ENG-2006 — Page 259

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care facilities for senior citizens in the middle-income group. The units in these projects are leased to eligible senior citizens on a 'lease-for-life' basis in line with the concepts of 'healthy ageing' and 'ageing in place'.

Squatters

The number of squatters and squatter structures has been reduced in recent years through rehousing and clearance programmes. The criteria for rehousing squatters upon clearance have been relaxed. Since December 2002, families who have resided in registered squatter structures for two years and whose income and assets do not exceed the prescribed limits can be rehoused in public rental flats upon clearance. Squatters who wish to move out voluntarily can apply for public housing through the General Waiting List. For the remaining squatters, the Government provides and maintains basic facilities in the existing squatter area under the Squatter Area Improvement Programme to ensure that basic safety and hygiene standards are

met.

Rooftop Structures

The Buildings Department drew up a seven-year clearance programme in April 2001 to clear 12 000 illegal rooftop structures in 4 500 single-staircase buildings. Rooftop dwellers are encouraged to apply for public rental housing. Those who are evicted under the law are rehoused in public rental housing or are given interim housing, depending on their eligibility criteria. In 2006, about 1 000 people affected by rooftop clearances were relocated.

Housing Supply

A total of 21 000 residential units, of which 16 600 were private sector homes. (excluding village houses) and 4 400 public rental housing flats, were completed in 2006.

Supporting Infrastructure

The infrastructure for supporting housing developments has been provided in a programmed and structured manner. To avoid delays in housing developments caused by lack of infrastructural facilities, the Government has adopted fast-track measures to ensure timely completion of these facilities. At present, there are nine such projects in different stages of implementation. A combined estimated cost of about $2.7 billion has been approved.

Private Sector Housing

Private Residential Property Market

The number of transactions that took place in the primary private residential property market in the first half of 2006 was comparatively small, but sales picked up in the second half of the year when more large-scale residential developments were put on sale. The volume of transactions in the secondary market remained stable in 2006. The total number of registered transactions in 2006 was 82 472. Compared to the year before, the overall residential price index at the end of 2006 rose