Applications for purchases under the Sale of GSH Flats 2019 to close on January 9

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Housing Authority:

     The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) reminded members of the public that the Sale of Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme (GSH) Flats 2019 (GSH 2019) will close on Thursday (January 9) at 7pm. Applications submitted after the application period will not be accepted.

     A spokesman for the HA said today (January 6), "Online applications are provided in addition to paper-based submissions for GSH 2019. Applicants may choose either to submit paper-based application forms by post or by hand, or to submit online applications. Each person can only be listed on one application form of this sale exercise (whether online or paper-based application), otherwise the applications will be regarded as duplicates. Any case of a duplicate application will render all applications null and void, and application fees paid are non-refundable and non-transferrable under any circumstances. Details are set out in the Application Guide.

     "There are three more days for submitting applications. It is expected that some applicants tend to submit their online applications shortly before the close of applications, particularly a few hours before the deadline. The online system is expected to be busy. In order to avoid experiencing difficulties in logging-in or a delay in processing the applications, applicants are therefore urged to submit their online applications as early as possible to ensure successful submissions before the deadline," the spokesman said.

     The spokesman reminded applicants that online amendments are not allowed after the online applications are confirmed and payments are completed. If applicants find that they have filled in their information incorrectly, they are required to inform the HA's GSH Sales Unit in writing to correct the information given before the close of applications on January 9 with the application number or identity card number specified.

     "For applicants living in the public rental housing estates of the HA or the rental estates of the Hong Kong Housing Society (HS) who submit applications online, their respective estate offices will contact them and verify their household information after receiving their online applications. The estate offices concerned will prepare hard copies of the application forms, and applicants and all family members aged 18 or above will have to sign on the application forms and return them to their respective estate offices for further processing," the spokesman said.

     "About 40,000 valid Green Form applicants under the Sale of Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) Flats 2019 who opted to join the next HA Subsidised Sale Flats sale exercise will be carried over to GSH 2019. These applicants do not need to submit separate applications nor pay the application fees. However, if there are changes in the family's composition, the respective applicants should inform us as soon as possible. If the changes affect their application category as well as their priority for flat selection, they are required to inform us in writing during the application period of GSH 2019. Moreover, if applicants have successfully purchased a flat under HOS 2019, their application for GSH 2019 will be cancelled immediately, and vice versa," the spokesman said.

     "The closing time for receiving applications, whether paper-based or online, is 7pm on January 9. For paper-based applications, applicants who are tenants of public rental housing estates of the HA or rental estates of the HS are required to return their applications to their respective estate offices. Other applicants may return their applications by mail or in person to the office of the GSH Sales Unit (Address: 1/F, Pioneer Place, 33 Hoi Yuen Road, Kwun Tong). The HOS Sales Unit at the HA Customer Service Centre at Lok Fu will not accept GSH applications," the spokesman said.

     The spokesman reminded members of the public to read the Application Guide before applying. Online applicants should refer to the video on the Guide to Online Application to understand the steps to apply online before filling in the form.

     For information on GSH 2019, please visit the GSH 2019 website (www.housingauthority.gov.hk/gsh/2019). Members of the public may visit the GSH Sales Unit from 8am to 7pm during the application period or call the 24-hour HA Sales Hotline on 2712 8000 for enquiries on matters concerning application for the purchase of GSH flats.