Hong Kong urged to boost private housing supply as student demand jumps 45%
Hong Kong authorities are facing calls to increase the proportion of private housing in selected districts and work more closely with developers to expand accommodation for non-local students. The government forecasts annual demand for non-local student housing at 2,310 flats over the next decade, 45 per cent higher than last year’s estimate, according to the latest Long-Term Housing Strategy…
Hong Kong officials are being urged to boost private housing supply in selected districts to accommodate a projected 45% increase in non-local student demand over the next decade. The government anticipates approximately 2,310 such flats will be needed annually, up from last year's estimate, according to the latest Long-Term Housing Strategy progress report.
The Housing Bureau attributes the higher projection to an average annual rise in non-local student visas, from 7,100 in 2016-17 to 2025-26, with roughly 65% of these students not residing in university-provided halls or hostels. This comes as five public universities in Hong Kong are ranked among the top 100 globally. Lawmaker Scott Leung Man-kwong expressed concern that limited housing options may drive up rents and place strain on local residents, particularly in districts near universities.
He suggested universities collaborate with property agents to recommend affordable flats in alternative locations with good transport links. The current housing supply ratio is 7:3 public-to-private. Lawmaker Leung proposed raising the private proportion in certain districts, while Professor Joshua Mok Ka-ho of Hang Seng University of Hong Kong emphasized the need for the government to ease policies to encourage developers to create student accommodation.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post - Hong Kong's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
