Blog

2023/2024 Guide for Hong Kong's Home Ownership Scheme

Hong Kong's Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) offers a discounted pathway to home ownership for permanent residents. The 2023 scheme includes 9,154 new units across various districts, with applications open since July 2023 and flat selections starting in January 2024.

—

How to Legally Rent Out Hong Kong's HOS Flats?

Hong Kong's blog post discusses the illegal practice of renting public housing or Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) flats without paying the land premium, known as the 'rental under-the-table market.' It outlines the legal consequences, restrictions, and conditions for renting or selling HOS flats, including the no-sale period and land premium payment, and highlights a special scheme for renting out HOS flats with unpaid premiums through the Housing Association.

—

Titles vs Deeds: Property Ownership in Hong Kong

The blog post clarifies the differences between property titles and deeds, highlighting that a title represents the legal concept of ownership rights, while a deed is the physical document facilitating ownership transfer. It also guides readers through property ownership searches and the deed transfer process in Hong Kong, emphasizing the importance of due diligence, legal contracts, and registration.

—

7 Crucial Tips for HK Representation Agreement

The blog post explains the purpose and importance of representation agreements in real estate transactions, detailing what they are, when they should be signed, and who can sign them. It also offers guidance on key considerations when viewing properties, highlighting 12 specific areas to inspect for a comprehensive understanding of the property's condition and surrounding environment.

—

Living in Sai Kung HK: Top 4 Benefits for Everyone

Sai Kung, Hong Kong, is known for its natural beauty and unique cultural atmosphere. This blog post discusses Sai Kung's accessibility, highlighting affordable transportation and diverse housing and education options, dispelling the notion that only the wealthy can enjoy the area.

—

Open Kitchen Safety Tips for Landlords and Tenants in HK

This blog post discusses the pros and cons of open and semi-open kitchens in Hong Kong's small homes. It also addresses the concerns of using open flames in open kitchens and provides a comprehensive guide to ensuring fire safety and compliance with regulations when considering a kitchen renovation.

—

LetsGetHome: Reducing Both Information and Commission Costs

Hong Kong's Competition Ordinance has impacted how leasing commissions are calculated, making them more flexible. This article discusses rental commissions, when they're paid, and how to negotiate them, highlighting LetsGetHome's pay-as-you-go model as a cost-effective alternative.

—

How to Conduct a Haunted Property Search in Hong Kong

This article explores the concept of 'haunted houses' in Hong Kong's real estate market, examining the criteria for identifying them and providing methods for inquiring about such properties. It also offers tips for effective communication with real estate agents and understanding land registry searches to access reliable information.

—

Key Guide for Tenancy Termination in Hong Kong

This guide outlines 8 key points about tenancy termination in Hong Kong, including lease types, notice periods, and deposit refunds. It also covers utility payments, receipt of deposit refunds, and the use of WhatsApp notifications as formal notices.

—

Solo Living in Hong Kong: Rental Budget and House Hunting

A seasoned solo-living pro shares their insights on taking the plunge into independent living in Hong Kong. From budgeting and essential gear to culinary adventures and cutting costs, this blog offers a comprehensive guide to conquering the challenges and embracing the delights of living alone.

—

A Guide for Renting Composite Buildings in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has nearly 2,000 composite buildings, which are commercial and residential mixed-use buildings. This blog explores the pros and cons of renting in these unique structures, highlighting Quarry Bay's famous Monster Building and the modern amenities of renovated composite buildings.

—

Why is a Real Estate Agent Necessary for Land Registry Check

The blog post discusses the importance of land registry checks when renting in Hong Kong and how a real estate agent can assist in this process. It covers the role of the Hong Kong Land Registry, the information it provides, and the steps to perform an online check.

—