To explore the Issues of subdivided housing and the measures to improve it in Hong Kong

Abstract

Subdivided housing has become a hot topic in Hong Kong following multiple tragic events concerning the fire and building structural safety issues. Given the high housing price and shortage of public rental housing, low-income families have no choice in the current rental market but to turn to more affordable choices found in subdivided housing, despite the apparent safety risks. Subdivided units often come with poor living conditions and unpleasant neighbourhood characteristics. Due to economic limitation, it seems that low-income families are willing to bear with the hostile environment in order to trade for an affordable rent. In doing so, however, they are exposed to all kind of problems in relation to their social life, physical health and psychological well-being. This study explores the social and psychological impacts of subdivided housing on its tenants and considers the possible measures that the government could take on in order to address the issues related to subdivided housing.