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Applications covering about 73,800 subdivided homes in Hong Kong have been submitted for a three-year grace period under the city’s new housing rules, Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin said on Saturday.
Speaking on a radio programme on 3 October, Ho said the applications were received during the early registration phase, which ended on 31 August. The number represents roughly two-thirds of Hong Kong’s estimated 110,000 subdivided homes.
Ho said 42 units had been certified as meeting the new standards. She expected that number to increase as owners became more familiar with the process and arranged renovation work and professional assessments.
The Basic Housing Units Ordinance took effect on 1 March 2026. It introduces minimum living standards for subdivided units in residential buildings, alongside a formal recognition process.
The requirements include at least eight square metres of internal floor area, minimum ceiling height, a separate toilet, and standards for fire safety, water supply, lighting, ventilation and utility meters.
Registration and recognition are separate stages. A registration application seeks access to the transitional arrangements; it does not certify that a home meets the minimum standards.
The registration period runs until 28 February 2027. Eligible registered units can then benefit from a 36-month grace period, from 1 March 2027 to 28 February 2030, allowing time for alterations and applications for recognition.
Owners who submitted registration applications between March and August qualify for a waiver of the HK$3,000 recognition application fee per subdivided unit for applications made by 28 February 2029.
Recognition requires certification by specified professionals confirming compliance with the standards. The Housing Bureau also conducts random checks on applications and recognised units.
For tenants, a home’s registration status therefore needs to be distinguished from its recognition status. The Housing Bureau publishes details of recognised Basic Housing Units, including their addresses and the validity period of recognition.
