House Hunting Guide

Estate Agents & Websites

You may find your ideal home either through real estate agents or an online property platform where you could negotiate with the landlord directly. Though you can save the commission fee when using an online platform, there are still potential risks such as safety and legal issues if you seek a flat by yourself.

To protect your interest, it is highly recommended that you appoint licensed estate agents as they are regulated by the government. You are also legally obliged to pay a commission fee (usually half a month’s rental from the tenant) to the estate agent if the lease of the property mentioned in the agreement is made during the validity period. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant here and how to rent a house. The following are the major real estate agents in Hong Kong.

Online property platforms are becoming more popular in Hong Kong. Properties shown on online platforms could be listed by landlords or agents. Though you may save the commission fee if you negotiate with the landlord directly, you should evaluate the risks involved. The following are the major online property platforms in Hong Kong.

Factors to Consider

If you do not plan to drive a car on your own, consider living within a reasonable distance to an MTR station or other public transportations.

Private housing estates tend to have more facilities than single block residential buildings.

  • Check what schools are available in the neighbourhood.
  • For English Schools Foundation (ESF) schools, you can only apply to schools in the school zone where your new residence is located in. Check out the school zones here.
  • For local schools, you can only apply to schools in the school net where your new residence is located in. Click here for primary school and here for secondary school.

You should check if the property is pet-friendly.

Beware that older buildings may undergo redevelopment soon, which you may face another move not long after moving in.

Get the Hong Kong Identity Card as soon as you arrive as you are usually required to be a legal resident in Hong Kong when you sign a tenancy agreement.

Useful Links

The following platforms or forums (arranged in alphabetical order) provide accommodation tips to those who are new to Hong Kong.