Those renovating homes can sometimes show no consideration for others. Photo: Handout
Source:
https://scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3005700/few-can-be-happy-living-tiny-flats-cost-millions-even-hong-kong Letters
The Hong Kong way of life: self-satisfied days in little more than jail cells
- Counting the imaginary dollars of an asset price inflation can offer only cold comfort to squeezed Hongkongers
As most Hongkongers return to their cramped flats at the end of day, dreams of upsizing or leaving town altogether keep them going. But for how much longer? Photo: AFP
Most of us in Hong Kong live in cramped flats. The government just can’t afford to build affordable spacious housing, it would seem. It’s truly sad how we all love Hong Kong and yet struggle to live in tiny flats worth millions of dollars that bring no real joy of ownership, except the temporary happiness brought by thoughts of price appreciation. How long will price appreciation satisfy us if we continue to be denied the comfort of a decent-sized home?
Honestly speaking, there isn’t much the government can do to tackle the state of housing in Hong Kong. It’s only a matter of time before more Hong Kong families with the means for it begin to wonder whether it’s worth living in a 500 sq ft flat, or putting it up for rent and living a comparatively luxurious life overseas is the better option.
Whether we realise it or not, many of us are voluntarily living in jail cells worth millions, foolishly satisfying ourselves with thoughts of asset appreciation and dreams of upsizing some day.
Rishi Teckchandani, Mid-Levels
Upstairs renovations driving mother up the wall
Yes, it is me again. Only six months after the dreadful renovation in the flat above us, they have started all over again . The owners are redecorating the flat because they couldn’t rent it out and, rather than reduce the rent or whatever, they decided to totally redecorate again.
The landlord lives in Hong Kong, but won’t take calls. No consideration, no care, and we have a baby in the house. How is that even legal or acceptable?
Management can’t do anything about it, although they can hang notices up about not parking straight, obstruction of driveway and doorway by drivers loading or offloading their employers, and about not playing ball in the driveway.
But there is no stopping anyone from renovating twice in six months. Is this the Wild West? No protection, no law – it’s only about the money?
Christina Strong, Jardine’s Lookout