Letters | When small is not beautiful: a lifetime in a nano flat can’t be the answer to Hong Kong’s housing crisis

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An exhibit representing a nano flat, displayed by the Hong Kong Subdivided Flats Concerning Platform in Causeway Bay in January 2019. Photo: Nora Tam

Published: 7:00am, 9 Jan 2021Updated: 7:00am, 9 Jan 2021

I am writing in response to “Rise of nano flats in Hong Kong has led to fall in living standards, with government policies to blame, land use group says” (January 4). There is no doubt that a large number of flats of less than 260 sq ft will relieve the housing shortage in the short term. However, this cannot be the long-term solution to the housing problem.

The housing crisis in Hong Kong is severe, as only a fraction of its land is available for development. Because of wealthy overseas buyers, the high land price policy and market forces, many ordinary Hongkongers can hardly afford a home. Hence the government is focusing on quantity over quality, by boosting the supply with smaller units while also developing land resources like with the North East New Territories plans.

For some families that cannot afford larger units sold by private developers but long for their own home, a nano flat is a good compromise; at least they would not need to jostle for space with elderly parents or in subdivided flats. The smaller size translates to relatively lower prices in total, and that explains the great demand for them. The Hong Kong government has noted this trend, but has no plans to address any impact on the quality of living.

However, for anyone to have to live in a nano flat for life is a tragedy, which the government should not allow to happen. Nano flats should only be allowed as a temporary measure, or transitional housing. In future, if and when the government has enough land to provide flats of suitable sizes at suitable costs for residents, all nano flats will then need to be rebuilt.

Nano flats are useful in addressing the housing problem. Yet, their number should be kept within an acceptable range. The Hong Kong government should train its sights on brownfield sites and redevelop old districts to release more land for housing.

Jerry Ng, Tseung Kwan O

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Letters | When small is not beautiful: a lifetime in a nano flat can’t be the answer to Hong Kong’s housing crisis