Due to the scarcity of land resources, it is of paramount importance to manage, develop and dispose such land resources in a timely, efficient and cost-effective manner in response to the changing needs from different classes of society at large. Development of land is multi-disciplinary in nature involving different streams of professionals such as architects, project managers, engineers, building surveyors, quantity surveyors, land surveyors and general practice surveyors across various stages of the development process from project inception, land assembly, project design and evaluation, construction and project financing to subsequent marketing and disposal of the completed project.

Our project team possesses strong coalition capacity to deal with projects of substantive scales and deliver professional advice to individual owners, property developers and government departments engaging in land development process.

Our services cover all classes of development projects in Hong Kong, Mainland China and overseas regions and can be classified into the following areas:

• a) Land Assembly / Amalgamation

  Before any actual construction takes place, there are several preparatory stages to take place in the development process. The first of them is land assembly or amalgamation. Sites with development or redevelopment potentials are identified. Market research and project feasibility studies will be carried out to determine the viable development options on the site. Land assembly or amalgamation is normally a long-term process involving lengthy negotiations with the property owners in order to assemble a site large enough for market-viable project to be carried out.

• b) Compensation and Resumption

  Having identified the land required for a development project, here comes the land resumption stage to take place which will involve a detailed knowledge of the resumption laws and practices in order to facilitate the resumption process. Resumption often means more than just the acquisition of a property, it can also involve relocation of residences or businesses and compensation made to the affected tenants and property owners. Our project team is well-aware of the compensation laws and regulations and has wide experiences in conducting negotiations with the tenants / property owners, assessing and submitting compensation claims, sourcing alternative accommodations and any other advice in view of expediting the resumption process.

• c) Government Lease Modification

  Almost all properties in Hong Kong are held under government leases for various lease terms. The government lease usually contains various provisions or clauses relating to the use and development of the development lot. Due to the changing conditions of the property market, some of such provisions or clauses might become outdated or obsolete which have to be removed or altered in order to optimize the development potential of the lot. Such alterations are normally carried out by way of a short-term waiver (alteration on a temporary basis), a lease modification or by way of surrender and regrant (alteration on a permanent basis) subject to payment of a waiver fee or modification premium to be assessed on individual merit basis.

• d) Land Premium Assessment

  Before any lease modification to be executed, a premium has to be assessed, agreed and settled to the government. The amount of premium is determined by the nature of modification to be sought. Our professional team has wide experience in dealing with enquiries such as the likely premium payable, submission of modification applications and subsequent negotiations with the government on the best possible terms.

• e) Town Planning Application

  The principal planning legislation in Hong Kong is the Town Planning Ordinance (the “Ordinance”) which sets out the statutory framework for planning and development in Hong Kong. Statutory outline zoning plans are prepared under the Ordinance for the majority area of Hong Kong. The plans clearly set out the zonal use (such as residential, commercial/residential, industrial, village typed development, open space and etc.) permissible on the site. The notes to the plan might also indicate the permitted plot ratio or number of storeys of buildings. Any alterations to these restrictions should be made according to the relevant provisions under the Ordinance. Our professional team is well-equipped with the up-to-date knowledge and skills in preparing Sec.16 applications, Sec.17 review, objections and appeals for the town planning issues.

• f) Planning Studies

  In recent years, the laws and procedures relating to town planning and environment issues have become more complex, we would recommend that specialize advice should be sought before putting forth any investment decisions. Planning studies will be carried out to have comprehensive research and analysis of the proposed development scenarios which call for specialist knowledge and understanding on the planning and administration policies of the government.

• g) Land Survey

  In general, a survey should be made before acquisition of a site or a real property, when dividing any parcel of land for sale (in conformance with relevant laws and ordinances) and prior to the construction of any improvements on property in which the owner has an interest. Our professional team is well-equipped with the technical experience, knowledge and possesses modern system and equipment. We are capable of gathering measurement efficiently and in evaluating all collected evidence required to perform the survey accurately and cost-effectively.

• h) Negotiations with Government

  Our project professionals undertake negotiations with the officials of the relevant government departments in association with making lease modification applications, premium assessments, town planning applications and the subsequent appeal procedures of them. In view of the complications of negotiations, professional representations are strongly recommended to clients of whom their interest can be suitably safeguarded.