Perceptions of Transitional Housing: Voices of Residents Living in Subdivided Units in Hong Kong

Drawing on in-depth individual interviews with 15 residents living in subdivided flats in Sham Shui Po, Tsuen Wan, and the North District in Hong Kong, this study examines their current living conditions and expectations for transitional housing and an ideal home. Residents were dissatisfied with living conditions in the subdivided units, including the lack of privacy, safety, and space and poor hygiene. Owing to expensive flat rental fees, low-income families living in subdivided units are trapped in housing-led deprivation. The findings of this study support the argument that transitional housing should be located in areas with convenient transport and social services facilities. Moreover, such housing should be able to improve residents’ living space and privacy. Using a bottom-up approach, this study provides policy recommendations for operating the transitional housing programme in Hong Kong, as well as the enhancing living conditions of residents living in subdivided units.