Letters | High home prices and housing shortage mean Hong Kong’s nano flats are here to stay

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Hong Kong’s residential buildings gleam in the twilight in Wong Tai Sin on Kowloon. Hong Kong has for years held the dubious distinction of being world’s least affordable housing market. Photo: Sun Yeung

Published: 6:45am, 7 Jan 2021Updated: 6:45am, 7 Jan 2021

I am writing in response to the article, “Rise of nano flats in Hong Kong has led to fall in living standards, with government policies to blame, land use group says” (January 4). Hong Kong’s housing problems have generated grave concerns among members of both the government and society. However, the government says it cannot tackle the root of the problem, as Hong Kong lacks land resources.

In response, a new type of housing called micro or nano flats was rolled out a few years ago. However, the building of nano flats has been discouraged by the Liber Research Community. The civic group argues that the rise of nano flats – defined as units no larger than 260 sq ft – has prompted a fall in living standards in Hong Kong.

Small, poorly ventilated nano flats with windowless bathrooms can pose privacy problems as well as health concerns for residents, and the group wants the government to set a minimum size requirement for flats.

In my opinion, tiny as they may be, nano flats are a necessity for Hong Kong. Flats of varying sizes can cater to the needs of different homebuyers, such as for families that otherwise would not be able to afford a home or for people who live alone. Providing nano flats can cater to their needs.

Also, the government should make a priority of satisfying quantity demands, despite calls for taking quality into account. As Hong Kong has a shortage of land, developers can only make the homes smaller to increase housing supply. The growing trend in sales of nano flats is proof of how robust the demand is for such units.

Even though these flats might fall short on living standards, they at least offer more people a chance at owning their own home in the world’s costliest real estate market.