Hong Kong to open applications for 5,060 temporary public flats next week

Applications will open for more than 5,000 temporary Hong Kong public housing flats starting on Monday next week, with tenants expected to be able to move in from the fourth quarter of this year.

Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin revealed on Monday that the second phase of the “light public housing” scheme involved 5,060 flats, including renovated former school premises in Kwun Tong and Sheung Shui, plus homes located in Kai Tak and Tuen Mun.

Monthly rent for the flats will range from about HK$860 (US$110) to HK$3,270.

“Application forms submitted between February 24 and March 17 will be handled with priority,” Ho said.

The scheme’s second phase will cover four sites, including one in Kai Tak offering 2,970 flats of various sizes, such as homes for four to five people. The Kai Tak site is surrounded by community facilities and located less than 10 minutes from an MTR station.

The site in Tuen Mun will offer 1,850 flats of varying sizes.