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 is also responsible for processing applications for the sale of units in uncompleted developments that are subject to the Lands Department Consent Scheme and 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, 56 applications for the sale of units in uncompleted developments, involving 40 883 residential units, and 66 Deeds of Mutual Covenant were approved.