Up to HK$80,000 in Renovation Subsidies Available for Seniors!

The longer you live in a home, the more likely it is to face wear and tear, requiring repairs and renovations. Recently, while discussing window repairs with family, I discovered the government's Building Maintenance Grant Scheme for Needy Owners. This program provides eligible individuals aged 60 or above with subsidies of up to HK$80,000 per property. 

Launched by the Urban Renewal Authority (URA), the scheme aims to assist eligible owner-occupiers in repairing and maintaining their properties. The goal is to address building deterioration, improve living conditions, and enhance safety.

To apply, the applicant must hold a valid Hong Kong Identity Card, be the owner of a residential or composite-use property, and reside in the property with their spouse if married. Applicants must not be undischarged bankrupts. 

Additionally, applicants must meet one of the following conditions: they must be aged 60 or above and meet the income and asset limits, be a recipient of the Old Age Living Allowance, or be a recipient of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) with specific conditions, such as having family members aged 65 or above living with them.

For applicants aged 60 or above, the monthly income limit is HK$10,770 for single individuals and HK$16,440 for couples. The asset limit is HK$1,218,000 for single individuals and HK$1,848,000 for couples.

The subsidy covers safety-related repairs for residential units or common areas of buildings. Eligible works include inspecting, repairing, or replacing damaged windows, improving the safety of external walls, fixing cracked plaster or stone cladding, waterproofing rooftops and platforms, and resolving water seepage issues.

Applications can be made online, in person at a URA office, or by post. For individual residential unit repairs, the application must be submitted before the work begins. Contractors’ quotes must be obtained, and approval granted, before starting the project. For building-wide repairs, applications can be submitted after the cost-sharing notice is received.

Applicants need to submit several documents, including copies of their Hong Kong Identity Card, marriage certificate (if applicable), proof of income and assets, a recent rates bill or proof of address, contractor quotations, and the contractor's business registration certificate. For building-wide repairs, additional documents such as the cost-sharing notice and proof of the applicant's share of the repair costs are required.

For those receiving the Old Age Living Allowance, Disability Allowance, or CSSA, relevant proof must also be provided. Each applicant is allowed to apply up to four times within 10 years, starting from the date of their first successful application. If you are interested in the renovation subsidy, check your eligibility, gather the necessary documents, and apply before starting any repair works.

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