The “Coffin Homes” of Hong Kong: A Sobering Look at Urban Housing Crisis

What Are Coffin Homes?

In Hong Kong, the term “coffin homes” refers to tiny, partitioned living spaces that are often no larger than a coffin—hence the name. These units are typically found in older, subdivided apartment buildings and are used to house people who cannot afford proper housing due to the city’s astronomical real estate prices. These cramped quarters are designed to accommodate the maximum number of people in the smallest possible space, making them one of the most extreme forms of urban poverty in the world.

The Size and Layout of Coffin Homes

A typical coffin home might measure anywhere from 15 to 30 square feet (1.5 to 3 square meters), just enough space for a single person to lie down, sleep, and store a few belongings. In many cases, tenants have to fold up their beds during the day to make room for other activities, such as eating or working. These tiny rooms are often subdivided by flimsy partitions made of wood or metal, offering minimal privacy. The lack of natural light, poor ventilation, and cramped quarters often result in oppressive living conditions.

Living Conditions in Coffin Homes

Overcrowding and Poor Sanitation

Coffin homes are not standalone units. They are often part of overcrowded apartment buildings with shared bathrooms, kitchens, and common areas. These shared facilities are typically unsanitary, with long lines for using the bathroom or cooking. Many buildings are old and have not been properly maintained, contributing to a sense of neglect and squalor. Due to their cramped nature, residents often struggle to maintain any semblance of privacy or personal space.

Lack of Ventilation and Natural Light

Many coffin homes are windowless, or at best have tiny openings that offer no real access to fresh air. The absence of ventilation exacerbates the already poor air quality, making it difficult for residents to breathe easily, especially during the hot and humid summer months. The lack of natural light also has negative psychological effects, with some tenants describing a feeling of constant darkness or oppression.

Who Lives in Coffin Homes?

Coffin homes are primarily occupied by Hong Kong’s low-income residents—those who cannot afford the high rent of regular apartments in this densely packed city. This includes elderly people, single workers, and even entire families. These individuals often struggle to find affordable housing options and are left with no choice but to endure these degrading living conditions.

Low-Income Workers and Migrant Laborers

Many residents of coffin homes are low-wage workers who spend their days working long hours in the service industry, retail, or construction. These workers often earn just enough to cover their rent, leaving them little to no savings for emergencies or quality of life improvements. Migrant laborers from other parts of Asia, especially from countries like the Philippines and Indonesia, also find themselves living in these substandard conditions as they work in Hong Kong’s hospitality or domestic sectors.

Elderly People and Families

The elderly make up a significant portion of the population living in coffin homes. Hong Kong’s rapidly aging population has led to an increasing number of senior citizens struggling to afford even the most basic housing. Some elderly tenants end up living in these tiny units alone, with no space to properly care for themselves or store medical equipment. Single parents with children are also found in these cramped quarters, as they cannot afford the skyrocketing rental prices for larger homes.

The Root Causes of Coffin Homes

Skyrocketing Real Estate Prices

One of the main reasons coffin homes exist is the astronomical cost of real estate in Hong Kong. With the city consistently ranked as one of the most expensive places to live in the world, many residents simply cannot afford to rent or buy an apartment. The average price of a small flat is far beyond the reach of most people, forcing them to turn to subdivided units or coffin homes as a last resort.

Limited Land Availability

Hong Kong’s land is limited due to its mountainous terrain and high population density. This shortage of available land for residential development leads to high demand for whatever properties are available, driving up rental prices and pushing many people into substandard living conditions. The government has been slow to address this land shortage with comprehensive urban planning and zoning reforms.

Growing Income Inequality and Poverty

Hong Kong has one of the widest income gaps in the world, and this wealth disparity is directly linked to the housing crisis. While the rich can afford spacious apartments in the city, the working class is left to battle for any available housing, often settling in substandard conditions. Low-income workers, especially those in the service industry, are disproportionately affected by the rising cost of living.

Slow Housing Policies and Delayed Public Housing Projects

Public housing is a major part of the solution to the housing crisis in Hong Kong, but the city’s housing development has not kept up with population growth. There are long waiting lists for public housing, and many applicants remain in substandard conditions, such as coffin homes, for years. The government has been criticized for the slow pace at which new public housing is built.

The Human Cost of Coffin Homes

The people who live in coffin homes are not statistics—they are real individuals with personal stories of hardship, resilience, and survival. These homes may be small in size, but they carry immense emotional and psychological weight.

Elderly Residents: The Hidden Suffering

For elderly residents, the conditions in coffin homes are even more difficult. Many elderly people live alone in these cramped spaces, without the space or facilities to care for themselves. Some are physically frail, making it harder to navigate the narrow spaces. In some cases, the lack of access to proper medical care and the isolation from the community contribute to their decline in health.

