HK to launch 'starter homes' for those priced out of private housing

Hong Kong

MIDDLE-income Hongkongers priced out of private housing but who earn too much to qualify for subsidised public housing will be able to apply for a new form of affordable flats under a "Starter Homes" programme.

Recently-elected city leader Carrie Lam, speaking at the Sixth Asia-Pacific Housing Forum on Wednesday, noted that Hong Kong continues to struggle with its housing problem; property prices are now at a historic high, and have been rising 20 per cent year on year.

The starter homes programme would thus be part of a drive to "enhance the housing ladder with a focus o…