Blog

Handling Reverse Mortgage Property After Death

This blog post explains the inheritance handling mechanism for reverse mortgage properties in Hong Kong, covering whether the bank will immediately take over the property, the challenge of compound interest and insurance premiums for descendants, and two main options for handling the property. It also includes FAQs about estate procedures, property expenses, lease validity, and the timeline for obtaining a Grant of Probate.

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Q1 Hong Kong Property Registrations Hit 13-Year High: Should You Buy or Rent?

Hong Kong property registrations hit a 13-year high in Q1 2026, driven mainly by first-hand projects and end-user buyers converting from tenants. Despite increased transactions, second-hand properties face competition from developers, and rents remain firm due to reduced rental supply.

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Hong Kong PAPT: Faster, Safer Property Payments

Hong Kong's property transaction settlement is shifting from law firm-based fund handling to a direct interbank transfer system called PAPT, enhancing security and efficiency. Buyers must still manage self-financed funds separately, and both parties should coordinate closely with lawyers to ensure timely completion.

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Property Holding via Company: Tax Myths & Realities

This blog post examines the revised stamp duty system in Hong Kong following the 2024 abolition of Buyer's Stamp Duty and New Residential Stamp Duty, explaining how holding residential properties under a limited company can offer tax advantages such as more deductible expenses and lower share transfer costs. However, it also highlights practical limitations and risks, including liability issues, financing difficulties, and ongoing compliance costs, advising investors to seek professional advice before proceeding.

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Sandwich Class Housing in Hong Kong: A Complete Guide

The Sandwich Class Housing Scheme, launched by the Hong Kong Housing Society in 1993, was designed for middle-income families who could not afford private housing but exceeded eligibility for public housing. Unlike HOS, these units typically require paying a land premium to sell or rent on the open market, and buyers or tenants should verify property status via land searches to ensure compliance.

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Understanding Provisional Agreements in Hong Kong Property Deals

In Hong Kong property transactions, a Provisional Sale and Purchase Agreement (PSPA) is legally binding if it includes clear terms, intent to create legal relations, and consideration like a deposit. Buyers and sellers should carefully review commission terms, default liabilities, and property information before signing to avoid potential risks.

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Key Risks in Related-Party Property Transfers in Hong Kong

Related-party property transfers, or 'name removal,' carry significant legal and mortgage risks, including potential tax reassessment and classification as a 'gift deed' that can block mortgage approvals for five years. To avoid pitfalls, property owners should obtain a bank valuation, secure mortgage pre-approval, and ensure genuine fund transfers with complete records.

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HOS Dog Rules: Legal Risks Explained

Most Hong Kong Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) flats prohibit dog ownership through their Deed of Mutual Covenant, with potential consequences including warning letters, legal action, and even court injunctions for violators. While rare exceptions exist for guide dogs or medical needs, residents should check their DMC before acquiring pets to avoid serious legal repercussions.

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Avoid Repair Cost Traps in Second-Hand Property Sales

This blog post explains three common financial pitfalls when dealing with second-hand properties undergoing major repairs: government subsidies may go to new owners instead of those who paid for repairs, responsibility for ongoing phased repair payments can cause disputes between buyers and sellers, and unexpected repair orders can disrupt rental income. It emphasizes protecting yourself by proactively disclosing repair obligations and including specific clauses about subsidy transfers and payment responsibilities in sale contracts.

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Hong Kong Landlords: 3 Key Repair Risks & Protections

This article outlines three key risks Hong Kong landlords face regarding Owners' Corporation repairs: mandatory window inspection responsibilities, legally binding major repair costs, and tenant cooperation with entry for common area repairs. It advises landlords to protect themselves by including specific clauses in leases about forwarding official notices, tenant cooperation obligations, and setting aside funds for major repairs.

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4 Key Factors Affecting Hong Kong Parking Space Prices in 2026

In Hong Kong, parking space rental prices are influenced by four key factors: location and supply-demand dynamics within the estate, the space's facilities and practical conditions, management rules and rental restrictions, and transaction transparency with associated risk costs. Owners should evaluate these aspects to set competitive yet reasonable rental rates that reflect market conditions and risk-return expectations.

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Rental Property Investment: A 2025 Cash Flow Reality Check

By late 2025, high mortgage rates and lower property prices make rental investments a test of cash flow sustainability rather than passive income. This guide offers a self-assessment through six Q&As covering qualifications, cash flow calculations, and defensive strategies, emphasizing that investors must often subsidize monthly costs and have strong financial buffers.

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