The Impact on Children and Families

For families, especially single parents, living in coffin homes presents significant challenges. Children often have little space to study, play, or sleep, and the constant noise from shared facilities can create an unhealthy environment for young people. Single parents must juggle their work responsibilities with the stress of raising children in these difficult conditions.

Public Outcry and Government Response

Public Awareness and Criticism

The plight of coffin home residents has drawn widespread public attention, both within Hong Kong and internationally. Activists, social workers, and politicians have called for stronger government action to address the housing crisis. The stark contrast between the extreme wealth of Hong Kong’s elite and the squalor in which many of its citizens live has become a focal point for discussions on social justice and economic inequality.

Government Initiatives and Challenges

In response to criticism, the Hong Kong government has taken steps to tackle the housing crisis. Public housing projects are underway, and rent subsidies have been introduced to help lower-income residents. However, these measures have not been sufficient to meet the overwhelming demand. Many public housing projects are delayed, and the city’s wealthiest developers often prioritize luxury housing over affordable options.

Transitional Housing and Rent Subsidies

To alleviate the pressure on the most vulnerable residents, the government has introduced transitional housing schemes that offer temporary, low-cost accommodations. Additionally, rent subsidies have been provided to eligible low-income individuals to help them cover the cost of private rental units. While these programs provide some relief, they are only temporary solutions to a much larger, systemic problem.

Potential Solutions to the Coffin Homes Crisis

Accelerating Public Housing Development

One of the most urgent steps that can be taken to address the housing crisis in Hong Kong is speeding up the development of public housing. This includes both building new units and refurbishing existing ones to meet the growing demand. The government must streamline approval processes and provide more land for affordable housing.

Repurposing Vacant and Underutilized Spaces

Hong Kong has numerous underutilized commercial and industrial properties that could be converted into residential housing. By repurposing these spaces, the city could increase its available housing stock and offer affordable options for those in need.

Rent Control and Tenant Protections

Implementing stronger rent control measures and tenant protections is another key solution. Rent increases in private housing should be capped to prevent exploitation of vulnerable tenants. Additionally, tenants living in poor conditions should be provided with legal protections against eviction and forced relocation.

Creative Housing Models: Micro-Apartments and Co-Living Spaces

Micro-apartments, co-living spaces, and other innovative housing models can offer a more humane alternative to coffin homes. These living arrangements can provide private spaces for individuals while maintaining affordability and community living.

A Call for Systemic Change

Coffin homes are not just a housing issue—they represent the social inequality and systemic challenges faced by Hong Kong’s working-class population. The government, developers, and society as a whole must come together to find long-term solutions to the housing crisis. The human cost of these substandard living conditions is too high, and immediate action is needed to ensure that every resident in Hong Kong has access to safe, affordable, and dignified housing.

Conclusion

The existence of coffin homes in Hong Kong is a stark reminder of the challenges that low-income residents face in one of the world’s wealthiest cities. Addressing the housing crisis will require systemic change, both in government policies and urban planning. By tackling these issues, Hong Kong can create a more inclusive, equitable society where all its residents have the right to a safe and healthy place to live.

Visiting the “Coffin Homes” of Hong Kong: A Sobering Insight into the Urban Housing Crisis

The “coffin homes” of Hong Kong represent one of the starkest manifestations of the city’s deep housing crisis. While these cramped living spaces are not traditional tourist attractions, they offer a sobering insight into the reality of urban poverty in one of the world’s wealthiest cities. If you’re looking to understand more about Hong Kong’s housing situation and the lives of people living in these conditions, it’s important to approach this subject with sensitivity and respect.

How to Visit the “Coffin Homes” of Hong Kong

There is no official “tourist destination” for coffin homes, but there are several ways you can learn about this issue through guided tours, NGOs, and by visiting neighborhoods where these homes are located. Many visitors interested in exploring this aspect of Hong Kong’s urban landscape should consider engaging with social organizations or community tours that highlight the realities of housing inequality in the city.

1. Social Impact Tours & NGO Programs

Several organizations and social enterprises in Hong Kong offer social impact tours that provide an opportunity to visit neighborhoods affected by poverty, including areas where coffin homes exist. These tours are typically guided by local experts who provide a context-rich experience, helping visitors understand the historical, economic, and social factors contributing to Hong Kong’s housing crisis. These tours might include visits to places where subdivided apartments (which often contain coffin homes) are located.

• Hong Kong Uncovered: This organization offers social tours that focus on issues like poverty and inequality, often taking guests to areas where underprivileged communities live, including the notorious coffin homes.
• The Society for Community Organization (SoCO): This NGO has been actively involved in raising awareness about Hong Kong’s housing crisis. SoCO often arranges tours or educational activities that take visitors into neighborhoods affected by overcrowded living conditions.

Note: It’s recommended to check the organization’s website or contact them directly to arrange a tour focused on housing issues and the lives of those living in such conditions.

