'Coffin' flats epitomize inequality in high-rent Hong Kong

Living space in the Asian financial metropolis of Hong Kong is known to be extremely cramped due to extremely high real estate prices. But a single toilet and a kitchen shared by four families would be a challenge anywhere.

Xiao Bo, 60, lives in a subdivided mini-apartment in one of Hong Kong's many high-rise buildings. She prepares homemade dumplings in the small communal kitchen four families share.

"It's so small here; it's really inconvenient to live in," said Xiao Bo, sitting on her bed and eating her dumplings at a folding table in a tiny room. She is single and has been living in these cramped conditions for three years because she can't afford a better apartment.

Many people in Hong Kong live in an average of just 6 square meters (65 square feet) — about half the size of a car parking space. The city, which has been the most expensive in the world for 14 years, is struggling with extreme inequality. In October, the government announced minimum standards for living space and safety in subdivided apartments.

Some places are even smaller than six square meters: 65-year-old retired construction worker Kwok Kwai has been living in a so-called "coffin home" for 15 years. This tiny accommodation, which is barely bigger than a single bed, costs the equivalent of around €330 ($341) in rent.

"It's very stuffy. One or two fans aren't enough. It's unbearable," said Kwok Kwai, a 65-year-old retired construction worker. "The air doesn’t circulate to the outside, and I can’t open the windows because if I do, rats come in since it’s right next to the drain." To get some fresh air, he said he leaves the sliding door of his chamber open, sacrificing any semblance of privacy.

Wong Chi-kong, 76, lives in about 4 square meters for the equivalent of €360, excluding utilities. He has lived here for two years and was dependent on social welfare following a stroke and rising rents. Wong spends his days in tea houses and libraries. "You have to endure it," he said. "All I hope for is to quickly get into public housing."

There are many "coffin apartments" in Mong Kok due to its good transport links. "This kind of bed homes is the shame of Hong Kong," said Sze Lai-shan, deputy director of the non-government body the Society for Community Organization.

The megacity is apparently planning to abolish all subdivided apartments by 2049. In addition, the waiting time for social housing, which is currently 5 1/2 years, is to be significantly reduced. The city also wants to proceed with the construction of more subsidized apartments.