The government estimates that 59,000 new flats will become available in the private housing market in the coming 3-4 years, including those already completed but unsold, flats under construction and planned developments approved by the government on sites already sold or granted.
     The 21 developments on which construction has yet to start are expected to comprise 12,000 flats. The number of flats unsold but under pre-sale or construction is 40,000. 7,000 completed flats remain unsold.
     Meanwhile, the Housing Authority has surrendered nine public housing estates in the past five years for redevelopment as open space or for schools and community facilities. In addition, the 3.8-hectare former North Point Estate will be redeveloped for private housing units and a hotel.