Hong Kong Youth Hostel Scheme: Application, Rent, Features

With the high pressure of purchasing properties, many young people in Hong Kong choose to rent homes. But how can one find cheaper rental options in Hong Kong? In fact, the Hong Kong Government has launched the "Youth Hostel Scheme" to help young people aged 18-30 rent homes at 60% below the market rental rate. Let’s dive into the 6 Youth Hostels and learn more about How to apply? What are the requirements? What is the rent? What are their features?

What is the Youth Hostel Scheme (YHS)?

In response to the demand for private living space by working youth and to further develop the potential of unused land, the Hong Kong Government proposed the Youth Hostel Scheme (YHS) in the 2011-12 Policy Address. This scheme is government-funded and collaborates with non-governmental organizations to build youth housing facilities. Some projects have transformed hotels or guesthouses into youth hostels. These facilities are managed and operated independently by non-governmental organizations.

Youth hostel projects set rent at no more than 60% of the market rent for similar units nearby. The first lease term is at least two years, with some projects allowing renewal, for a total lease period of no more than five years. Applicants must be Hong Kong permanent residents aged 18 to 30, provide employment proof, self-employed or salaried, and pass an income and asset review at the time of application, while not owning any residential property in Hong Kong.

Here are six major youth hostel projects in Hong Kong. Let's take a look at each project's accommodation, rent, lease terms, application requirements, and features to help you choose the right project for yourself.

Po Leung Kuk Lee Shau Kee Youth Oasis

• Location: 18 Tai Shu Ha West Road, Yuen Long
• Accommodation: 1,680 hostel places
• Rent: 50% of market value rent. Single rooms: HK$2,950 to HK$3,750; Double rooms: HK$3,100 to HK$4,200
• Lease: Initial lease term of 2 years, up to a maximum of 5 years
• Application Requirements:
  • 18 to 30-year-old employed youth, Hong Kong permanent residents, not owning any residential property
  • Single applicant monthly income cap of HK$26,000, total assets not exceeding HK$390,000
  • Double applicant monthly income cap of HK$52,000, total assets not exceeding HK$780,000
  • Public housing waitlist applicants can also apply, no need to give up public and transitional housing application
• Features: A 3-minute walk to public bus and minibus stations, rooms include a private bathroom, shared spaces include a library, outdoor basketball court, etc.
• Application website: https://youthoasis.poleungkuk.org.hk/HAP/Info/UnitIndex?UnitCode=Y-LSKYO

Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups - PH2 Youth Hostel

• Location: 2 Po Heung Street, Tai Po Market
• Accommodation: 80 hostel places
• Rent: HK$4,248 to HK$8,711, including rates, ground rent, and management fees
• Lease: Requires payment of two months' deposit, plus one month's rent and a HK$500 utility deposit
• Application Requirements:
  • 18 to 30-year-old employed youth, Hong Kong permanent residents, not owning any residential property
  • Single applicant monthly income cap of HK$26,000, total assets not exceeding HK$390,000
  • Double applicant monthly income cap of HK$52,000, total assets not exceeding HK$780,000
  • Public housing waitlist applicants can also apply, no need to give up public and transitional housing application
• Features: Each room includes basic furniture and bathroom facilities, with shared spaces such as a laundry room, kitchen, activity room, green area, and relaxation area
• Application website: https://ph2.hkfyg.org.hk/

The Y.Elites Association - Home2 Youth Hostel

• Location: 8 Yeung Uk Road, Tsuen Wan, near Tsuen Wan West MTR Station
• Accommodation: 200 hostel places
• Rent: HK$4,680 to HK$4,980 per bed, including utilities and broadband internet
• Application Requirements:
  • Must be 18 to 30-year-old employed youth, Hong Kong permanent residents, not owning any residential property
  • Single applicant income cap of HK$26,000, asset cap of HK$390,000
  • Double applicant income level cannot exceed twice that of a single applicant, asset cap of HK$780,000
  • Community contribution required, calculated by participation in activities, at least 200 Life Points per year
  • Public housing waitlist applicants can also apply, no need to give up public and transitional housing application
  • No previous stay in another youth hostel scheme for more than three years
• Features: Well-equipped living facilities, connected to malls like Citywalk, Tsuen Wan Plaza, and Tsuen Kam Centre, offers career planning and community involvement activities
• Application website: https://home2yh.hk/registration/web/index.php?lang=en

Hong Kong United Youth Association - BeLIVING Youth Hub

• Location: 39 Morrison Hill Road, Causeway Bay, near Times Square
• Accommodation: 194 hostel places
• Rent: Room sizes range from 176 sq ft to 324 sq ft, HK$3,800 to HK$4,800
• Lease: Initial lease term of 2 years, up to a maximum of 5 years
• Application Requirements:
  • 18 to 30-year-old employed youth, Hong Kong permanent residents, not owning any residential property
  • Single applicant monthly income cap of HK$25,000, total assets not exceeding HK$380,000
  • Double applicant monthly income cap of HK$50,000, total assets not exceeding HK$760,000
  • Community service required, at least 200 hours per year
  • Public housing waitlist applicants can also apply, no need to give up public and transitional housing application
  • No previous stay in another youth hostel scheme for more than three years
• Features: Located in the center of Causeway Bay, convenient transportation, community or volunteer service requirements
• Application website: https://www.belivingyouthhub.com/

Lady Lau Memorial Charitable Foundation Limited - Joseph’s House Study Lodge

• Location: 86 and 88 Apliu Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon
• Accommodation: 84 hostel places
• Rent: Each room offers two hostel places, average rent HK$3,000, including water, electricity, wireless fees, rates, ground rent, and management fees.
• Application Requirements:
  • 18 to 30-year-old employed youth, Hong Kong permanent residents, not owning any residential property
  • Single applicant income cap of HK$26,000, asset cap of HK$390,000
  • Double applicant income level cannot exceed twice that of a single applicant, asset cap of HK$780,000
  • Public housing waitlist applicants can also apply, no need to give up public and transitional housing application
  • No previous stay in another youth hostel scheme for more than three years
• Features: Located in the city center, convenient transportation, community or volunteer service requirements
• Application website: https://www.josephshouse.hk/

Tung Wah Group of Hospitals - Fortune Loft Youth Co-living Space

• Location: 4/F & 5/F, No. 56 Fuk Tsun Street and No. 1 Lime Street, Tai Kok Tsui, Kowloon
• Accommodation: 40 hostel places
• Rent: HK$3,000
• Application Requirements:
  • 18 to 30-year-old employed youth, Hong Kong permanent residents, not owning any property
  • Single applicant income cap of HK$26,000, asset cap of HK$390,000
• Features: Implements a "Savings Plan" and a "Good Neighbor Plan," promoting savings habits and active community service participation. The "Savings Plan" gives residents an additional HK$100 for every HK$300 saved, up to a maximum of HK$1,200 per month, which is fully paid out at the end of the lease. In case of unemployment, emergency medical expenses, or other special reasons, part of the savings can be withdrawn. The "Good Neighbor Plan" requires 30 hours of community service per year.
• Application website: http://www.tungwahcsd.org/en/our-services/social-enterprises-and-social-innovation/social-innovation/CO-LIVING/introduction;category/13

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Although the YHS project has reasonable rents and requirements, the number of accommodations is limited and cannot meet the demand of Hong Kong youth for affordable rentals.

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