2. Visiting Areas with High Concentrations of Subdivided Units

If you’re interested in seeing the areas where coffin homes are prevalent, you can visit neighborhoods in Hong Kong where subdivided units and illegal flats are more common. Some areas have become infamous for their small, subdivided apartments, which often include coffin homes:

1. Mong Kok (旺角)

Mong Kok, located in the Kowloon district, is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. The area is known for its bustling street markets, but it is also home to a significant number of subdivided flats and coffin homes. Walking through Mong Kok, you will see a combination of old residential buildings, many of which are poorly maintained. Some of these buildings contain coffin homes, and the community in these buildings often lives in difficult conditions.

2. Sham Shui Po (深水埗)

Sham Shui Po, another area in Kowloon, is considered one of the poorest districts in Hong Kong. It is a hotspot for subdivided flats and informal housing, including coffin homes. You will find a mix of traditional markets, small businesses, and densely packed buildings, many of which house low-income families and elderly residents in cramped living conditions. Sham Shui Po has been the focus of several initiatives by local NGOs that aim to improve housing and living conditions for the district’s residents.

3. Yau Ma Tei (油麻地)

Yau Ma Tei, like Mong Kok, is a densely populated area in Kowloon. While it’s more famous for its traditional markets and the Jade Market, it also has a number of older residential buildings that contain subdivided flats, including coffin homes. Visitors who are interested in learning about the housing crisis may pass through Yau Ma Tei as part of a guided social tour or community outreach program.

4. Wan Chai (湾仔)

Although more known for its business district, Wan Chai is also home to older buildings with subdivided apartments. In certain pockets of this area, you will find older, neglected buildings where many residents live in subdivided units that resemble the conditions of coffin homes.

3. Residential Areas with Public Housing Projects

While public housing is not a “coffin home,” it is important to visit areas where affordable housing initiatives have been implemented, as they serve as an alternative to such living conditions. Some neighborhoods with significant public housing include:

• Choi Hung Estate (彩虹邨): Famous for its colorful public housing blocks, Choi Hung Estate represents the government’s efforts to provide affordable housing for low-income residents. Visiting such estates allows you to see how public housing contrasts with the overcrowded conditions in areas with coffin homes.
• Tai Hing Estate (大興邨): Located in Tuen Mun, Tai Hing Estate is one of the many public housing estates in Hong Kong that offers affordable accommodation for low-income residents. Exploring these areas can provide insight into Hong Kong’s efforts to tackle the housing crisis.

How to Get to These Areas

1. MTR (Mass Transit Railway)

Hong Kong’s MTR system is an efficient way to get around the city. The MTR has stations in all the major districts mentioned above. Here are some specific lines you can take:

• Mong Kok: Take the Tsuen Wan Line or Kwun Tong Line and alight at Mong Kok Station.
• Sham Shui Po: Take the Tsuen Wan Line and alight at Sham Shui Po Station.
• Yau Ma Tei: Take the Tsuen Wan Line and alight at Yau Ma Tei Station.
• Wan Chai: Take the Island Line and alight at Wan Chai Station.

2. Public Bus

Hong Kong has an extensive bus network that connects neighborhoods and districts not covered by the MTR. You can use the Octopus Card (a prepaid transport card) to pay for bus rides. Buses also serve the outlying areas of Hong Kong like public housing estates in New Territories.

3. Walking Tours

If you are part of a guided walking tour, your guide will take you to areas where coffin homes are concentrated. These tours will typically begin at a central meeting point, such as a well-known street or MTR station, and will include walks through neighborhoods like Mong Kok, Sham Shui Po, and Yau Ma Tei.

Travel Tips

• Respect the Residents: Remember that the people living in these conditions are enduring difficult circumstances. If you are visiting neighborhoods where coffin homes are located, approach with respect and sensitivity. Refrain from taking intrusive photographs without permission.
• Use a Local Guide: To better understand the historical, cultural, and social context of the areas you visit, consider joining a guided tour. A local guide can provide valuable insights into the issues surrounding the housing crisis and the lives of the people who reside in coffin homes.
• Avoid the Night: Visiting these areas at night can be uncomfortable for both you and the residents. Daytime visits are recommended when exploring neighborhoods with high concentrations of subdivided flats.
• Learn About the Issue: Before your visit, do some research on Hong Kong’s housing crisis and the existence of coffin homes. This will help you understand the gravity of the issue and appreciate the social impact of these living conditions.
• Support Local NGOs: Consider donating to or volunteering with local organizations such as SoCO, which work to address the housing crisis and support low-income families. Your contribution can help improve living conditions for many Hong Kong residents.

By visiting these areas and engaging with the housing crisis in a meaningful way, you can gain a deeper understanding of one of Hong Kong’s most pressing social issues.