A bird’s-eye view of China’s largest prefabricated affordable housing project — the Fenghuang Yinghuicheng housing estate in Guangming District. Yan Wenting
Shenzhen unveiled four management regulations Monday, aiming to improve its affordable housing system to ensure adequate housing for people with housing difficulties.
The regulations, set to take effect Aug. 1, are part of Shenzhen’s commitment to the principle that housing is for living, not for speculation, Shenzhen Special Zone Daily reported.
The regulations deal with three categories of public housing that will be made available to different groups of citizens.
Public rental housing will be allocated primarily to qualified residents with Shenzhen hukou (household registration) who are facing housing challenges, as well as front-line workers who are providing essential public services, as per the new rules.
Affordable rental housing, another type of housing, will mainly be offered to newly arrived citizens, young people, various professionals, and other eligible groups.
The third category of housing, jointly owned properties, will be available to eligible residents with Shenzhen hukou, who will share the homes’ ownership with the government. Over time, the regulations aim to gradually extend housing opportunities to citizens who do not have Shenzhen hukou, depending on the actual conditions.
Moreover, differentiated pricing standards for rental and sale will be implemented accordingly.
The regulations outline different approaches for securing land for the public housing.
Consideration will be given to diverse housing needs when designing homes, with an emphasis on prefabricated buildings, smart construction techniques, and the use of eco-friendly materials.
The city also plans to develop public facilities related to transportation, education, and health care in close proximity to these housing complexes, ensuring that residents have access to basic public services.
Officials from the city’s housing and construction bureau said that the release of the four regulations is of great significance to address housing difficulties faced by newly arrived citizens, young people and other vulnerable groups. They will step up the formulation of additional support measures to ensure the implementation of the regulations, the officials said.