The composite waiting time for general applicants seeking long- and short-term subsidised public rental housing in Hong Kong has slightly increased to 4.8 years as of the end of June 2026. Authorities noted that a higher proportion of sought-after homes in urban areas were allocated during the second quarter of the year.

However, the Housing Bureau stated on Thursday, August 13th, 2026, that the average waiting time for general applicants—comprising families and single elderly people—to be housed in a standard public rental home dropped by 0.1 years to 5.5 years compared with the first quarter. The average waiting time for single elderly applicants remained steady at 3.9 years.

The bureau described these short-term fluctuations as a "positive sign," attributing them to the allocation of homes to applicants who had waited longer, particularly in urban areas. They added that this reflects effective efforts in addressing the backlog of waiting cases and lays the groundwork for future improvements.

“In the long run, the average waiting time for public rental housing will clearly trend in a positive direction,” the bureau said.

Between April and June, approximately 3,200 general applicants, including 330 single senior residents, were housed in standard public rental homes. As of the end of June, there were 100,500 general applications from families and single elderly people awaiting standard public rental housing.

Sources