Cross-Border Living in Hong Kong and Shenzhen: Insights into the Residential Environment Preferences of Young Professionals

Hong Kong is experiencing an outflow of young professionals, according to the Census and Statistics Department of HKSAR Government. Some Hong Kong professionals choose to become crossborder commuters and live in Shenzhen due to lower rents, spacious rooms or better services. As housing is a key factor in young people’s workplace choices, satisfying their housing preferences is crucial for understanding how to support talent. This study used the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to evaluate spatial factors of six rental-oriented housing cases near the Hong Kong- Shenzhen border, and a cross-tabulation analysis to compare the needs of different young professional groups. The evaluation covered community environment, facilities, apartment features, and proximity to leisure and transportation facilities. Data from 56 questionnaires were used to form the AHP judgment matrices. The findings highlight the impact of population profiles on the living space preferences of young professionals, and the characteristics of apartments and communities that are attractive to young people. Based on these outcomes, design principles for communities and apartments targeting young professionals are proposed, offering guidance for future youth community planning.