Hong Kong's housing crisis continues to escalate, with a recent survey revealing that 30% of young adults would opt to 'lie flat'—a term denoting a withdrawal from the competitive job market—to remain eligible for public housing. This reflects a growing frustration with the city's unaffordable private flats, as 85% of respondents believe this crisis is forcing them to consider such drastic measures. The survey, which included 367 participants aged 18 to 40, found that while 63% view property ownership as crucial, only 33% can afford flats priced under HK$2 million, and merely 20% can manage properties between HK$2 million and HK$2.99 million [f504d916].
In response to the housing crisis, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu criticized the notion of sacrificing income for public flats, advocating for a sustainable housing approach. In his policy address on October 20, 2024, Lee emphasized economic development through initiatives like the Northern Metropolis and announced plans to regulate subdivided flats, proposing a minimum size of 86 square feet (approximately 8 square meters) [12b135a9]. This regulation aims to ensure that only registered units meeting these standards can be leased, with consultations on the requirements set to begin in late 2024.
However, Housing Chief Winnie Ho Wing-yin has faced criticism for the proposed minimum size, deemed unambitious by many. She stated that increasing the minimum size to nine or ten square meters could displace 40-50% of households currently living in subdivided flats, which number over 110,000 in Hong Kong. The government has set a target to eliminate these flats by 2049, as urged by Beijing official Xia Baolong [3917c3a2].
Currently, the average waiting time for public rental flats is 5.5 years, highlighting the urgency of the situation for many residents [f504d916]. The government plans to register landlords by late 2025, allowing a grace period for compliance, while enforcement of regulations may extend beyond 2027, focusing on the worst conditions of subdivided homes [3917c3a2].
Landlords of subdivided flats have expressed concerns regarding the financial burden of complying with new regulations, particularly those requiring them to address defects in their properties. This could lead some landlords to exit the market, exacerbating the housing crisis [8dfbef1e].
In addition to regulatory measures, community initiatives are being introduced to support tenants in subdivided homes. NGOs like Caritas Hong Kong are establishing community living rooms to provide shared spaces and essential services for tenants, with the government allocating HK$100 million for these projects [8dfbef1e].
Mike Rowse, a long-term resident, emphasizes the need for larger flats to retain international talent, arguing that the current high property prices and small living spaces could deter skilled professionals from choosing Hong Kong as their home. He stresses that housing quality and size are critical for the city's future economic growth [d11aa884].
Amidst this crisis, Hong Kong is also witnessing the opening of its first private residence for the elderly, Ventria Residence, set to welcome well-off retirees on November 21, 2024. Located in Happy Valley, this facility offers 168 units ranging from 262 to 695 square feet, targeting affluent seniors aged 60 and above. Residents are required to purchase debentures priced between HK$7 million and HK$18 million, with monthly fees starting at HK$55,000. The residence is designed for healthy seniors and those needing care, including dementia patients. With the elderly population projected to rise from 1.68 million in 2023 to 2.74 million by 2046, there are increasing calls for more affordable housing options for seniors, highlighting the need for collaboration between private developers and the government to address this demographic shift [8d0b92de].
The intersection of these issues reflects a complex housing crisis in Hong Kong, where the aspirations of young adults clash with the harsh realities of the property market, while the needs of an aging population add another layer of complexity. Policymakers must navigate these challenges carefully to create a housing system that is equitable and sustainable for all residents.