Home Ownership Scheme 2025: application timetable, income and asset limits, estate list and how to apply

Home Ownership Scheme 2025, commonly referred to as Home Ownership Scheme 2026, has become a key property purchase focus for many Hong Kong residents. This is not only because of the ample supply of units in this round, but also due to several new changes in the application system and quota arrangements. If you want to seize the opportunity to get on the property ladder, how should you prepare? This time, 10Life has put together a complete guide to the Home Ownership Scheme, including the application timetable, income and asset limits, estate list, application methods and process, to help everyone fully grasp the latest information. 

If you want to apply for public housing with ownership scheme flats, you must grasp the following key timings:

This round of Home Ownership Scheme flats offers a total of 6,926 units across 5 new estates, located in areas including Kai Tak, Tseung Kwan O, Kam Tin, Tung Chung and Ping Shan. 

As always, the Hong Kong Housing Authority offers a range of application methods: online application, by post, and in person. Overall, it is recommended to prioritise online applications, as the process is faster and carries a lower risk of errors.

1️. Online Application (Fastest)

Online application is the most convenient and efficient method, and is also more suitable for applicants who are familiar with electronic procedures.

• Website: Housing Authority Home Ownership Scheme Online Application.
• Application period: 8:00am on 30 April 2026 to 7:00pm on 20 May 2026.
• Payment methods: Credit card or Faster Payment System (FPS).
• Applications may also be submitted via “iAM Smart”.

2️. Application by Post

If you choose to apply by post, the application form should be sent to the designated address of the Housing Authority, and the postmark date will prevail.

• Address: 1/F Platform, Housing Authority Customer Service Centre, 3 South Wing Tau Hom Road, Kowloon.
• Application period: 30 April 2026 to 20 May 2026.
• Payment methods: Crossed cheque or bank cashier’s order.
• Payable to: Hong Kong Housing Authority.

️3. In-person Submission

• Applicants may also submit the form in person at the Housing Authority Customer Service Centre.
• Location: 1/F Platform, Housing Authority Customer Service Centre, 3 South Wing Tau Hom Road, Kowloon.
• Time: 8:00am on 30 April 2026 to 7:00pm on 20 May 2026.
• A drop box for application forms is available on site. 

Application Fee

The application fee for this round of the Home Ownership Scheme is $350; if applying for White Form Secondary Market Scheme at the same time, the total fee is approximately $650. As the application fee forms part of the sales arrangements for the current round, the actual amount should be verified against the Housing Authority’s final announcement. 

Before applying, it is advisable to prepare the basic documents in advance to ensure they can be submitted smoothly within the application period.

General document checklist includes:

• Copies of identity cards, applicable to the applicant and family members listed in the application form.
• Proof of income, such as recent pay slips, tax returns or bank statements.
• Proof of assets, such as bank balances, investment records or relevant asset documents.
• Proof of address, such as utility bills, bank correspondence or other address documents.
• Proof of marital status, required where applicable, such as in cases of marriage, divorce or bereavement.

Points to note when applying

White Form applicants are usually required to submit more detailed proof of income and assets only after the ballot, in accordance with the Housing Authority’s requirements; however, document requirements for Green Form and different application categories may vary, so it is best to prepare everything in advance.

When applying for public housing, the most important thing is to avoid losing eligibility due to procedural errors. Please pay particular attention to the following:

• Do not submit duplicate applications, otherwise you may be disqualified.
• Information relating to your spouse and family members must be declared truthfully.
• Be clear in advance about whether you are eligible under the White Form or Green Form.

If you meet the conditions for the “Elderly in the Family” or “Newborn in the Family” scheme, you should choose the most suitable priority scheme according to your actual circumstances.

One of the key features of this round of Home Ownership Scheme flats is the arrangement commonly referred to as “one form, three draws”. In simple terms, applicants only need to submit one form and may then have the opportunity to participate in the ballot arrangements for different subsidised housing schemes at the same time, depending on the applicant’s status and eligibility.

This is generally understood as the following three opportunities:

• new Home Ownership Scheme developments.
• new Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme developments.
• White Form Secondary Market Scheme applications.

Applicants only need to complete one form and pay the application fee once, and may then have the chance to pursue entry into the property market under different schemes at the same time.

