The fifth Government of the Macao SAR proposed the concept of a “five-tier housing policy.” However, as this policy takes shape, the housing needs of residents also gradually change, reflecting different stages of life and economic development. It is hoped, therefore, that the Government will review the existing mechanisms for affordable housing, adjusting them based on available resources to make housing policies more flexible and adaptable. Ultimately, this would ensure that every resident of Macao has access to the housing they need and, at any given time, a more satisfactory living situation.
Taking affordable housing as an example, under the current legislation, Macao residents are entitled to a single opportunity to acquire a residential unit, which they apply for based on the number of members in their household. For instance, an individual can only apply for a studio; two people can register for a one- or two-bedroom unit. There is no mechanism in place to allow for an exchange for a larger unit later on, should the household size increase. As a result, many residents who have already been allocated a unit often find themselves continuing to live in the same small apartment even after having children, which makes medium- and long-term family planning difficult.
This is just one example that highlights the inadequacies of the current housing policy in adapting to changes in family structure. This issue is particularly relevant considering that, among the 5,076 applications accepted for affordable housing in 2023, 83 of the applicants were couples aged between 23 and 44 years old.
Intermediate housing, which is relatively more flexible, allows applicants to apply for one- or two-bedroom units. Even so, there is some overlap with the target audience for affordable housing, causing screening processes to take time to complete. Earlier this year, the Housing Institute revealed that the number of applications for affordable housing in 2023 had dropped significantly compared to 2021. Nevertheless, the projected housing supply (28,000 public housing units and 4,000 private units) has not changed. Meanwhile, the authorities believe that the issue of affordable housing supply, which has concerned the population for many years, has been largely resolved.
In this regard, I suggest adjustments and optimizations to the Affordable Housing Law. Specifically, I propose ending the current practice of automatically dissolving waiting lists after each registration period for affordable housing. Instead, a mechanism for regular or ongoing applications should be adopted, allowing families in need of housing to submit their requests more promptly. At the same time, whenever conditions allow, a replacement mechanism should be established for families that have already been allocated housing. This would allow them to apply for larger units, such as two-bedroom apartments, when their household size increases.
Such measures would not only better meet the housing needs of different groups of applicants but would also demonstrate greater flexibility and social awareness in the Government’s housing policies.
Federation of Macau Workers’ Associations (FAOM)
