Hong Kong authorities have extended a government buy-back offer to homeowners in Wang Chi House, the sole remaining residential block untouched by the destructive fire at Wang Fuk Court, following strong support from residents. This marks a significant development after more than three-quarters of owners across the estate’s other seven blocks agreed to sell their flats under the government’s resettlement scheme.

Officials reported that owners of 193 flats, representing 77.8 percent of the units in Wang Chi House, have signed letters indicating their intention to participate in the buy-back plan. The government described the response as a “good progress” and attributed the consensus to the attractiveness of the long-term housing solutions offered, which aim to ease the challenges faced by residents, including anticipated increases in management fees and declining property values.

The buy-back initiative involves HK$6.8 billion allocated for the acquisition of flats in the seven damaged towers, with an additional HK$1 billion set aside to cover Wang Chi House. Homeowners opting for the flat-for-flat exchange can receive vouchers to purchase alternative housing under the scheme; if the market price of the new property is lower than the government’s acquisition offer, the difference will be paid in cash upon transaction completion.

Initially, eligibility of Wang Chi House rested on securing buy-in from at least 75 percent of owners by June 30. According to official communications, participating residents are required to sign formal sale agreements by mid-October. Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun announced plans to provide an additional 500 flats in desirable locations such as Kwun Tong and Fanling for affected residents. While affirming the reasonableness of the current proposal, he acknowledged the personal nature of resale decisions and did not dismiss the potential introduction of legislation to resume property titles, though any such measures would not be implemented until next year.

Separately, Hop On Management Company, the government-appointed administrator of Wang Fuk Court, committed to convening a delayed homeowners’ meeting in July. This follows a ruling by the Lands Tribunal earlier this month that dismissed the company’s request to postpone the extraordinary general meeting (EGM). The administrator had faced pressure to hold the meeting after more than 12 percent of residents petitioned for it in April to discuss progress on post-fire estate management.

Hop On confirmed it had completed verification of sufficient homeowners to meet statutory requirements and had improved communication with previously unreachable owners through a social worker initiative. The company is focusing on securing a venue capable of accommodating at least 1,000 attendees for a six-hour session on a weekend, though it clarified the meeting would address shared estate matters rather than individual property rights, including buy-back decisions.

Regarding financial matters, such as refunds of renovation funds and prepaid management fees, over 85 percent of eligible owners have registered for appointments, and further outreach efforts are underway. Hop On also stated it was consulting legal counsel to finalize meeting arrangements, including notice delivery, proxy form collection, and verification procedures, to ensure full compliance with relevant regulations.

The Wang Fuk Court fire in November last year claimed 168 lives and displaced approximately 5,000 residents, prompting sustained government intervention to manage recovery and residents’ resettlement options.