Four Property Owners Fined Over HK$110,000 for Ignoring Demolition Orders
Four property owners in Hong Kong were fined a combined total of over HK$110,000 for failing to comply with demolition orders issued by the Buildings Department. The fines were imposed by the courts in two separate cases involving unauthorised structures in Wong Tai Sin and Sham Shui Po.
Four property owners in Hong Kong have been fined a combined total of over HK$110,000 for failing to comply with demolition orders issued by the Buildings Department. The fines were handed down by the courts in two separate cases on 7 October 2026, following prosecutions initiated by the department.
The first case involved an unauthorised structure of approximately 15 square metres on the podium of a commercial-residential building at Yan Oi Street, Wong Tai Sin. The structure was built without prior approval or consent from the Buildings Department, which issued a demolition order under section 24(1) of the Buildings Ordinance against the two co-owners. As they failed to comply with the order, the department prosecuted them. They were convicted on 6 May 2026 and sentenced to a combined fine of HK$53,250, which included HK$38,160 in daily fines for the continued offence.
The second case concerned an unauthorised structure of approximately 32 square metres on the podium of a residential building at Fook Wing Street, Sham Shui Po. Similarly, the structure was erected without prior approval or consent, and a demolition order was issued under the same section of the Buildings Ordinance. The two co-owners failed to comply, leading to prosecution. They were convicted and fined a combined total of HK$62,910 on 7 October 2026, with HK$47,820 of that amount representing daily fines for the ongoing breach.
A spokesperson for the Buildings Department said on 8 October 2026: “Unauthorised structures can lead to serious consequences. Owners must comply with demolition orders as soon as possible. The department will continue to take stringent enforcement action, including prosecution, against owners who fail to comply, to ensure building and public safety.”
Under the Buildings Ordinance, any person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with a demolition order commits a serious offence. Upon conviction, they are liable to a maximum fine of HK$200,000 and imprisonment for one year, plus a further fine of up to HK$20,000 for each day the offence continues.