SW241 Macro Social Work: Housing Issues

Housing is a fundamental human right, not a simple commodity. It's recognized internationally as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living.

Adequate housing includes security of tenure, availability of services, affordability, habitability, accessibility, location, and cultural appropriateness.

Hong Kong's housing affordability is measured by comparing median house prices to median household incomes. A high ratio (median multiple) indicates decreased affordability.

Specific criteria (e.g., residency, income limits, asset restrictions) determine who is eligible for housing assistance/programs in Hong Kong.

A comparison of median house prices to median household incomes, used to gauge the affordability of housing. A higher ratio indicates less affordability.

Singapore's housing system primarily relies on sales, with only a small percentage (3.8%) rented out by the government. Hong Kong, on the other hand, has a heavier reliance on rental housing (66.3%).

Data on Macao's home ownership rate is not provided in the given text.

The average waiting time for general applicants to secure public rental housing (PRH) in Hong Kong has decreased to 5.5 years. Elderly one-person applicants have a shorter waiting time of 3.7 years.

This ordinance defines a bedspace apartment as a flat with 12 or more bedspaces rented out, regardless of internal partitions. They are not permitted in industrial buildings or basements.

Subdivided units refer to rooms created by dividing existing flats into multiple, smaller units, potentially affecting living conditions and safety.

By 2046, Hong Kong will have a significant number of private housing units (326,000) aged 70 or above, highlighting a growing challenge in managing aging buildings.

The number of private buildings aged 50 or above in Hong Kong has increased significantly over the past decade, with a projected rise to 22,900 by 2042.

The text does not provide specific data on housing affordability metrics like median house prices or income levels.

A situation where both the population and the building stock are aging simultaneously. This creates unique challenges as the population needs more age-friendly housing while the existing building stock may not meet those needs.

Double aging presents challenges like time-consuming renovations, high uncertainty about future needs, limited subsidies, and the physical limitations of older buildings. Maintaining the quality of life and accessibility also becomes difficult.

The average number of people living in a household. This metric changes over time due to factors like demographics, economic conditions, and social trends.

A system used by Hong Kong's Housing Authority to allocate public rental units. It assigns points based on factors like age, family size, and income, with a limited number of units available each year.

The time it takes for someone to receive a public rental unit after applying under the Quota and Points System. This waiting time varies significantly based on the applicant's points and the available units.

A plan developed by the Hong Kong government to address its housing challenges. It focuses on increasing public rental units, expanding subsidized home ownership options, and stabilizing the housing market.

Simplified housing units designed to provide basic, affordable housing options. These units often feature smaller living spaces and basic amenities.

A contrast between traditional private housing with its market-driven prices and light public housing that offers lower rents with stricter eligibility criteria.