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Housing

Starter Homes Pilot Projects

Starter Homes (SH) pilot projects aim to help higher-income families who are not eligible for the HOS but cannot afford private-sector housing. The government sold by tender a private residential site at Anderson Road in May for the second SH pilot project.

Private-sector Housing

The government monitors the residential property market and is alert to the risks of a property bubble. To ensure the market's healthy development, the government increases land supply, combats speculative activities, manages demand for residential properties, increases transaction transparency and prevents over-expansion in mortgage lending.

Demand-side management measures aim to stabilise the residential property market. Special Stamp Duty, Buyer's Stamp Duty and New Residential Stamp Duty aim to curtail speculation, external demand and investment demand, and accord priority to Hong Kong permanent residents' home ownership needs amid a tight housing supply.

Sale of First-hand Residential Properties

The Residential Properties (First-hand Sales) Ordinance and the work of the Sales of First-hand Residential Properties Authority enhance the transparency and fairness of sales in first-hand homes, strengthen consumer protection and provide a level playing field for vendors. In 2020, the authority's staff examined about 14,480 sales-related documents and made about 450 inspections of sales offices and show flats.

Estate Agents

The practice and conduct of estate agents, who handle the vast majority of residential transactions, are governed by the Estate Agents Ordinance and its subsidiary legislation. Individuals or companies working as estate agents must obtain a licence from the Estate. Agents Authority, which also promulgates best practices and promotes consumer education. At year end, there were about 40,800 individual and 3,900 corporate licence holders.

Websites

Hong Kong Housing Authority/Housing Department: www.housingauthority.gov.hk Hong Kong Housing Society: www.hkhs.com

Transport and Housing Bureau: www.thb.gov.hk

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