ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the evolution of local housing studies. It provides an overview of the socio-spatial organization of home ownership. The chapter argues that a uni-dimensional mode of housing research would lead to gross misunderstanding in the working of the housing system and the possibility of oversights in policy formulation. It suggests that the public rental sector has a lower tendency to be marginalized since public housing tenants do occupy a stable position within the housing ladder. However, it is the new middle class - young professionals in the service sector - who find most difficulties in affording home ownership. Since the establishment of the Housing Authority in 1974 and the subsequent launching of the Ten Year Public Housing Programme by one of Hong Kong’s most ambitious and social-minded governors, the study of social policy for housing took a new turn.
