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 From Hong Kong's Information Services Department
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March 17, 2007
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Property market
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Dual land-auction system not feasible
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The proposal to implement a dual system of regular land auctions in conjunction with triggered auctions is not feasible as it will create confusion in the property market, Director of Lands Patrick Lau says.

 

Speaking on a radio talk show today, Mr Lau said the Application List system is a market-driven mechanism, which enables the market to determine flexibly the quantity and timing of land to be put up for sale.

 

The Government has no plan to resume regular land auctions, he added.

 

He said, in response to market needs, the 2007-08 Application List has added more sites offering a variety of choices to meet demand for smaller sites and sites for high-end residential development.

 

He rejected the idea there will be a vacuum in the property market in the next few years, adding the Government's figures have shown that flat supply will be sufficient.

 

He said at the end of last year, the number of completed flats or flats under construction was about 59,000, excluding the 9,000 flats to be offered by the two railway projects and the Urban Renewal Authority.

 

He said it is no problem for developers to form a consortium to bid for the land in public auctions, adding the Government has no right to stop people from talking among themselves during auctions.