Most owners seek Basic Housing Unit compliance

Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho announced on Saturday that the majority of owners of subdivided units have submitted applications for recognition under the Basic Housing Unit regime since registration began in March. Speaking on a radio program, Ho expressed that the situation was more positive than anticipated, as she had initially anticipated that most would opt to register only towards the end of a 12-month grace period allowed for registration.

According to Ho, if the total number of subdivided units is used as a reference point of nearly 110,000, roughly 73,800 applications have already been received, accounting for nearly 70 percent of the expected number. She emphasized that all homeowners are encouraged to register, regardless of their intentions to continue operating in the future. Ho stressed, "Get registered first."

For those who registered within the 12-month grace period, they are granted an additional 36 months to fulfill any necessary requirements to meet the new standards for a basic housing unit. These requirements include a minimum size of eight square meters, individual toilets, and windows. So far, 42 units have already obtained the recognition.

Regarding the city's overall housing supply over the next decade, Ho highlighted the significance of the Northern Metropolis in the overall plan. She predicted that the Northern Metropolis could contribute approximately 40 percent of the total housing figure. To achieve this, over 5,000 flats could potentially be constructed on each plot of land within the mega project.

Ho explained that the Northern Metropolis allows for a greater number of homes to be built at lower costs compared to urban areas, where land levelling work tends to be more challenging.