The number of people living on a boat in Hong Kong continues to increase. At first glance, others might think these residents want to experience a luxurious lifestyle. Maybe for some. But for a majority of residents, this is far from reality.
Their decision to live in the water are driven purely by economics: the city's real estate prices have skyrocketed that even middle-class residents are having a hard time coping with their payments. In short, they can't afford the astronomical amortization, according to the South China Morning Post.
Take the case of airline worker David Jones (not his real name) who bought an Aberdeen property for HK$2 million ($255,000) three years ago. The place even has a rooftop and a balcony. The Jones' home, however, is not located in a pricey subdivision but on water.
Their abode is a floating "Chinese junk." But Jones and his family don't mind at all. What's important for people who are living on a boat in Hong are the basics, and that is to have a roof over their heads while being able to pay for their other needs.
Based on unofficial estimates, there are about 1,000 to 2,000 people who now live on boats. It is worth noting that many of them are expatriates who want to save on rent or get a bigger bang for their buck. Others want to live in a comfortable environment but at the same time, do not have a deal with exorbitant housing prices.
There are, however, a couple of issues these boat dwellers have to contend to. On top of the list is finding a secure place where their floating homes can be moored. Other concerns they need to contend to include securing clean water, electricity and sanitation services.
"It's not for everyone," shared Jones, who has spent 11 years of his professional career in Hong Kong. "A lot of people wouldn't like the lifestyle because there are a lot of constraints. But some of us do. We accept all the cons and enjoy the pros."
People who are living on a boat in Hong Kong are coping better than their counterparts who are renting in the city center. This is the situation of most millennials who have no choice but to live in industrial-type buildings due to the unavailability of other cheaper options, according to the Independent.
Not only have they learned to trade their comfort and convenience for cheap rent. They also have to contend with other issues such as rust-tainted water and intermittent blackouts. Plus, there's another major issue they need to confront: their living arrangements are illegal.
But 32-year-old photographer Wah Lee is willing to take to take the risk. He and his other roommate shell out around HK$11,000 (£1,080) a month rent. This is already a very good deal for them, considering that this rate is less than half the price of a residential unit in the area. Along with a small kitchen and private bathroom, the 1,000-square ft apartment features high ceilings and large windows, unusual by the standards of Hong Kong's often poky apartments.
For those who are living on a boat in Hong Kong or in a rundown apartment, one thing is clear: the city has a housing problem that needs to be addressed by authorities - soon. If left unattended, the issue could spiral out of control.
