The Housing Authority recently announced its annual review of income and asset limits for public housing applicants, proposing an average 2.8% increase in income limits and a 1.4% increase in asset limits for the 2026/2027 period.
With these adjustments, it is estimated that approximately 155,000 non-property-owning households in private housing will meet the eligibility criteria for public housing. However, the proposed changes are expected to extend the current public housing waiting time, which, as of December 2025, remained at an average of 5.1 years for general applicants.
Under the new proposal, the income limit for single-person households will rise by HK$140 to HK$13,230, while two-person households will see an increase of HK$450 to HK$20,680. For three-person households, the limit will increase by HK$770 to HK$25,870, and four-person households will see an adjustment of HK$1,020 to HK$32,020. The largest increase will apply to five-person households, with a rise of HK$1,500, bringing the income limit to HK$40,150, marking an annual increase of 3.9%.
For asset limits, the Housing Authority suggests aligning the adjustment with the 1.4% increase in the Consumer Price Index (A) over the past year. This means the asset limit for single-person households will increase from HK$291,000 to HK$295,000, while two-person households will see the limit rise from HK$394,000 to HK$400,000. For three-person and four-person households, the limits will increase to HK$521,000 and HK$608,000, reflecting increases of HK$7,000 and HK$8,000, respectively.
If approved, these adjustments will also impact the income and asset thresholds under the "Well-Off Tenants Policies," altering the criteria for tenants regarding additional rent payments or the need to vacate their units.
Additionally, the government is advancing its Light Public Housing project, targeting the construction of approximately 30,000 units over the five years from 2023/24 to 2027/28. These units will primarily cater to applicants who have been waiting for traditional public housing for three years or more, with priority given to families.
To assist tenants moving into these simplified public housing units, the government has introduced a Trial Scheme on Special Allowance for Households of Light Public Housing, which has been extended until March 31, 2028. This one-time subsidy aims to relieve the financial burden of relocation and settling into their new homes, including purchasing furniture, appliances, or arranging school transfers for children.
Subsidy amounts vary based on household size and the project's location, ranging from HK$1,900 to HK$12,550. For example, two-person and three-person households moving into urban or extended urban areas, such as Tuen Mun, can receive HK$2,900 and HK$3,800, respectively. For households relocating to projects in the New Territories, such as Yuen Long or Sheung Shui, the subsidy increases to HK$5,850 and HK$7,600 for two-person and three-person families, respectively.
These proposed adjustments and support measures aim to address the rising demand for public housing while alleviating the financial pressures faced by eligible households.
