Deputy FS Chan: Government May Legislate to Reclaim Wang Fuk Court Properties with Compensation
RTHK · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago4 MIN
Summary
Deputy Financial Secretary Paul Chan Wai-kong announced on Thursday that the government may pursue legislative means to reclaim property rights from owners of Wang Fuk Court who do not accept the voluntary acquisition offer, with lawful compensation to be provided. The overwhelming majority of owners have already opted into the scheme, and the government is working to complete the transfer process by the end of the year.
Key Points
- Deputy Financial Secretary Paul Chan (黃偉綸) said the government may legislate to reclaim property rights from the remaining Wang Fuk Court owners who decline to sell
- The deadline for signing sale agreements is mid-October 2026, with transfer documents expected to be completed by year-end
- 99.3 percent of Wang Fuk Court owners have accepted the government's acquisition arrangement
- 86 percent of owners have already signed formal sale agreements
- Compensation will be provided according to law for owners affected by any legislative reclamation
- The Fanling Golf Course judicial review case remains ongoing, with the government's deadline to decide on appeal being September 28, 2026
Why It Matters
The Wang Fuk Court acquisition represents the largest government-led property buyout exercise in recent years, and the use of legislation to handle holdout owners could set a precedent for future urban redevelopment projects in Hong Kong. The resolution of this case will affect thousands of residents seeking rehousing while also testing the government's approach to balancing public interest with individual property rights .
The Wang Fuk Court acquisition represents the largest government-led property buyout exercise in recent years, and the use of legislation to handle holdout owners could set a precedent for future urban redevelopment projects in Hong Kong. The resolution of this case will affect thousands of residents seeking rehousing while also testing the government's approach to balancing public interest with individual property rights .