Nestled among Hong Kong's iconic skyscrapers are some of the most expensive properties in the world, with high-class apartments in exclusive areas.<br/> <br />But amid the luxury is a darker side to the city's real estate, where poor people are paying a heavy price.<br/> <br />In this industrial area, factory buildings have been illegally modified into subdivided flats.<br/> <br />Yu Wai-chan is one of 30 people renting rooms in this building - where 180 U.S. dollars buys him a sparse living space.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: YU WAI-CHAN, 50-YEAR-OLD SUBDIVIDED FLAT RESIDENT, SAYING (Cantonese):<br/> <br />"Under normal circumstances, this is not fit for humans to live. I mean, usually this is not a suitable place for normal people to live. But some people, like myself, live here only because the rent is cheap."<br/> <br />Around 100,000 people in Hong Kong live in subdivided flats or units known as "bed homes".<br/> <br />And with property prices jumping as much as 20 percent in recent months, even rent for these tiny rooms is on the rise.<br/> <br />Some residents at this "bed home" have spent decades living with basic amenities.<br/> <br />But beds that used to cost just 13 U.S. dollars, are now priced at around 170 dollars.<br/> <br />Local officials say by square feet, that's more expensive than luxury housing.
