Over 1,600 subsidized homes taking applications

Ayra Wang

The Hong Kong Housing Society will open applications for 1,604 subsidized flats across two projects next month, priced 30 percent below market rates, with units going for as low as HK$2.3 million.

Hemma Emerald - with 960 units spanning 302 to 664 square feet, priced from HK$2.49 million to HK$6.37 million - and Hemma Fab - offering 644 units with usable areas between 302 and 616 sq ft, priced between HK$2.3 million and HK$5.47 million - will accept applications from April 1 to 14.

The projects will follow a 40:60 Green Form-White Form quota system. White Form applicants must meet income caps of HK$60,000 per month and HK$1.23 million in assets for families or HK$30,000 per month and HK$615,000 in assets for singles.

Priority will go to residents affected by HKHS redevelopment projects, with 40 percent of flats reserved for families with elderly members or newborns. Ballot results will be released in June and flat selection is set to begin in the fourth quarter. Show flats at HKHS's Cheung Sha Wan office remain open for public viewing until April 14.

Separately, Housing Secretary Winnie Ho announced that subdivided flat owners could pay reduced fees for early registration under the proposed Basic Housing Units scheme, which offers a 12-month registration period plus a 36-month grace period.

The plan includes a six-month "countdown period" barring uncertified units from new leases and relaxes certain standards such as light well ventilation requirements.

The proposal will go to Legco on March 31.