The Housing Bureau announced that the latest quarterly Composite Waiting Time for Subsidised Rental Housing is 4.7 years, marking the lowest level in over eight years. Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho noted it is also the first time that the waiting time has dropped below five years.
“We are confident that within this term of Government, the Composite Waiting Time would be capped at five years.”
As the Government strives to fulfil low-income families’ housing needs, about 9,650 Light Public Housing (LPH) units have been fully occupied as at the first quarter of 2026, while 20,150 units will be completed in the remainder of 2026, gradually moving towards the target of completing the construction of 30,000 LPH units by 2027-28.
Better living
Ms Zhuang and her son, who moved into an LPH unit in Kai Tak last year, are two of the citizens who benefit from the LPH policy. She previously rented a subdivided flat in To Kwa Wan, where conditions and hygiene were far from ideal. With the extra space at the new home, they can spend more time together and are in a happier living situation.
“Since moving into LPH, my son’s concentration has improved, and his attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms have eased thanks to the better living environment.”
Total solution
In the first quarter of 2026, about 8,400 general applicants have been housed to public rental housing (PRH) or LPH. Around 47% of them were housed to LPH units. Notably, the waiting time for PRH units in urban districts was about six years, while that for LPH units in the New Territories was only about two years.
Ms Ho said LPH provides a total solution for those stuck in poor living conditions, and urged families in need to consider moving into the extended urban areas, such as Tuen Mun, as years of poor living conditions may take a great toll on the young.
“The four-year difference means if you have a child in primary one, a six-year-old, within four years, he is already a 10-year-old.
“Four years in a very poor living condition without the confidence to interact or talk to other people will affect him for the rest of his life.
“When I see children move into LPH, they have more open space to play. They have this neighbourhood, friendship.”
Moreover, she pointed out that moving into LPH, as compared with renting subdivided units, is a financially advantageous option for families in need.
“On average, each family can save $5,500 per month.”
For less financial burden, a better family relationship and improved living conditions, households in need should look at LPH as a much better option, the housing chief advised.