Major change: Green Form and White Form allocation adjusted to 50:50

• Green Form: 50% (up from 40%)
• White Form: 50% (down from 60%) 

Compared with the previous40:60,the chances of Green Form applicants getting on the property ladder have increased 

Many people are most concerned about how much the initial payment for a Home Ownership Scheme flat is and how much they can borrow.

• Green Form applicants: up to 95% mortgage
• White Form applicants: up to 90% mortgage

The maximum repayment period for both is 30 years

Mortgage advantages:

• No need to purchase mortgage insurance
• Maximum repayment term of 30 years
• Choice of P-rate or H-rate mortgage
• Income assessment is relatively lenient (but a poor credit record may still affect approval)

However, actual approval will still depend on income, repayment ability, credit record and the bank’s final approval. 

Winning the ballot is only the first step; what truly determines whether you can secure a flat is your preparation on selection day. As popular estates are often sold out quickly, applicants should establish their order of preference and budget as early as possible.

Recommended measures include:

• Prepare a list of preferred units in advance, ranked by estate, floor, orientation and price.
• Have Plan A, Plan B and Plan C ready, so that there is a fallback option if popular units are sold out.
• Obtain mortgage pre-approval first, so you understand the level of repayments you can afford.
• For popular districts such as Kai Tak and Tseung Kwan O, set your bottom line as early as possible.

In simple terms, the core strategy for choosing a flat is: prepare in advance, stay flexible, and have a clear budget. 

After successfully purchasing a subsidised home under the Home Ownership Scheme, of course you will want to enjoy your new home to the fullest. But do not forget to take out home insurance to guard against unforeseen accidents. There are many home insurance products available on the market, and readers should compare different options and choose the insurance product that suits their personal needs. To find out more about home insurance products, you may refer to 10Life’s home insurance comparison, where detailed coverage and premiums are presented at a glance, with a dedicated actuary rating.

1. When can I apply for Home Ownership Scheme 2026?

From 8:00 a.m. on 30 April 2026 to 7:00 p.m. on 20 May 2026.

2. What is the income cap for Home Ownership Scheme 2026?

The monthly income cap is $30,000 for a one-person applicant; and $60,000 for a household of two or more, calculated after deducting mandatory MPF contributions.

3. Can I apply for White Form Secondary Market Scheme at the same time as Home Ownership Scheme 2026?

Yes. In 2026, the “one form, three ballots” arrangement is adopted, allowing applications for Home Ownership Scheme, Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme and White Form Secondary Market Scheme at the same time.

4. How many units are there in this Home Ownership Scheme?

This round of Home Ownership Scheme offers about 6,926 units.

5. What is the difference between White Form and Green Form for Home Ownership Scheme?

The Green Form mainly applies to public rental housing tenants or holders of Green Form eligibility certificates; the White Form mainly applies to private housing tenants who do not own property. In general, Green Form applicants have priority in the flat-selection order.

6. What is the Green Form to White Form allocation ratio for Home Ownership Scheme?

The Green Form to White Form allocation ratio for this round is 50:50, adjusted from the previous 40:60.

7. Can two people apply separately for Home Ownership Scheme?

No. Married persons must apply together with their spouse, otherwise they may be regarded as making duplicate applications and be disqualified.

8. Can application details for Home Ownership Scheme be changed?

Generally, details may be amended during the application period, but no changes can be made after the deadline. It is therefore advisable to check carefully before submission.

9. Can I apply again if I am unsuccessful in Home Ownership Scheme?

Yes. You may re-apply for each round of Home Ownership Scheme. Some applicants may even be given additional ballot chances after missing out repeatedly.

10. How many years before a Home Ownership Scheme flat can be sold?

Under the latest policy, the restriction period for selling Home Ownership Scheme flats has been reduced from 15 years to 10 years. Owners must meet the relevant time requirement and land premium payment requirements before they may sell on the open market.

11. What is the application process for Home Ownership Scheme?

The application process for Home Ownership Scheme is generally as follows:

1. First submit an application, after which the Housing Authority will verify eligibility.
2. After the application deadline, the Housing Authority will use a computer ballot to determine the application order.
3. Applicants will be notified in batches to select flats according to the ballot results and quota arrangements.
4. Successful applicants will choose units in order and complete the purchase procedures. 

This English version of this article has been generated by machine translation powered by AI. It is provided solely for reference purposes. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between this translation and the original Chinese version, the Chinese version shall prevail.