First batch of light public housing opens for applications from June 24

Hong Kong’s first batch of light public housing will be open for applications starting June 24, covering two projects at Yau Pok Road, Yuen Long, and Choi Hing Road, Ngau Tau Kok. They will provide some 4,440 units for gradual intake anticipated from the first quarter of 2025 onwards.

The monthly rent of the smallest two-person flat at the Yau Pok Road estate would be HK$740, and that of a four-person flat at the Choi Hing Road estate would be HK$2,650. 

Around 85,000 people eligible to apply for the light public flats will receive the application forms by post on or before June 24 sent by the Housing Bureau. Priority will be given to those who return the application letter before July 15 and the bureau will notify the successful applicants in the fourth quarter of this year.

Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin said on Thursday that the primary purpose of the light public housing is to assist households living in poor conditions and have been on the public housing waiting list for three years or more.

The allocation of units will be based on a point-based system, where each applicant starts with a base score of 100 points.

Applicants will then be awarded points based on four factors. They include poor living conditions, such as rooftop structures and sub-divided units; applicants' physical conditions, including those with disabilities or health problems; family conditions, such as those with elderly or newborn babies; and those who selected public housing projects in the New Territories or extended urban areas like Tuen Mun.

Ho said the light public flats are better than the sub-divided units because every household has windows and its own toilet.

She also noted that there are small shops, launderettes, activity rooms, and community service facilities for the convenience of residents.