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The Housing Bureau announced today (17) that the second phase of applications for "minimalist public housing" will officially start on February 24. The application opens this time for four major projects: Kai Tak World Win Road (Phase 1), Tuen Mun Ching Fuk Lane (Tuen Mun Area 3A), Kwun Tong Shun On Road (School Conversion) and Sheung Shui Choi Yuen Road (School Conversion), providing a total of approximately 5,060 units, which are expected to be arranged in phases from the fourth quarter of this year.
Priority application mechanism
Eligible applicants will receive application forms from the Housing Department before February 24. Applications submitted between February 24 and March 17 will enjoy priority processing, and those who have already applied in the first phase do not need to submit again.
A spokesman for the Housing Department pointed out that the response to the first round of applications was enthusiastic, and as of mid-February this year (2024), a total of more than 14,200 applications had been received. Currently, the project operation teams for Yau Pok Road, Yuen Long and Choi Hing Road, Ngau Tau Kok are making full preparations for move-in. The Yau Pok Road project is expected to arrange for qualified applicants to move in in phases starting from March.
Application Data Highlights
The Kai Tak World Fortune Avenue project is close to the MTR Kai Tak Station, a 10-minute walk away. There are community halls, gymnasiums and large shopping malls in the surrounding area. The project covers units for 1-2 to 4-5 persons, with monthly rents ranging from HK$860 to HK$2,650. The Siu Lam project in Tuen Mun offers 1,850 units, mainly small and medium-sized units.
The two old school renovation projects have their own characteristics: the Shun On Street project in Kwun Tong is close to the Ngau Tau Kok Market and Amoy Plaza, and is a 5-minute walk from the MTR station; the Lin Tong Mei project in Sheung Shui is surrounded by multiple bus routes, which take 15 minutes to reach the MTR Sheung Shui Station. The monthly rent for the two renovation projects is HK$860-1,570, which is more than 60% lower than the market price.
Application mechanism optimized, family priority
Housing Secretary Ho Wing-yin stressed that this round of applications will give priority to "early bird applications" submitted between February 24 and March 17, and eligible families will be allocated as early as the fourth quarter of this year. The application qualifications remain the same as the current standards. Those who have been waiting for public housing for three years can apply, and families with minor children or newborns will be given additional points.
Analysis of the four major advantages
The spokesperson stressed that this phase of the project has the following characteristics:
- Diversified regions: covering many areas in Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories
- Rent discount: Only 90% of the rent of public housing in the same district
- Subsidy: Provide relocation cost support
- Complete supporting facilities: The living environment is far better than inappropriate housing such as subdivided flats
Useful Information
Application date: Opens on February 26, 2024
Application channel: Housing Bureau official website online system
Rental standard: about the same area private rental 10%-30%
Lease term: Maximum of 5 years or when allocated traditional public housing
Quick overview of application points
Priority qualification: General households who have been waiting for public housing for more than 3 years
Collection time:
- Priority processing period: 2/24-3/17
- Continuous acceptance period: March 18 onwards
- Delivery method:
- Mailing: PO Box 28222, Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
- Personal voting:
✓ HA Customer Service Centre, 3 Wang Tau Hom South Road
✓ Room 801, 8/F, Tax Building - Electronic application: Those with a Smart+ account can scan the QR code to apply online
Details of the four major projects
Kai Tak World Fortune Avenue (Phase 1)
▸ Number of units: 2,970 (1-5 person units)
▸ Transportation hub: MTR Kai Tak Station is within walking distance, with multiple bus lines connecting
▸ Monthly rent range: HK$1,310-2,990
?Ching Fuk Lane, Tuen Mun (Zone 3A)
▸ Number of units: 1,850
▸ Rail advantage: Next to Qingsong Light Rail Station, with a complete bus network
▸ Monthly rent range: HK$860-1,990
?Shun On Road, Kwun Tong (School Building Reconstruction)
▸ Number of units: 130
▸ Transportation: 5 minutes walk to Suncheon Bus Terminal
▸ Monthly rent range: HK$1,360-3,270
?Caiyuan Road, Sheung Shui (school building reconstruction)
▸ Number of units: 110
▸ Regional hub: 12 minutes to Sheung Shui Station interchange network
▸ Monthly rent range: HK$1,020-2,320
Special reminder
- The rent is calculated based on 90% of the rent of new public housing in the same district and will be adjusted as the rent of public housing is reviewed.
- Due to the limitations of the original structure, the area of some units in the school building reconstruction project may be slightly adjusted
The public may refer to the “Simplified Public Housing Promotional Booklet” or visit the official website (www.hb.gov.hk/en/lph) for details. They may also call 3464 0700 or email lphapp@hb.gov.hk for enquiries.
FAQ
What is a minimalist public housing estate?
"Minimal public housing" is an innovative housing policy proposed by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in the 2022 Policy Address and is a transitional social housing project. Its core spirit is reflected in three major characteristics:
1️⃣ Quick-acting construction system
The "Modular Integrated Construction" (MiC) method is adopted, and the construction period is greatly shortened through prefabricated components. Compared with traditional public housing, the construction time can be shortened by about 40%, achieving the efficient goal of "one year for project approval and three years for occupancy".
2️⃣ Economical and practical
Unit area: 10-31 square meters (about 107-333 square feet)
Unit configuration: 1 to 5 people, equipped with independent bathroom and basic kitchen space
Rental standard: Only about 90% of traditional public housing, the benchmark price in 2023 is HK$570-2,650 per month
3️⃣ Accurate support positioning
Priority will be given to resettling three types of households:
✓ Those who have been waiting for public housing for more than three years
✓ Living in inappropriate housing (subdivided flats/board houses/rooftop houses)
✓ Families in urgent need of improving their living environment
How long can you live in a simple public housing estate?
The maximum period of residence is five years
When will the Housing Department's cash subsidy be disbursed?
The monthly cash allowance will be paid at the end of each month via bank transfer based on the bank account information provided by the applicant in the application form.
The amount of the first payment will cover all payable allowances from the start month of the allowance calculation to the month of the first actual payment.
Does the simple public housing have air conditioning?
The original plan was to equip the building with air conditioning, water heaters and exhaust fans, but the air conditioning configuration was later cancelled due to cost considerations.
Simple public housing
Construction method: circuit pipeline exposed construction
Space planning: fixed pattern cannot be changed
Life function: lack of extended clothes drying rack
Bathroom configuration: Shower space is relatively cramped
Cooking method: Only use electrical appliances
Space limitations
The pipelines are laid in open pipes, and wall modification is prohibited
Renovation works (including painting and drilling) are strictly prohibited
Only curtains are allowed for space separation
Indoor clothes drying rack is set in the kitchen area
The bathroom space is not designed to separate wet and dry areas
Open flame cooking is prohibited
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