Macao

🏢

Public Housing

Sections

1. Overview of Public Housing in Macao

Public housing in Macao is divided into two main categories:

  1. Social Housing (Habitação Social): Subsidized rental housing for low-income residents who cannot afford private housing.
  2. Economic Housing (Habitação Económica): Affordable housing units sold at below-market prices to eligible middle-income residents.

These programs aim to address the housing needs of Macao’s permanent residents, particularly those who face financial difficulties or are unable to purchase or rent housing in the private market.

2. Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility requirements differ for Social Housing and Economic Housing. Below are the details for each:

A. Social Housing (Rental Housing)

To qualify for Social Housing, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Residency: At least one family member must be a permanent resident of Macao.
  • Income Limits: The total household income must fall below the specified threshold, which varies depending on the number of family members. For example:
    • Single-person household: MOP 19,350/month (as of 2023).
    • Two-person household: MOP 29,000/month.
    • Three-person household: MOP 36,000/month.
    • (Thresholds increase with household size.)
  • Asset Limits: The total household assets (e.g., savings, property) must not exceed the specified limit.
  • Housing Status: Applicants must not own property in Macao or have access to adequate housing.

B. Economic Housing (Affordable Home Ownership)

To qualify for Economic Housing, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Residency: At least one family member must be a permanent resident of Macao.
  • Income Limits: The household income must fall within a specific range, which is higher than the limits for Social Housing. For example:
    • Single-person household: MOP 19,350–38,700/month.
    • Two-person household: MOP 29,000–58,000/month.
    • (Thresholds increase with household size.)
  • Asset Limits: The household’s total assets must not exceed the specified limit.
  • Housing Status: Applicants must not own property in Macao or have purchased Economic Housing in the past.

3. Application Procedures

The application process for both Social Housing and Economic Housing involves several steps:

A. Social Housing Application

  1. Obtain the Application Form:
    • Forms are available at the Housing Bureau (IH) offices or can be downloaded from their official website.
  2. Prepare Required Documents:
    • Identification documents (e.g., Macao Resident Identity Card).
    • Proof of income (e.g., salary slips, tax returns).
    • Proof of assets (e.g., bank statements).
    • Proof of current housing situation (e.g., rental agreement, declaration of no property ownership).
  3. Submit the Application:
    • Applications can be submitted in person at the Housing Bureau or online through the IH website.
  4. Assessment and Verification:
    • The Housing Bureau will review the application, verify the documents, and conduct a home visit if necessary.
  5. Notification of Results:
    • Applicants will be informed of the outcome. If approved, they will be placed on a waiting list for housing allocation.

B. Economic Housing Application

  1. Wait for Application Periods:
    • Economic Housing applications are only accepted during specific periods announced by the Housing Bureau.
  2. Obtain the Application Form:
    • Forms are available at the Housing Bureau or online.
  3. Prepare Required Documents:
    • Similar to Social Housing, including proof of income, assets, and housing status.
  4. Submit the Application:
    • Applications must be submitted during the designated period, either in person or online.
  5. Lottery System:
    • If the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available units, a lottery system is used to determine allocation.
  6. Purchase Agreement:
    • Successful applicants can purchase the unit at a subsidized price.

4. Associated Costs

  • Social Housing: Rent is heavily subsidized and determined based on household income. For example:
    • Low-income households may pay as little as MOP 200–1,000/month.
  • Economic Housing: Prices are set by the government and are significantly lower than market rates. For example:
    • A two-bedroom unit may cost around MOP 1.5–2 million, compared to MOP 4–5 million in the private market.

5. Types of Housing Available

  • Social Housing: Typically consists of small apartments with basic amenities. Units are located in designated public housing estates across Macao.
  • Economic Housing: Includes larger apartments with better facilities, designed for long-term ownership. These units are also located in specific housing estates.

6. Relevant Government Departments

The following government departments are involved in the public housing process:

  • Housing Bureau of Macao (Instituto de Habitação, IH):
    • Website: www.ihm.gov.mo
    • Address: Avenida da Praia Grande, No. 804, Edifício China Plaza, 6th Floor, Macao.
    • Phone: +853 2859 4875
  • Social Welfare Bureau (Instituto de Acção Social, IAS):
    • Provides additional support for low-income families applying for Social Housing.

7. Local Considerations and Cultural Factors

  • High Demand and Waiting Times: Due to the limited availability of public housing, waiting times can be long, especially for Social Housing. Applicants should be prepared for delays.
  • Family-Oriented Culture: Macao’s housing policies prioritize families, so larger households may receive higher priority in the allocation process.
  • Language: Application forms and official documents are typically available in Chinese (Traditional) and Portuguese. Assistance in English may be limited, so it’s advisable to seek help from a local resident or translator if needed.
  • Community Living: Public housing estates often foster a strong sense of community, with shared facilities and events. Residents are encouraged to participate in community activities.

8. Tips for Applicants

  • Stay Updated: Regularly check the Housing Bureau’s website or announcements for updates on application periods and policy changes.
  • Prepare Documents Early: Ensure all required documents are complete and up-to-date to avoid delays in the application process.
  • Seek Assistance: If you are unfamiliar with the process, consider seeking help from local NGOs or community organizations that assist with housing applications.

By following the above guidelines, you can navigate the public housing system in Macao effectively. If you have further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask!