IH reevaluating next five-year public housing plan, but details remain undisclosed

[Photo: Renato Marques]

The Housing Bureau (IH) is reevaluating its policies for the future direction of public housing, the bureau said in a written response to an inquiry from lawmaker Leong Pou U.

In its response, the IH said the government “is currently reviewing the Study on the Optimization of Macau’s Housing Policy for 2026–2030 to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the future development of public housing and to ensure the rational allocation of housing resources,” adding that details of the proposed changes will be announced at a later date.

The bureau also said the Public Works Bureau (DSOP) is re-examining the development direction of the land plots north of Son Lei Building in Iao Hon to create favorable conditions for the redevelopment of the so-called “seven-building complex.”

However, the bureau did not provide details, saying they would be announced later.

In his inquiry, submitted to the Legislative Assembly, Leong called on the government to disclose details of its updated housing policies, arguing that changing economic conditions and residents’ needs have prompted a shift in priorities.

He noted that the government has suspended several public housing projects in recent years, including four residential buildings planned for Zone A of the reclaimed land, and has also postponed plans to introduce a new type of public housing known as “sandwich-class housing.”

The proposed housing category would serve middle-income residents whose earnings exceed the eligibility threshold for affordable housing but are insufficient to purchase homes on the private market.