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Planning, Land and Infrastructure

some 238,100 sq m of private land were acquired and $3,429.5 million compensation was paid for acquisitions supporting public works projects (including public housing development), $521.5 million compensation was paid to owners of 59 resumed properties affected by 22 urban renewal projects, and $0.17 million compensation was paid in acquisitions supporting railway projects.

Optimising Use of Vacant Government Sites under Short-term Tenancy

The Development Bureau launched a scheme in 2019 to fund non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to carry out one-off, basic and essential restoration works on vacant government sites and school premises fit for community, institutional or other non-profit-making use. Such works may include slope upgrading, site formation, installation of temporary structures such as those using modular integrated construction methods, provision of sewerage and drainage access or pedestrian and vehicular access, renovation of dilapidated premises, and installation of fire safety equipment or barrier-free facilities. Costs incurred in relation to consultancy services commissioned to determine the technical feasibility or parameters of the proposed works may also be subsidised. As at 31 December, funding had been approved for NGOs to take forward community projects at 16 vacant sites or premises.

Land Registration

The Land Registry registers land-related documents and keeps land records in electronic format for public search. Major types of documents include sale and purchase agreements, assignments, and mortgages and legal charges. More than three million land registers and 24 million land-related documents can be retrieved electronically. In 2020, 421,485 land-related documents were lodged for registration. The registry also provides an email notification service, 'Property Alert, to help property owners monitor any documents delivered for registration against their properties.

Hong Kong currently adopts a deeds registration system. To enhance title certainty and simplify conveyancing procedures, the Land Titles Ordinance has been enacted to provide for a title registration system which will come into effect after a comprehensive review is completed and the necessary amending legislation is passed. The registry has forged consensus with key stakeholders on implementing title registration on newly granted land first, meaning land. granted by the government after the start of the ordinance, and is working with them to address outstanding issues required for the preparation of the proposed legislation.

Survey, Mapping and Geospatial Information Service

The Lands Department's Survey and Mapping Office provides survey, mapping and geospatial services to support land administration and infrastructure development, and develops maps in digital and printed formats to meet public needs. It carries out land boundary surveys and photogrammetric and aerial surveys. The office is developing the existing 2D digital maps into 3D digital maps and operates the Land Information System to maintain updated digital maps and databases of land information and geospatial data. It also provides support to the Land Survey Authority in administering the Land Survey Ordinance governing the registration and conduct of authorised land surveyors and land boundary survey standards.

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