The Transferability of Hong Kong's Public Housing Policy1

Abstract

In response to the renewed emphasis on rental subsidy policy following the regional and global financial crises and the subsequent economic declines, this paper critically assesses the transferability of Hong Kong's public housing policy. It does so by evaluating the replicability of the policy environment of Hong Kong, and by identifying the structural, institutional and resource constraints on possible policy transfer. The paper argues that Hong Kong's public housing policy is primarily transferable to newer and growing cities, the governments of which have a strong commitment to improving the housing conditions of low income families for facilitating economic and social development. However, the finance factors are not easy to replicate as they are more significantly determined by historical circumstances than by policy design. Equally difficult in terms of transfer is the consultative approach adopted in the Hong Kong housing governance structure as this is embedded in its general political system and governance mode.