What Changed
- White Form family applicants with children aged three or below receive a maximum mortgage loan-to-value ratio increase from 90% to 95% starting from the next HOS sale exercise.
- The alienation restriction period before open-market sale is reduced from 15 years to 10 years for SSF first offered between 2022 and 2025.
- The decisions implement housing policy directives from the Chief Executive's 2025 and 2026 Policy Addresses.
On November 13, 2026, the Subsidised Housing Committee of the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) approved two enhancement measures concerning subsidised sale flats (SSF) in Hong Kong SAR. The decision implements policy measures outlined in the Chief Executive's 2025 and 2026 Policy Addresses to assist families with newborns in buying homes and to encourage mobility across the housing ladder.
Under the first enhancement, the HA raised the maximum mortgage loan-to-value ratio for White Form family applicants with newborns from 90 per cent to 95 per cent, aligning it with the threshold for Green Form applicants. Starting from the next Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) sale exercise, this adjustment applies to families with children aged three or below listed on the application form as of the application deadline for the relevant HOS sale exercise.
Under the second enhancement, the HA shortened the open-market alienation restriction period to 10 years from the date of first assignment for SSF first put up for sale between 2022 and 2025. Previously, the Chief Executive announced in the 2025 Policy Address that the alienation restriction period for new SSF would be reduced from 15 years to 10 years, a rule initially applied to the Sale of HOS Flats 2025 and Sale of Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme Flats 2025. The HA's latest decision extends this 10-year alienation restriction retrospectively to cover flats first offered for sale between 2022 and 2025.
These regulatory updates affect prospective White Form homebuyers with young children and existing owners of subsidised units first offered between 2022 and 2025 in Hong Kong SAR. According to an HA spokesman, the measures aim to reduce down payment burdens, facilitate upward housing mobility, and increase turnover within the subsidised property market. Real estate professionals and financial institutions operating in Hong Kong SAR should note the updated mortgage ratios and alienation timelines when advising clients or processing subsidised housing transactions.
Who May Be Affected
White Form family applicants with newborns or young children (aged three or below) and owners of Hong Kong subsidised sale flats first offered for sale between 2022 and 2025.
Cross-Border Context
Relevant to financial institutions operating mortgage businesses in Hong Kong SAR, real estate professionals, and cross-border families considering property purchasing and financing options under Hong Kong public housing schemes.
What to check next
- Check future Housing Authority announcements for the exact launch date of the next Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) sale exercise.
- Review official implementation guidelines regarding administrative procedures for open-market alienation of SSF units under the shortened 10-year restriction period.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.