The Hong Kong administration has signalled strong confidence that at least 75 percent of owners in Wang Chi House will accept a government purchase proposal by June 30. Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun told reporters that the block — the only tower at Wang Fuk Court that largely escaped the November blaze — was likely to join the wider acquisition plan. The government has indicated it may allocate an extra HK$1 billion to bring this eighth block into the programme, which follows an earlier offer covering seven damaged towers.
Officials emphasise that the buyout would use the same pricing and arrangements already framed for the other buildings: fixed rates per square foot depending on land premium clearance status, and a choice between cash or home exchange mechanisms. The proposal sits alongside temporary access arrangements that allow residents to visit their flats to collect items; these returns are being staged and include specified windows for different buildings.
Terms of the proposed acquisition
The buyout for Wang Chi House would mirror the earlier package offered in late February, when the government unveiled a HK$6.8 billion scheme to acquire flats in seven fire-hit towers. If Wang Chi House joins, the total cost would increase to about HK$7.8 billion, covering nearly 2,000 units across eight buildings. Prices have been set at HK$8,000 per square foot for units where land premium clearance remains outstanding and HK$10,500 per square foot where premiums are already settled.
Homeowners who take the offer will be able to select between a straight cash payout or a flat-for-flat exchange using designated vouchers, offering flexibility to families and individuals displaced by the disaster. The government has framed these terms as part of a longer-term resettlement plan intended to resolve housing outcomes for about 4,000 displaced residents, and to simplify future redevelopment in the Tai Po area.
Why many owners are leaning toward the sale
Despite most units in Wang Chi House remaining structurally intact, more than three-quarters of owners have signalled a willingness to sell, according to officials. Factors influencing that preference include uncertainty about timelines for a safe return, the prospect of substantial repair costs, and difficulties in marketing homes affected by the complex. Some residents also cited emotional reasons — a desire to move on after the trauma of the November fire that claimed 168 lives and left communities deeply shaken.
Voices from the community and lawmakers
Lawmakers expressed support for the offer while urging homeowners to weigh options carefully. Legislator Kenneth Fok Kai-kong warned that a solitary Wang Chi House could impose heavy logistical and financial challenges for future repairs and could complicate demolition and redevelopment plans for the site. Another lawmaker, Bill Tang Ka-piu, said the buyout could help address residents’ concerns and urged people to obtain professional advice before signing.
Access, logistics and the road ahead
The administration has also announced staged access for residents to return and retrieve belongings. From April 20 to May 4, occupants of the seven fire-damaged towers were allowed back in batches to salvage items; Wang Chi House had an earlier access period in December and will have a follow-up window from May 13 to May 17 that permits up to four people per household for three hours with elevator access. Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration Cheuk Wing-hing said further arrangements for other buildings would be announced as they are finalised.
Officials maintain that the inclusion of Wang Chi House in the full purchase programme requires a written agreement from at least 75 percent of property owners by the June 30 deadline. If that threshold is met, ownership transfers would proceed under the same financial and logistical framework already publicised. Authorities say they expect few reversals in owner preferences and are preparing administrative steps to implement the transfer if the acceptance level is reached.
What owners should consider
Residents weighing the buyout are advised to consider the immediate financial terms, the longer-term prospects of living in a partially isolated block, and the available recovery supports. The government has encouraged homeowners to seek independent advice and to compare the cash and voucher-for-flat options carefully. For those deciding to remain, officials note there will be ongoing communication about repair responsibilities and safety timelines, but the buyout offers a definitive route to exit the uncertainty created by the incident.
