How to Apply for Light Public Housing in Hong Kong?

The first batch of Light Public Housing in Hong Kong is open for applications on June 24, 2024. This scheme aims to provide affordable transitional housing for Hong Kong citizens. A total of 4,400 units are available in Yuen Long and Ngau Tau Kok, with monthly rent starting as low as $740HKD. This article will guide you through the application process, rental costs, facilities, and transportation details of the Yuen Long and Ngau Tau Kok Light Public Housing projects to help those in need apply effectively.

What is the Light Public Housing Scheme?

The Light Public Housing Scheme was proposed by the Hong Kong government in the 2022 Policy Address. The plan is to build 30,000 units within the next five years. These units are primarily targeted at citizens who have been waiting for public housing for more than three years, providing them with a better living environment to escape substandard housing conditions and improve their quality of life.

How to Apply for Light Public Housing in 2024?

Application Period: Applications start on June 24, 2024, and submissions returned by July 15 will receive priority processing. Applications submitted afterward will be processed once the priority batch is completed.

Eligibility Criteria: Eligible applicants include those who have been waiting for public housing for more than three years and citizens living in substandard conditions. The government will send invitation letters to 85,000 eligible individuals.

Application Methods:

• Postal Submission: Applicants can mail the completed application form to the Light Public Housing Task Force Office of the Housing Bureau.
• Electronic Submission: Use the e-Services for Public Rental Housing (PRH) Application.
• Document Drop-off: Applicants can drop their forms at the Light Public Housing Information Station on the second-floor platform of the Housing Authority Customer Service Centre or the document drop-off box at the Wan Chai Revenue Tower.

Additional Points for Priority:

• Living in harsh environments
• Family members include elderly or children
• Poor health condition
• Choosing projects in the New Territories or extended urban areas

Application Results: Results will be announced at the end of 2024.

Yuen Long Youbok Road Project

• Number of Units: Approximately 2,150
• Rental Range: $740 to $1,420 HKD
• Move-in Date: First quarter of 2025
• Facilities: The Yuen Long Youbok Road Light Public Housing project includes shops, self-service laundries, study rooms, and community service facilities, providing basic needs and creating a convenient living environment for residents.
• Transportation: The project is near a bus terminus and minibus stations, offering easy access to Yuen Long town center, Sheung Shui, and the Tai Lam Tunnel interchange. These transport facilities will significantly reduce commuting time and enhance the convenience of residents' daily lives.

Ngau Tau Kok Choi Hing Road Project

• Number of Units: Approximately 2,290
• Rental Range: $1,110 to $2,650 HKD
• Move-in Date: Second quarter of 2025
• Facilities: The Ngau Tau Kok Choi Hing Road Light Public Housing project includes small shops, community service facilities, and self-service laundries, providing comprehensive amenities for residents to enjoy a high quality of life.
• Transportation: The project is close to the Choi Hung MTR station, with multiple bus and minibus routes directly connecting to various parts of Hong Kong. This extensive transportation network ensures that residents can conveniently travel between work and home.

Comparison Between Yuen Long and Ngau Tau Kok Light Public Housing

Rent and Living Environment

Yuen Long Youbok Road Project:

• Monthly rent starts at just $740 HKD , with a maximum of $1,420 HKD, which is significantly lower than similar housing in urban areas.
• The living environment is markedly better than subdivided flats, with each unit in the Light Public Housing featuring independent bathroom facilities and windows, as well as outdoor activity spaces, providing a more comfortable living condition for residents.

Ngau Tau Kok Choi Hing Road Project:

• Monthly rent ranges from $1,110 HKD to $2,650 HKD. Although the rent is relatively higher, it is still far below the prices of similar housing in urban areas.
• The project offers comprehensive living amenities and convenient transportation, providing residents with a high-quality living environment.

Transportation and Convenience

Yuen Long Youbok Road Project:

• The project includes a bus terminus and minibus stations, allowing residents to easily commute to Yuen Long town center and other major locations.
• For residents who need to commute frequently, the transport facilities at Yuen Long Youbok Road can significantly reduce commuting time and costs, enhancing their quality of life.

Ngau Tau Kok Choi Hing Road Project:

• The project is near the Choi Hung MTR station, providing excellent transportation options. The comprehensive transport network of Ngau Tau Kok Choi Hing Road ensures that residents can conveniently travel between work and home.
• Despite the higher rent, the convenience of transportation makes this project highly attractive.

Discussion on Light Public Housing

The introduction of Light Public Housing has garnered widespread attention from various sectors of society. Many citizens appreciate its low rent and superior living environment, believing it can effectively alleviate housing pressure. However, some citizens express concerns about the project's location and transportation convenience, which they fear may impact daily commuting and living convenience. Overall, the Light Public Housing Scheme is considered a positive initiative that provides transitional houses for those in dire need of affordable living spaces.

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