The latest lottery for the "White Form Secondary Market Scheme 2024" (often referred to as "White Form 2") was conducted by the Hong Kong Housing Authority on April 24, 2025. The event was presided over by the Chairman of the Housing Authority’s Subsidized Housing Committee, Wong Pik Yu. This year, the lottery drew significant attention as it offered a total of 6,000 quotas, a notable increase from previous years.
The top ten numbers drawn during the lottery were: 49, 35, 39, 85, 77, 76, 32, 21, 38, and 24. These numbers determine the order of applicants based on the last two digits of their application numbers. Following the lottery, successful applicants can expect to receive an "Approval Letter" in the third or fourth quarter of 2025, allowing them to apply for a "Purchase Eligibility Certificate" within six weeks of receiving this letter.
For this phase of the scheme, the Housing Authority received approximately 34,000 applications, leading to an oversubscription rate of about five times, despite a decrease of around 60% in the number of applications compared to previous years. Wong Pik Yu explained that the current application period was distinct from past lotteries, where applications for the Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) were combined with those for the White Form Secondary Market Scheme. She noted, "In previous years, applicants often included both schemes in their applications, which may have skewed the numbers. This time, applicants focused solely on the White Form 2 quotas." This strategy appears to have resonated particularly with younger applicants, as over 80% of the submissions—approximately 28,000—were from participants in the newly introduced "Youth Scheme (White Form 2)" aimed at those under 40 years old.
The increase in quotas for the "White Form Secondary Market Scheme 2024" was approved in January 2025 and included an additional 1,500 slots specifically allocated for the Youth Scheme. Wong emphasized that this initiative was designed to address the persistent demand for subsidized housing among younger demographics, highlighting that the initiative has been well received. "The response from young applicants indicates a strong interest in affordable housing options," she remarked.
The lottery ceremony, which began at 10:30 AM, was a significant event for many hopeful applicants. The Housing Authority's spokesperson noted that the results would be published on their official website, and applicants who submitted their applications online would receive notifications via email. Wong added that the final allocation of quotas would be conducted carefully, ensuring that all applicants meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the scheme.
In terms of market dynamics, the Housing Authority has observed a steady increase in the transaction volume of subsidized housing units. From March 2023 to February 2024, the average monthly transaction volume was around 230 units, which rose to 370 units from March 2024 to February 2025. This increase reflects a growing interest in the secondary market for subsidized housing, despite fluctuations in application numbers.
Wong also addressed concerns regarding the decrease in applications, stating that various factors contribute to these changes. "The number of applications can be influenced by the overall market atmosphere, economic conditions, and interest rates. It’s important for potential buyers to consider these factors carefully when making decisions about property purchases," she explained. She further noted that housing remains a fundamental need, and despite economic uncertainties, the drive for affordable housing persists.
Looking ahead, the Housing Authority is committed to assessing the outcomes of this lottery and will consider potential adjustments to the Youth Scheme quotas based on market feedback. Wong stated, "We will review the situation and determine if there is a need to increase the quotas in future rounds based on the responses we receive this time around." This commitment to adapt and respond to the needs of the community underscores the Authority's ongoing efforts to provide accessible housing options.
The lottery results for the White Form Secondary Market Scheme 2024 are available on the Housing Authority's website, and applicants are encouraged to check their status promptly. The Housing Authority remains dedicated to ensuring that the process is transparent and fair, allowing successful applicants to navigate the next steps toward securing their housing.
As the demand for affordable housing continues to grow, initiatives like the White Form Secondary Market Scheme play a crucial role in providing opportunities for residents in Hong Kong. The recent lottery not only reflects the ongoing interest in subsidized housing but also highlights the proactive measures being taken to support younger generations in their quest for home ownership.
