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Hong Kong plans to buy homes devastated in deadly high-rise fire - Reuters

Hong Kong plans to buy homes devastated in deadly high-rise fire - Reuters

Hong Kong plans to buy homes devastated in deadly high-rise fire Reuters

February 21, 2026 at 08:23 AM Original source
12 agencies covered this story

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Notable Quotes

"In other words, the funds they have invested in these units over the years could turn to nothing."

— Michael Wong , Executive

"The government is well aware of the importance of finalising a long-term rehousing plan for the residents as soon as possible."

— Michael Wong Wai-lun , Executive

"We believe the proposed price is sufficient for the affected residents to relocate and secure long-term housing."

— Wong Wai-lun , Executive

"We believe the proposed price is sufficient for the affected residents to relocate and secure long-term housing."

— Wong Wai-lu , Politician

"It is just that in formulating the government’s package, it is impossible to satisfy the wishes of everyone."

— Wong Wai-lu , Politician

"The scale of the disaster is unprecedented, and currently there is no effective market mechanism to assist affected households."

— Michael Wong , Executive

"It is not appropriate to rebuild the complex because it would take at least nine years."

— Michael Wong , Executive

"The scale of the disaster is unprecedented, and currently there is no effective market mechanism to assist affected households."

— Michael Wong , Executive

"It is not appropriate to rebuild the complex because it would take at least nine years."

— Michael Wong , Executive

"The scale of the disaster is unprecedented, and currently there is no effective market mechanism to assist affected households."

— Michael Wong , Executive

"It is not appropriate to rebuild the complex because it would take at least nine years."

— Michael Wong , Executive

"the government’s offer of cash compensation, paired with the flat-for-flat exchange option, is the 'fastest and most flexible' path forward for the affected residents to secure long-term housing and resume normal lives."

— Michael Wong Wai-lun , Executive

"the rehousing arrangement is a special case and will not be a precedent, given that the fire was 'unprecedented', and had inflicted 'significant losses' on and 'immense challenges' for the victims."

— Michael Wong Wai-lun , Executive

"the prices should allow residents to relocate and secure long-term housing."

— Wong Wai-lun , Executive

All Coverage

Reutersvia rss

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiqgFBVV95cUxOT3BWNk9YRkhyQVBMbUVsc2paTGNHZ2NRMFc1aE5MQ3FCdVgyS1JJRDd1WlhZZ0dZQUc0RTNtemlxdXpkbDZZS1pYdE56Y1NzRm84Ulc4czd5WjItM29XenlxNmRGc0FzNzh0QTJGcGZfN0daZWF2X0dzVjBRc2xqRDVTMHF1aXc1dWpRWGFGLTNwaEZuT3FZcGwzNUpFc1o0bmVuS29oTDI5QQ?oc=5" target="_blank">Hong Kong plans to buy homes devastated in deadly high-rise fire</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

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Associated Pressvia ai 1 quote 1 person

In response to the deadliest blaze in decades that occurred on November 26, 2025, in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, which killed 168 people and displaced thousands, the government has proposed a resettlement plan for affected residents. The fire destroyed seven apartment buildings in Wang Fuk Court, leaving former occupants in temporary housing. The government is offering to buy back ownership rights from about 1,700 affected homeowners for a total estimated cost of HK$6.8 billion (US$870 million), using both public funds and a relief fund. Alternatively, residents can choose to exchange their ownership for another apartment under a government scheme.

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South China Morning Postvia ai 1 quote 1 person

Government sources say acquisition prices will range from about HK$8,000 to HK$10,000 per sq ft, higher than previously estimated.

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Channel News Asiavia ai 1 quote 1 person

The government also offered an apartment exchange programme for the 4,600 affected tenants, who lived in nearly 2,000 housing units at the complex, Wang Fuk Court.

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The Straits Timesvia ai 2 quotes 1 person

The government also offered an apartment exchange programme for the 4,600 affected tenants, who lived in nearly 2,000 housing units at the complex, Wang Fuk Court.

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ABC Newsvia ai 2 quotes 1 person

Authorities in Hong Kong have announced a buy-out offer for owners who lost their homes in last year's deadly housing complex fire at Wang Fuk Court.

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Khaleej Timesvia ai 2 quotes 1 person

Hong Kong authorities announced on Saturday a buy-out offer for owners who lost their homes in last year's deadly housing complex fire, rather than rebuilding the charred apartment blocks as some residents had hoped for.

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Investing.comvia ai

Hong Kong proposes to spend about HK$4 billion ($512 million) to buy out the owners of homes in a high-rise housing complex ravaged by a massive fire that killed more than 160 in November, authorities said on Saturday.

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RTHKvia ai

The government is offering a cash buyout or a flat-for-flat exchange for all units directly affected by the Wang Fuk Court fire.

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China Daily Hong Kongvia ai 2 quotes 1 person

Hong Kong proposes to spend about HK$6.8 billion ($870 million) to buy out the owners of homes in a high-rise housing complex ravaged by a massive fire that killed more than 160 in November, officials said on Saturday.

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Business Todayvia ai 1 quote 1 person

Hong Kong authorities plan to spend about HK$4 billion (£512 million) to buy out the owners of apartments destroyed in a high-rise fire last November that killed more than 160 people.

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Malay Mailvia ai 2 quotes 1 person

Hong Kong authorities announced today a buy-out offer for owners who lost their homes in last year’s deadly housing complex fire, rather than rebuilding the charred apartment blocks as some residents had hoped for.

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