FAQs

1. When will the Support Service Centre for Minority Owners under Compulsory Sale (“SMOCS”) start its operation?



• The SMOCS commenced operation on 27 August 2024 and renders promotional and education services to the general public as well as support services to minority owners / tenants affected by compulsory sale applications. Please call its telephone hotline at 2156 8050 for enquiries about the details of services.




2. What is the role played by the Dedicated Office of Support Services for Minority Owners under Compulsory Sale (“DOSS”) under the Development Bureau (“DEVB”) in the operation of the SMOCS?



• The DOSS set up under the DEVB is mainly responsible for coordinating promotional and education efforts to enhance public knowledge of the compulsory sale regime; formulating the policy and scope of support services to be provided to affected minority owners at different stages of compulsory sale applications; and steering the provision of related support services by the SMOCS.
  
  The SMOCS was set up by the Urban Renewal Authority (“URA”), but its operation is entirely independent of the URA and is only accountable to the DOSS.




3. What are the services provided by the SMOCS?



• The SMOCS strives to provide one-stop, more comprehensive and effective support services to minority owners at different stages of compulsory sale applications. The SMOCS will, in collaboration with the designated non-governmental organization (“NGO”) and relevant professional organisations or parties, step up publicity and public education at the district level to enhance the understanding of the public, minority owners of old buildings and those affected by compulsory sale applications on private property acquisition activities and the compulsory sale mechanism. The SMOCS will also provide minority owners affected by compulsory sale applications with services such as preliminary professional advisory service, assistance in mediation, referrals to legal and related professional services, emotional counselling, and assistance for searching alternative accommodations. Please visit <Scope of Services> of this website for more details of the services provided by the SMOCS.




4. Are the services provided by the SMOCS fee-charging?



• Most of the services provided by the SMOCS are free of charge. For some services requiring professional support, like conducting mediation meetings and provision of independent valuation reports for reference of minority owners, the SMOCS will offer subsidy or charge concessionary fees for minority owners affected by compulsory sale application to assist them in handling compulsory sale cases. Please visit <Scope of Services> of this website for more details of free and fee-charging services, and mediation fee subsidy provided by the SMOCS.




5. How can the minority owners affected by compulsory sale applications seek assistance from the SMOCS?



• Minority owners affected by compulsory sale applications can approach the SMOCS for assistance by calling the telephone hotline, sending emails or making appointments to visit the office. Please visit <Contact Us> of this website for more details.
  
  




6. Is it necessary to make an appointment before visiting the office of the SMOCS for making application for services?



• The staff of the SMOCS will discuss with the minority owners on the services required. Minority owners are therefore advised to make prior appointment with the SMOCS before visiting the office so as to facilitate better provision of services by the SMOCS.




7. Will the SMOCS offer advice for reference of the minority owners affected by compulsory sale application when providing services to them?



• The main role of the SMOCS is to provide or assist in arranging appropriate services for minority owners affected by compulsory sale applications so as to enable them to handle the compulsory sale applications. The SMOCS will provide information and relevant support and referral services. However, the SMOCS will not offer any advice to the minority owners on individual compulsory sale applications.