HONG KONG — In the densely populated and land-limited city of Hong Kong, vast numbers of individuals reside in cramped quarters that have been created by partitioning larger apartments. These subdivided living spaces are often smaller than a typical parking spot. While such arrangements offer an affordable solution for students and families with limited income, they frequently result in discomfort, with residents struggling in confined and sometimes subpar environments.
The local government has set forth a plan to introduce regulations aimed at establishing minimum standards for these types of housing units. However, many residents and advocates representing marginalized communities are concerned that such regulations could lead to increased rents, rendering it even more challenging to maintain a foothold in the city. Ultimately, the government, under directive from Beijing, intends to eradicate subdivided apartments within a 25-year time frame.
Officials are working to enact these regulations within the upcoming year. Once implemented, landlords will receive a grace period to upgrade their properties to comply with the new standards. The government has committed to offering support to residents impacted by these changes, promising to implement the policy gradually to alleviate potential panic among those affected.
Some key figures reflecting the living conditions in the city and the implications of the proposed regulations include the following:
7.5 million – This is the projected population of Hong Kong by mid-2024.
80 square kilometers (31 square miles) – This represents the amount of land utilized for housing in this densely populated region, as reported by the city’s planning department.
110,000 – The total number of living units that have emerged from subdivided apartments.
220,000 – The estimated population residing in these subdivided units.
10 square meters (110 square feet) – The median size of these carved-out units; notably, approximately 25% of these homes are under eight square meters (86 square feet), which is the minimum size stipulated in the proposed regulations.
12.5 square meters (135 square feet) – This figure represents the standard dimensions of a parking space in Hong Kong.
$640 – The median monthly rent for a unit within a subdivided apartment, equivalent to around 5,000 Hong Kong dollars.
33,000 – This is the estimated number of units that would require significant renovations to comply with the new rules.
2049 – The target year set by China’s central government for Hong Kong to completely eliminate subdivided housing units, coinciding with the centennial of communist rule in China.
