Hong Kong Property Viewing Checklist: 29 Things to Check

When viewing a property, whether it be to rent or purchase, a structured checklist helps to ensure you obtain the information needed to make an informed decision about a property. It also helps you look beyond decoration and ask about the issues that affect daily life, ownership costs and potential legal red flags.

Here’s our Hong Kong property viewing checklist of important things to cover about the flat, building management, paperwork, budget and location before you make an offer.  You may have other things that are important to you, so feel free to add them to it!

When you find a property that you’re seriously considering, it’s worth the effort to take notes as you walk around. If possible, visit at different times of day and bring a measuring tape (to check, for example, if your larger furniture can fit through the doors). You should also check important documents with your solicitor or conveyancer before signing anything.

An agent or seller can usually provide practical information about the flat, building and location. Title, unauthorized works, building records, contractual terms and financing matters should be verified by your solicitor or another relevant professional.

Hong Kong property viewing checklist: questions about the flat

Start with the condition and layout of the property. Look beyond the furniture and decoration, as these may not be included or may hide problems.

1. What is included in the sale? Ask whether built-in wardrobes, kitchen appliances, air-conditioning units, light fittings and other items are included. Get the agreed list in writing.

2. How old are the major fixtures and appliances? Ask about the age and condition of the air-conditioning, water heaters, kitchen appliances, windows and plumbing.

3. Have there been any recent repairs or renovations? Find out what work was done, when it was completed and whether the relevant approvals or receipts are available.

4. Are there any known defects or water leaks? Check ceilings, walls, window edges, bathrooms and kitchen cabinets for stains, bubbling paint, mould or unusual smells.

5. How much natural light and ventilation does the flat receive? Ask which direction the main rooms face and whether nearby buildings block the view, sunlight or airflow.

6. How much storage is available? Check wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, utility areas and any storage outside the flat. Measure them if storage is important to you.

7. Can my furniture fit? Measure doorways, lifts, corridors and the main rooms. Remember to allow space for opening doors and walking around furniture.

8. Are there any restrictions on alterations? Ask whether you can remove walls, replace flooring, install new air-conditioning or carry out other renovation work.

9. Is the flat subject to any tenancy, licence or other occupancy arrangement? Confirm whether the property will be vacant on completion and ask for details of any existing agreement.

10. Have there been any “unnatural deaths” in the unit.  While there is no official comprehensive website for “haunted homes” in Hong Kong, the seller is legally obligated to disclose any knowledge of a prior “unnatural” death in the apartment (e.g. a murder or suicide) since such circumstances can impact the market price of the property and a bank’s willingness to provide a mortgage. Your agent can ask the seller but is only legally required to do so if you have asked your agent.

11. What is the saleable area and what is the usable area? Compare the stated saleable area with the formal sales documents. If a usable-area figure is provided, ask the agent to explain how it has been calculated rather than treating it as an equivalent measure.

Questions about the building and management

A well-kept flat can still come with building issues. Ask the agent or seller for details, then check the documents before committing.

1. How much are the management fees? Ask how often they are charged, what they cover and whether there are separate charges for car parks, club facilities or other services.

2. Are there any planned major works? Ask about repairs to the lifts, external walls, windows, pipes, roof, waterproofing or common areas.

3. Are there any outstanding special levies? A special levy can add a significant cost after completion, so ask whether one has been issued, discussed or proposed.

4. Are there any owners' corporation or management disputes? Ask whether there are ongoing disputes, legal claims or unresolved issues affecting the building.

5. How well is the building maintained? Look at the entrance, lifts, corridors, refuse areas, car park and exterior. These areas often give a clearer picture of daily management.

6. What security and access controls are in place? Check the entrance system, CCTV, lift access, guards and visitor arrangements. Ask how deliveries and moving in are handled.

Questions about cost and paperwork

The purchase price is only one part of the budget. Ask for a full cost picture before you decide what you can comfortably afford.

1. What are the regular ownership costs? Ask about management fees, government rates, property tax, utilities, insurance and parking costs where relevant.

2. Are there any unpaid charges or outstanding amounts? Confirm that management fees, rates and other amounts will be settled as agreed before completion.

3. What documents should I review before making an offer? Ask for the title documents, saleable area details, management information and records of major works. Your solicitor or conveyancer should review them.

4. Are there any restrictions affecting the property? Ask whether there are building covenants, use restrictions, mortgage issues, unauthorised works or other matters that could affect your plans.

5. What is the expected completion and handover arrangement? Confirm the proposed timetable, vacant possession position, included items and the condition expected at handover.

Questions about the location and daily life

A home can look right on paper but feel very different in daily use. Spend time outside the building and consider your normal routine.

1. How noisy is the area at different times? Visit during the morning commute, evening and weekends if possible. Listen for traffic, construction, restaurants, schools, clubs and nearby building work.

2. How long is the journey to work, school or regular destinations? Walk to public transport and check the route yourself. Include the time needed to reach the building entrance, lift and platform or bus stop.

3. What facilities are nearby? Check for proximity to supermarkets, markets, pharmacies, clinics, parks, gyms and other services that you might use regularly.

4. Are there any planned developments nearby? Ask about known construction or redevelopment plans, but verify important information with the relevant official authorities.

5. Does the area suit your longer-term plans? Think about schools, family needs, work changes, accessibility, resale appeal and whether the layout will still work for you in a few years.

6. How does the asking price compare with recent transactions in the same building? Ask whether the price is negotiable and request comparable sales information where available.

7. What is the owner's preferred moving date or completion timeline? Confirm whether this fits your plans and whether any timing requirements would affect the transaction.

What to check during a Hong Kong property viewing

• Open and close windows, doors, cupboards and drawers.
• Run taps briefly and check water pressure and drainage.
• Look under sinks and around bathroom fittings for signs of leaks.
• Listen for noise with the windows open and closed.
• Look for cracks, dampness, mould, peeling paint and unusual smells.
• Check the condition and size of the lift, refuse area, lobby and other common areas.
• Ask for a second viewing if you need more time to measure, compare or inspect.

What to do after a Hong Kong property viewing

1. Record your observations

   Write down what you noticed about the flat, building, location and any repairs or costs that may need further investigation.

2. Request unclear answers in writing

   Ask the agent or seller to confirm important details, including included items, occupancy, fees, planned works and the proposed timetable.

3. Compare the details with the sales documents

   Check the answers against the title documents, area information, management records and other paperwork provided for the property.

4. Obtain professional advice before committing

   For legal, title, building or financing questions, speak to the relevant professional before signing a contract or paying a deposit.

In Summary

While you won’t need a detailed checklist for every viewing, it’s an important tool for any property you’re seriously considering leasing or buying.  When you find a property you like, this checklist can be a helpful reference.  Use your notes and the documents provided to compare the property carefully, and seek professional advice where an answer concerns title, building compliance, contractual terms or financing.