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Hong Kong Sets HK$6.8 Billion Buy-Back for Tai Po Fire Victims as Demolition Looms

Officials frame the plan as a one-off intervention to prevent owners’ investments from becoming worthless.

Overview

  • Government will acquire ownership of about 1,700 units through cash buyouts or flat-for-flat swaps priced at roughly HK$8,000–10,500 per sq ft.
  • Funding totals about HK$6.8 billion, with around HK$4 billion from public coffers and the rest from a dedicated relief fund.
  • Seven of the estate’s eight towers are slated for demolition after authorities deemed their internal damage irreversible, with the site likely converted to parks or community facilities.
  • The timetable targets contacting affected homeowners in March with payments to accepted sellers in the third quarter of 2026.
  • A survey found about 74% open to selling and 9% insisting on on-site redevelopment, as a senior official warned payouts would be far lower under any forced legislative acquisition.