***********************************************************
The Government is concerned about the complaints relating to the residential development at 38 Conduit Road. Various government agencies, including the Building Department (BD), the Consumer Council (CC) and the Estate Agents Authority (EAA) are following up the cases closely.
"The CC and the EAA are examining the complaints regarding the development," a Government spokesman said today (January 18).
"In addition, the BD is following up on whether internal alteration works have been carried out in the subject building. If such works contravene the provisions of the Buildings Ordinance, the BD will instigate appropriate action," the spokesman said.
In a related development, the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (HKIS) has published a "Guide to Take-over Domestic Unit for Prospective Homebuyer", which provides advice to prospective flat owners on how to inspect flats when taking over the flats from developers. The guidelines have been uploaded onto HKIS' website for public reference.
"To further enhance transparency and fairness in the sales of first-hand private residential properties, the Transport and Housing Bureau (THB) has established the Steering Committee on the Regulation of the Sale of First-hand Residential Properties by Legislation (SC) to discuss specific issues pertaining to the regulation of the sale of first-hand properties by legislation," the spokesman said.
The SC commenced work in November 2010 for completion in October 2011, and will come up with practicable recommendations to the Secretary for Transport and Housing for consideration.
"The SC intends to include all types of first-hand residential properties regardless of the types of land leases in the proposed legislation. THB's target is to take forward the subsequent public consultation in the form of a White Bill in order to expedite the consultation process," the spokesman added.
Ends/Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:00
NNNN