Blog

Upgrade Your Kitchen with Siemens Workshop

Siemens is hosting a free kitchen upgrade workshop in November at their Causeway Bay flagship store to help Hong Kong families design efficient kitchens and transition to induction cooking. The workshop covers kitchen layout planning, appliance selection, and features hands-on experience with Siemens products, along with exclusive shopping benefits for participants.

—

Hong Kong Property Law: Key Steps Before You Buy

This blog post outlines essential legal and financial considerations for property buyers in Hong Kong, including understanding provisional and formal sale agreements, conducting property searches, and calculating stamp duties. It emphasizes the importance of legal due diligence, financial planning for mortgage stability, and utilizing professional lawyers to mitigate risks and ensure a secure transaction.

—

Rent Tax Deduction Guide 2023

The 2022/23 tax season introduces a new tax deduction for residential rents in Hong Kong, allowing tenants to deduct up to HK$100,000 per year, with specific eligibility criteria and conditions outlined. Taxpayers must report this in section 8.5 of their tax return, and the measure aims to alleviate the tax burden for those renting without owning residential properties.

—

Second-Hand Property Inspection: A Buyer's Guide

Second-hand property transactions follow the 'as-is' purchase principle, placing all repair responsibility on the buyer after signing the contract, making thorough pre-purchase inspection crucial. The article provides a comprehensive guide covering key inspection areas such as water leakage, structural issues, doors/windows, electrical systems, and included appliances, along with the optimal timing and process for property inspection.

—

Stop Washing Machine Damage: Use Laundry Bags Correctly

Using laundry bags incorrectly can damage washing machines by causing imbalance during spin cycles, leading to excessive wear. To protect both clothes and the machine, avoid overstuffing bags, use them only for delicate items, and mix bagged with loose clothes for balanced loads.

—

Ceiling Condensation: Causes and DIY Fixes

Ceiling condensation is often mistaken for water seepage, but it's actually a physical phenomenon caused by warm, humid air meeting a cold ceiling surface. This article explains the causes and provides a five-step self-help guide, including identifying the source, coordinating with neighbors, controlling humidity, and using insulation.

—

AC Cooling Tips: Faster Cool, Less Power

Setting the air conditioner to the lowest temperature is inefficient and power-hungry, while using maximum fan speed cools faster and saves electricity. Japanese experts recommend starting with high fan speed, switching to auto mode, using fans to circulate air, and setting the temperature between 26-28°C for optimal efficiency.

—

No AC? Ex-Observatory Head Shares 3 Cooling Tips

Former Hong Kong Observatory director Lam Chiu-ying shares practical tips for staying cool without air conditioning, emphasizing the use of fans to create airflow and simple lifestyle changes. He advocates for energy-saving methods like using USB fans, taking room-temperature showers, and using breathable mattresses to combat extreme heat.

—

Public Housing CCTV Ban: Risk of Eviction

Public housing residents in Hong Kong are prohibited from installing CCTV outside their unit doors, as the Housing Department considers it a violation of tenancy terms, with penalties including unit repossession. The department has no plans to legalize such installations, citing privacy concerns and potential harm to neighborly relations, and instead encourages residents to report issues to estate offices.

—

Man Nearly Dies from Legionnaires' Disease After Restarting AC

A man in China nearly died from Legionnaires' disease after restarting an air conditioner that had been idle for six months, highlighting the danger of bacteria buildup inside units. The article emphasizes that cleaning only the filter is insufficient and provides a DIY guide for thorough cleaning to prevent health risks.

—

Flying Ants vs Termites: Prevention and Control Tips

Flying ants, which are reproductive termites, swarm into homes during humid seasons and can establish wood-eating colonies if not prevented. To protect your home, use physical barriers like screens, control light exposure, keep areas dry, and avoid spraying insecticides; instead, use a vacuum or water traps, and seek professional help if an infestation is suspected.

—

Correct Wall Mold Removal: Avoid Bleach & Alcohol

This blog post debunks common mold removal myths, warning that bleach and alcohol only treat surface stains and can damage walls, while recommending professional anti-mold products for effective treatment. It also provides steps for deep repair when mold has penetrated the wall and offers daily prevention tips such as proper air conditioning use and humidity management.

—