19th December 2025 – (Hong Kong) The mainland Chinese concept of “lying flat” — opting out of intense striving — is resonating with many in Hong Kong, as online debate flares over the costs and risks of home ownership. In a recent Threads post, a user argued that with a monthly income of HK$20,000 to HK$30,000, one can scarcely be considered affluent, cannot afford private housing, and at best qualifies for subsidised Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) flats. They lamented being “stuck in the middle” — neither qualifying for public rental housing nor able to buy privately — and said that, after the Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po, the prospect of shouldering a down payment, rates, government rent and maintenance fees only to see everything “go up in flames” underscores the fragility of such aspirations. “Why toil so hard?” the poster asked, suggesting it may be better to live in the moment.
Many commenters voiced agreement, saying life in Hong Kong increasingly involves unpredictable shocks and that “even a quiet, ordinary life is no certainty”. Some said that without sufficient savings to emigrate, learning to “lie flat” might be the pragmatic choice.
Criticism also focused on newer HOS developments, which some users contend differ little from public rental housing in layout and design, diminishing the sense of achievement or joy from purchase.
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