Getting Hong Kong developers to build subsidised flats will help, but government must monitor quality, experts say
- Some flats built by private developers decades ago had problems such as cracked walls, sinking land
- Awaiting details of new scheme, developers hope for sweeteners to get them to build subsidised flats
Events officer Yuki Tsang Yuk-fong, 29, and technician Terry Mok, 32, were married in Hong Kong on Tuesday, and celebrated their happy day with family and friends.
Then the newlyweds went their separate ways, returning to their family homes.
They have known each other for more than five years and tried to find a place of their own for two years, but were unsuccessful. They tried for a public subsidised flat but failed twice – applications were oversubscribed by around 32 times when they first applied two years ago, and by 27 times this year.
Explaining why they would keep trying, Tsang said: “We have a slight chance to win the lottery and want to save to pay for our future flat instead of renting.”
They were heartened when Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced last month that his administration would resume working with private developers to build subsidised flats, starting with work on three sites next year.
“With more supply, we may stand a better chance in the lottery,” Tsang said.
Housing experts who spoke to the Post said that in bringing back the scheme, the government must learn from past lessons and ensure the quality of the flats that were built. It might also want to offer more incentives to the private sector to raise the supply of subsidised homes, they said.