Hong Kong fire victims to keep receiving HK$150,000 annual aid until rehoused
South China Morning Post
by Ambrose LiFebruary 23, 2026
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Hong Kong authorities have announced that victims of the deadly Tai Po fire will continue to receive an annual rental subsidy of HK$150,000 (US$19,193) until they are rehoused under the "flat-for-flat" resettlement scheme. Even if residents cannot move into their new homes for up to 2½ years, they will still be eligible for this financial assistance. Additionally, those currently in transitional housing have been assured that they can remain there during the waiting period.
The government has allocated HK$6.8 billion to buy back fire-damaged properties from homeowners. Affected residents can choose between a cash buyout or exchanging their destroyed homes for new subsidized flats at 10 designated Housing Authority or Housing Society projects through a special sales exercise. This program aims to provide long-term solutions for those impacted by the November 2023 blaze, which claimed 168 lives and displaced approximately 5,000 people.
Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun emphasized that the annual rental subsidy will continue for
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/23/2026