|
The Legal Advisory and Conveyancing Office of the Lands Department provides
professional legal services to the Government in respect of all government
land transactions and associated matters. It is responsible for the drafting
of all government land disposal and acquisition documents, the apportionment
and recovery of arrears (by re-entry or vesting action) of government
rents, other than those payable under the Government Rent (Assessment
and Collection) Ordinance.
It provides conveyancing services to The Financial
Secretary Incorporated for the extension of non-renewable leases, The
Secretary for Home Affairs Incorporated for the purchase of accommodation
for welfare purposes in private developments and other government departments
in relation to certain loan schemes.
The office also processes applications for the sale
of units in uncompleted developments that are subject to the Lands Department
Consent Scheme. In the latter half of 2003, the office conducted a review
of the Consent Scheme with a view to further strengthening its operation
and to improving protection for flat purchasers. The Lands Department
will implement the improvement measures in 2004-05.
The office is also responsible for the approval of
Deeds of Mutual Covenant which, among other things, set out the rights
and obligations between the manager and co-owners of a development. During
the year, 32 applications for the sale of units in uncompleted developments,
involving 17 813 residential units, and 44 Deeds of Mutual Covenant were
approved. |
