Luxury Car Raises Eyebrows in Hong Kong Public Housing
A luxury car, valued at an estimated HK$3 million, has become the subject of intense online discussion after it was spotted parked in a public housing car park in Hong Kong. The incident has prompted netizens to question whether the owner of the vehicle is complying with the city’s strict regulations on subsidized housing eligibility, with some urging government departments to investigate a possible abuse of public resources.
This event takes place against the backdrop of Hong Kong’s ongoing efforts to curb potential abuses of its public housing system. The city is grappling with a shortage of affordable housing, making public housing a highly sought-after resource. Authorities are actively cracking down on wealthier tenants, with the goal of ensuring that public housing is allocated to those most in need.
Eligibility for public housing in Hong Kong is determined by income and asset thresholds. For a four-person family, the income ceiling is HK$30,950, and the net assets cannot exceed HK$590,000. Average rent for public housing units is approximately HK$2,297, significantly lower than market rates.
The image of the luxury car was first shared on the LIHKG forum, quickly going viral. The post, titled “I thought they are kicking out wealthy public housing tenants,” garnered significant attention online. Netizens quickly identified the car as a Mercedes-Maybach.
Online research confirms that Mercedes-Maybach vehicles are luxury cars with high price tags. In 2022, the Mercedes-Maybach S580 4Matic sedan had a starting price of HK$2.98 million, while the top-tier S680 4Matic version started at HK$4.098 million, setting a new record for the S-Class.
Speculation among online commenters immediately arose regarding the car’s owner. One netizen commented, “For someone who buys a HK$3 million car, it’s unlikely they are an ordinary person with just a few million in assets.” This observation led to questions regarding whether the individual in question surpassed asset limits for public housing residents. Some commenters speculated, however, that the car could be a company vehicle or potentially a modified Mercedes-Benz V250d.
Ultimately, the incident has prompted a widespread call for official intervention. A majority of netizens believe the situation should be reported to the Housing Department so that an investigation can be conducted. The public’s reaction reveals the sensitivity surrounding housing inequality in Hong Kong and the need for public trust in the allocation of subsidized resources.
