Wang Fuk Court homeowners reach 96.5% acceptance for government buyback

More than 96.5 percent of homeowners at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po have agreed to the government’s buyback scheme following a fatal fire that killed 168 people on November 26 last year. As of Thursday, 1,914 out of 1,984 owners have returned letters of acceptance, leaving only 70 undecided owners before the deadline on Monday at 5:00 p.m.

Approximately 76.9 percent of total homeowners have already signed formal sale and purchase agreements. Under the scheme, owners can choose to receive cash or swap their flats for new government-subsidized units. About 4,400 subsidized flats have been reserved for those opting for the swap, with over 60 percent being larger units of 400 square feet or more.

Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho stated that a computerized lottery will determine the order for unit selection, with priority given to those who returned acceptance letters by June 30. The lottery process is expected to begin in September, with unit selection scheduled to start by the end of the month.