How about a ‘Hong Kong first’ housing agenda for Carrie Lam’s 2018 policy address?
I advocate a “Hong Kong first” agenda to drive the government’s vision. A responsible government should always take care of the interests of citizens first, and use all possible methods to prevent their future from being compromised.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor can follow in the footsteps of New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, by radically banning home sales to most foreigners.
Councillor hits back at Carrie Lam’s defence of one-way permit scheme
Moreover, some new immigrants are having a hard time here. The continued influx of immigrants will intensify competition for welfare and resources with existing residents, especially the scarce land and housing resources, which cannot be increased significantly within a short period of time.
Anfield Tam, Quarry Bay
Follow New Zealand and ban non-residents from buying homes
Hong Kong residents are facing serious housing issues. With limited land resources and ever-rising demand, the housing situation is only worsening and home ownership is out of reach for many Hongkongers.
The New Zealand government, facing a similar housing affordability crisis, has passed a bill in parliament restricting access to non-resident homebuyers.
“This government believes that New Zealanders should not be outbid by wealthier foreign buyers,” said David Parker, New Zealand’s associate finance minister. “This law ensures that the market for our homes is set in New Zealand, not on the international market.”
New Zealand bars foreigners from buying homes
It does not matter whether it is New Zealand or Hong Kong, the housing market should give priority to locals, and not be a place for wealthy foreigners to gamble and outbid residents. After all, local social issues and citizens’ welfare should be the primary concern. The government should ensure a healthy balance between boosting economic growth and the welfare of the people.
Will the ban in New Zealand inspire our government to design a similar scheme for Hongkongers, to show its wholehearted commitment to tackling the housing crisis?
Heidi Cheng, Tseung Kwan O