Wang Fuk Court Residents Oppose Government Buyback Plan After Tai Po Fire

Residents of the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po have expressed deep dissatisfaction with a government buyback plan following a catastrophic fire in November that claimed 168 lives and displaced thousands. During a second round of visits to retrieve personal belongings on April 22, 2026, many flat owners urged authorities to reconsider the decision and rebuild the estate on its original site.

Deadlines and Displacement

The government has established a strict timeline for the buyback offer, requiring flat owners to accept the proposal by the end of August. Those who opt in by June 30 will receive priority in selecting new flats through a special sales scheme.

Residents have criticized these timelines as premature. A resident surnamed Lai described the June 30 deadline as “putting the cart before the horse,” arguing that owners should be allowed to select their new homes before being forced to sell their current flats.

Did You Know? The fire insurance covering the Wang Fuk Court estate is valued at HK$2 billion, a sum some residents believe could be utilized to rebuild the complex.

Residents’ Struggle for Choice

Many residents feel they have been left with no viable alternatives. A resident surnamed Lee stated that the government’s approach is “either sell your flat or sell your flat,” leaving them with no real choice in the matter.

While some, like a resident surnamed Sze, view the buyback as the “only rational option,” they remain concerned about the lack of clarity regarding their lives after the sale. Others, including Mrs. Wong, have questioned why a decision must be made before the independent committee’s public inquiry report is released in September.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the tension here stems from a clash between administrative efficiency and the residents’ need for closure. By setting deadlines before the September inquiry report, the government is prioritizing a swift resolution, while residents see the report as essential context for their final decisions.

Demands for Transparency

There is a growing call for direct communication between the government and the affected homeowners. Residents have appealed to the government-appointed administrator, Hop On Management, to organise an owners’ meeting to improve transparency.

Govt Defends Wang Fuk Court Buy-Back | HOY International Business Channel

Resident Lai noted that the government has never communicated with them directly, leaving residents to voice their concerns primarily through the media. Some have even used handmade posters and drawings in their windows to signal their desire for the estate to be rebuilt.

Potential Next Steps

The authorities have maintained that the buyback plan is final. However, it remains unclear how the government will handle those who refuse to accept the offer.

A possible next step could involve the introduction of “special legislation.” Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong indicated in February that the government would study whether such laws are necessary for owners who refuse to sell.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key deadlines for the Wang Fuk Court buyback plan?
Owners must accept the offer by the end of August, but those who opt in by June 30 receive priority in a special sales scheme.

Who is managing the estate’s administration?
The government-appointed administrator is Hop On Management.

When is the independent committee’s report expected?
The public inquiry is due to report on issues relating to the fire by September.

Do you believe government buyback schemes should be paused until independent inquiry reports are fully released?