ECO3001: The Hong Kong Housing Market

Bridging Theory and Community: Housing Solutions for Hong Kong’s Older Adults

The S-L project in ECO3001 addresses a significant social challenge in Hong Kong: the housing difficulties faced by middle-aged and elderly homeowners, especially regarding their willingness to consider reverse mortgages. Reverse mortgages provide an option for older homeowners to access the value of their homes as a source of retirement income.

Students work in teams to gather information directly from elderly residents through interviews, focus groups, and surveys. These interactions provide valuable insights into the residents' attitudes, concerns, and understanding of reverse mortgages.

To support their research, students attend sessions organized by the Investor and Financial Education Council, gaining practical knowledge about financial planning and retirement protection. Besides collecting data, students visit subdivided flats and youth hostels to observe the diversity of housing conditions in Hong Kong. These visits help them connect theoretical concepts with the realities many face. Combining their fieldwork and academic learning, students produce reports that aim to inform the community and contribute to discussions on improving housing security for older adults.

Overall, the project offers students a meaningful opportunity to apply economic principles, engage with the community, and better understand the challenges within Hong Kong’s housing market.