Step 1

Write Down Your Specific Requirements

 

Thinking through and visualising what you need – and want – is the first step to finding your perfect home in Hong Kong. Answering these questions will help you get a clear picture:

 

1. Location: Where would you like to live in Hong Kong? (If you're unfamiliar with the city, consider visiting different neighbourhoods first to get a feel for them.)

2. Commute time: What's the maximum one-way commute time you're willing to accept daily?

3. Rooms: How many bedrooms, bathrooms, and additional spaces (e.g., storeroom, helper's room) do you need?

4. Size: What is your desired saleable area (net floor area) of the property?

5. View: What kind of view would you like, such as sea, mountain, pool, or open city view?

6. Outdoor space: Is a balcony, terrace, garden, or rooftop important to you?

7. Furnishings: Do you prefer a furnished or unfurnished property, or is either option acceptable?

8. Parking: Do you need a car parking space?

9. Amenities: What facilities (e.g., gym, swimming pool) would you like to have?

10. Pets: Will you be keeping any pets at home?

11. Budget: What is your price range?

12. Other considerations: Are there any additional requirements or concerns?

 

While it's wise to write down all your requirements, avoid setting them in stone. Staying flexible will open up more property options. Research the market by asking around or browsing property listings online to ensure your expectations align with reality.

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Find Property Search Websites Here

 

If you can't find a place that ticks all the boxes, focus on the must-haves and be prepared to compromise on the nice-to-haves. Also, prioritising your preferences can save you headaches when choosing a property.

 

 

Step 2

Be Prepared Before Starting Your Home Hunt

 

A great place at a reasonable price usually doesn't stay on the market for long. You should have three things ready before entering into a Provisional Tenancy Agreement when you go home hunting:

 

• Your identity document, e.g. passport or HKID card

• Proof of work and income, e.g. employment contract, appointment letter, or payslips for the last three months (your business card or staff ID might also be helpful)

• An initial deposit of one month's rent (cheque or cash)

 

You might also need to show your identity document to the building's concierge for registration before a viewing. Don't hunt for a home empty-handed, or you'll return heavy-hearted!

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Securing a home in Hong Kong can be quick and easy if you're well prepared. It's possible to find a place, complete the paperwork, and even collect the keys – all on the same day!

 

 

Step 3

Pick the Right Time for Viewing Properties

 

Timing is crucial when securing a place. The sooner you can start the lease, the greater your negotiating power will be. The best time to view properties is one to three weeks prior to your desired move-in date. 

 

Unless you're looking for something very rare or specialised, you don't need to commence your home search more than one month in advance. Most landlords won't wait that long for a tenant to begin paying rent.

 

If you want to avoid keen competition from other home seekers, try to view properties on a weekday rather than at the weekend or on a public holiday.

 

 

Step 4

Conduct an Updated Property Search

 

Properties come and go very quickly in Hong Kong. The best time to carry out a targeted property search is one to three days before your planned viewing day.

 

We'll conduct a comprehensive home search and send you the property information and pictures/videos (if available) via email or WhatsApp before the viewing. You can then filter out those properties that are unsuitable.

 

If you come across any properties you're interested in online or elsewhere, please send us the links or details so we can check them out and arrange viewings for you too (we work with many other estate agents). We'll try to arrange the viewings in one go so you can save time and effort.

 

 

Step 5

Negotiate the Best Price and Terms with the Landlord

 

Once you've identified a suitable place, we'll help you negotiate the best price and terms with the landlord, with reference to recent market trends and transaction records.

 

We usually act solely for you (i.e. single agency), looking after your best interests throughout the process.

 

 

Step 6

Get the Paperwork Done

 

If the negotiation goes well, we'll help you sign a Provisional Tenancy Agreement with the landlord to secure the property. An initial deposit of one month's rent is required at this point.

 

Before or on the day you collect the keys, you'll need to sign the formal Tenancy Agreement and pay the balance (usually two more months' rent) to the landlord, plus your share of the stamp duty fee to the Hong Kong SAR Government. 

 

You're only required to pay us a commission upon completion of the deal. Please check out our special offer.

 

 

Step 7

Attend to Matters Before and After Moving in

 

Moving into a new home is exciting, but don't forget to take care of a few important things:

 

Before moving in

• Ensure the agreed repair and cleaning work is done before the handover.

• Set up your water, electricity, and gas accounts (we can help you with this).

• Enquire about which Internet service providers and plans you can choose from (again, we can help you get the relevant information).

• Make necessary arrangements with the building's management for a smooth move-in.

 

After moving in

• Apply for resident cards (if applicable) from the building's management.

• Check everything in the property carefully – doors, windows, floors, walls, plumbing, wiring, appliances, and so on.