in public housing estates are generally small, reflecting Hong Kongโ€™s limited land supply. Be prepared for compact living conditions.

  4. Community Living:

    • Public housing estates are designed to foster a sense of community. They often include amenities such as schools, parks, and markets.

  5. Language:

    • Most application forms and procedures are in Chinese (Cantonese). Non-Cantonese speakers may need assistance from a local friend or translator.

  6. Cultural Sensitivity:

    • Hong Kong residents value privacy and cleanliness in shared spaces. Be respectful of neighbors and follow estate rules.

Tips for Navigating the System

  1. Plan Ahead:

    • Start the application process as early as possible due to long waiting times.

  2. Stay Updated:

    • Check the Housing Authorityโ€™s website regularly for updates on income/asset limits and new HOS sales.

  3. Seek Assistance:

    • If youโ€™re unfamiliar with the process, consider seeking help from local NGOs or community centers.

  4. Be Patient:

    • The process can be lengthy, but persistence is key.

Useful Resources

  1. Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA):

  2. Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS):

  3. Social Welfare Department:

    • Provides assistance for urgent housing needs.
    • Website: www.swd.gov.hk

By understanding the public housing system in Hong Kong and preparing accordingly, you can navigate the process more effectively and secure affordable housing in this vibrant city.