In order to provide further assistance to minority owners of old buildings, the Hong Kong Government has commissioned Senior Citizen Home Safety Association (“SCHSA”) as a service provider to provide outreach support service. The social workers of SCHSA will provide assistance to those minority owners, who are affected by compulsory sale under the Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) Ordinance (“Ordinance”) or property acquisition by private developers, by way of information service, technical service and emotional support; and to cover a public education and publicity programme on mediation in compulsory sale. The social workers will also refer the minority owners to professionals such as surveyors for advice if they wish.

SCHSA understands that some minority owners, especially those elderly minority owners of old buildings may have difficulties in understanding the provisions under the Ordinance and the process of compulsory sale, and may have worries and anxieties when approached by outsiders for voluntary acquisition of their properties.

Supported by professional legal and valuation advisers, the experienced social workers of the Outreach Support Service for Minority Owners will support minority owners who are affected by property acquisition or compulsory sale, and help them make an informed decision.

In view of the scale and pace of urban decay and to encourage private sector participation in urban renewal, the Ordinance was enacted with effect from June 1999 to assist private building owners with fragmented ownership to redevelop their lots. The threshold for compulsory sale application was first set at no less than 90% of a lot's ownership. Taking into account the rapidly ageing building stock, the government introduced amendments to the compulsory sale regime in April 2010 and December 2024 respectively. The amendments in April 2010 lowered the compulsory sale application threshold for certain classes of lots, in particular private buildings aged 50 years or above, from 90% ownership to 80%. The amendments in December 2024 further updated and streamlined the compulsory sale regime by further lowering the threshold for applying compulsory sale according to building age and location, facilitating the application for compulsory sale of adjoining lots, streamlining the relevant legal procedures, and enhancing support for affected minority owners.

* Designated areas are areas covered by the "Outline Zoning Plans" with serial number specified by the Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) (Specification of Lower Percentage) Notice (Cap. 545). For details, please visit the "Support Service Centre for Minority Owners under Compulsory Sale" website:

1. Cheung Sha Wan

2. Ma Tau Kok

3. Mong Kok

4. Sai Ying Pun and Sheung Wan

5. Tsuen Wan

6. Wan Chai

7. Yau Ma Tei