99.1% of Hung Fuk Estate Owners Accept Government Acquisition Before Deadline
Crhk · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The deadline for owners at Hung Fuk Estate in Tai Po to accept the government's mandatory property acquisition scheme expired at 5pm, with 99.1% of households signing acceptance letters by the cutoff. The Housing Bureau confirmed that 1,967 out of 1,984 households across eight blocks had submitted their "Acceptance of Acquisition Advice Letter," while 1,559 households have signed formal Sale and Purchase Agreements. Several owners who reluctantly sold their properties criticized the government's handling of the process, describing the experience as emotionally devastating. A Legislative Council member from the Labor Party suggested the government may pursue legislative action to acquire remaining properties if necessary.
Key Points
- 1,967 households (99.1% of 1,984 total units across blocks A to H) signed acceptance letters before the 5pm deadline on August 31
- 1,559 households have signed formal Sale and Purchase Agreements, representing 78.6% of total units, with deed transfers proceeding orderly
- Owner Mrs. Au from Block 5 Hong Tai House criticized receiving relocation information only recently, making it difficult to decide within the short timeframe
- A 71-year-old owner, Mrs. Chan, described signing the documents as feeling like being forced to sign a divorce agreement, breaking down in tears afterward
- Mr. Wong, a family of five living in Hong Tai House, said the government's repeated warnings about "legislative forced acquisition" felt like intimidation
Why It Matters
The overwhelming acceptance of the acquisition scheme marks a significant chapter for the Hung Fuk Estate community, with only a handful of owners potentially holding out. The government's willingness to consider "tailor-made legislation" for remaining properties signals its determination to proceed with the acquisition regardless of opposition . This case may set a precedent for future government-led property acquisitions in Hong Kong, particularly regarding the balance between public interest and individual property rights.
The overwhelming acceptance of the acquisition scheme marks a significant chapter for the Hung Fuk Estate community, with only a handful of owners potentially holding out. The government's willingness to consider "tailor-made legislation" for remaining properties signals its determination to proceed with the acquisition regardless of opposition . This case may set a precedent for future government-led property acquisitions in Hong Kong, particularly regarding the balance between public interest and individual property rights.