THE Hui family is renowned in business circles for its ultra-conservative approach to property development. But when you can be so sure you are on to a good thing, why rush? Their redevelopment of Shell House and neighbouring Hartlane House perfectly illustrates the old saying ''patience is a virtue''.
The family has owned both buildings in Queen's Road Central for years through its company Central Development.
The temptation to redevelop them to make a fast buck must have been enormous.
Shell House and Hartlane House are currently well below their permitted maximum plot ratio, only 17 storeys high - small by Hong Kong standards.
Had the Huis redeveloped earlier they would have reaped the rewards of higher overall rental income from increased rentable space all these years.
But they would have had to compete for tenants with a whole string of other buildings in the area coming on stream at the same time.
By holding back the Huis have timed their redevelopment perfectly.