ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the residential segregation of new immigrants and local low-income residents in Hong Kong from 2001 to 2011 as well as the distinct housing consumption patterns of the two groups. It examines the socio-economic conditions of the new immigrants (PMRs) and low-income locals (LILs) and their positions in the housing market. The chapter provides an empirical analysis which examines the segregation pattern and housing consumption behaviours of persons from the mainland who have resided in Hong Kong for less than seven years and the local population on low incomes. Public housing is accessible to PMRs only when the spouse is a permanent Hong Kong resident. Consequently, if both spouses are not permanent Hong Kong residents, the family has to reside in private housing, which leads to a significantly smaller home. Moreover, as a larger proportion of PMRs live in private housing, their housing consumption is more sensitive to price.
