Hong Kong Real Estate Agents

Hong Kong real estate agents are regulated by the Estate Agents Authority and are required to complete an accredited course before being issued with a license number.

A good Hong Kong real estate agent, and one that is experienced in dealing with expats, can make finding your first rental apartment much easier. An agent will know the areas and, given good information, should be able to narrow down the most appropriate rental accommodation for you.

Hong Kong real estate agents work on commission basis as there is no residential property management services. Therefore, once a rental agreement is signed you will be dealing directly with the property owner or their employee.

The quoted rate in Hong Kong for agency services is a half-month rental paid by both the property owner and the tenant. This amount must be agreed and documented by both parties before signing the Provisional Lease Agreement. Payment is due once the final contract has been signed and you have moved into the premises.

For many of us expats, having to pay a commission to a real estate agent for a rental property can come as a surprise- typically we are used to rental related costs being born by the property investor. It simply works differently in Hong Kong.

All Hong Kong real estate agents must be licensed and are regulated by the Estate Agents Authority. To ensure you are dealing with a legitimate real estate agent be sure ask for a copy of their Estate Agent license and Hong Kong ID card. The names on both documents should match and you can confirm the authenticity of the license by entering the name and license number on the Estate Agents Authority website at EAA.org.hk