Time for Hong Kong to think out of the box to solve its liveability crisis

Soaring prices for flats that are getting smaller, congestion, air pollution ... it’s no wonder 40 per cent say they would leave if given the chance

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Hong Kong has many small flats and the average size is getting smaller. Photo: Nora Tam

Published: 9:04am, 26 Nov 2016Updated: 9:04am, 26 Nov 2016

While Hong Kong is undeniably one of the top places to live in the world in terms of personal safety and efficiency, residents are becoming more concerned about the city’s liveability as it struggles to combat soaring rents, overcrowding, exorbitant living costs and air pollution.

Although Hong Kong provides a high level of safety and access to quality public services such as health care and transport, experts say the government can do more to provide affordable housing and minimise congestion by improving the utilisation of public spaces.

Overcrowding and air pollution are just two factors affecting Hong Kong’s liveability. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Commenting on what makes a “liveable” neighbourhood in Hong Kong, Jason Li, relocation services manager for property company Santa Fe Relocation Services, said the most important factors were access to transport, shopping, restaurants and overall atmosphere.

“Families tend to prefer close proximity to schools, while younger professionals usually enjoy easy access to dining and entertainment,” he said. “Neighbourhoods are constantly evolving and as retail and dining businesses continue to expand beyond typical areas like Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, this makes other areas more desirable.”

This year Hong Kong climbed three places in the global liveability rankings to 43rd place in a list compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit. Yet its overall score (88.8) remained unchanged, suggesting its improved ranking was due to a decline in other cities, which were negatively affected by a fear of terrorist attacks and political conflicts.

A survey by local think tank Civic Exchange released in October showed that seven out of 10 Hongkongers thought the city had become a worse place to live, with more than 40 per cent saying they would leave if given the chance.