Over 10,000 vie for new public housing program to improve living environment
At least 10,119 applicants are contending for about 4,400 units in the government’s maiden Light Public Housing initiative, which closed its application period on Monday.
Local media reported a last-minute rush of some 500 submissions, with many applicants saying they are currently residing in subdivided flats and seeking to improve their living conditions through this new public housing option.
READ MORE: Over 10,100 HK people scramble for 4,400 light public housing units
Highlighting the “overwhelming” response, Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin on Sunday urged eligible residents — who have been waiting for traditional public rental housing for at least three years — to file their applications by the Monday deadline. Applications received from June 24 to the closing date will be prioritized.
Successful applicants will be able to move into their new homes — in Yuen Long’s Yau Pok Road and Ngau Tau Kok’s Choi Hing Road — as early as the first quarter of 2025, with monthly rents ranging from HK$740 ($94.80) to HK$2,650 based on the unit size.
Those who choose to move into LPH units will retain their place on the waiting list for traditional public rental housing.
During a Saturday session, Ho, accompanied by lawmakers and district councilors, briefed Tsuen Wan residents on the application procedures.
Ho said many people had expressed an interest in applying for LPH units to improve their living conditions, though some were concerned about adapting to new environments.
Ho told residents that the mature community infrastructure and support from social workers will help them relocate smoothly.
She emphasized the advantages of LPH units, including the provision of essential amenities that could greatly benefit family members of all ages. The well-equipped flat could offer children from subdivided units their first proper study desk, and provide families a common space to dine together, she said.
Each LPH unit includes a private restroom, shower, cooking area, water heater and exhaust fan. Unit sizes vary, ranging from around 13 square meters for one or two people, to 25 sq m for three or four people, and 31 sq m for households of four or five.
ALSO READ: 30,200 HK public rental housing flats offered
The Light Public Housing program was launched as part of Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s 2022 Policy Address, aimed at addressing the short-term public housing shortage and improving the living conditions of those residing in inadequate housing. The initiative aims to create over 30,000 units by 2028.
These transitional homes are being built on government-owned land and private land that has not been designated for long-term development, using the Modular Integrated Construction approach to expedite the construction time.
A total of four first-phase projects are underway, with two other sites located at Tuen Mun Area 3A and Olympic Avenue in Kai Tak, expected to be completed by September 2026.
