Finding an apartment in Hong Kong can feel overwhelming—especially if you are new to the city. The good news? You don’t need to do it alone. A good property consultant can save you time, money, and stress.
But not all agents are the same. Some are excellent. Some are not. This guide gives you 5 simple steps to find someone you can trust.
Step 1: Check Their License (It’s Easy and Free)
Hong Kong has a government body called the Estate Agents Authority (EAA) . Every legal property agent must hold a valid license.
What to do:
-
Ask the agent for their license number.
-
Go to the EAA website (https://www.eaa.org.hk/en-us/Licence-list) and search their "Licence List."
-
Check that the license is current (not expired).
Why this matters:
If an agent is not licensed, you have no legal protection if something goes wrong. Never work with an unlicensed "consultant."
Step 2: Find an Agent Who Listens (Not Just Talks)
A good agent will ask you many questions before showing you any apartments. They want to understand your needs.
They should ask about:
-
Your budget (be honest about rent or purchase price)
-
Which MTR lines or bus routes you prefer
-
How many bedrooms you need
-
Whether you want a furnished or unfurnished apartment
Red flag to watch for:
An agent who immediately sends you 20 listings without asking any questions is likely just trying to make a quick sale.
Step 3: Always Sign the Formal Agency Agreement (Before Viewing)
By law, an agent must ask you to sign an Estate Agency Agreement before they show you properties. This is a short contract.
What the agreement should clearly state:
-
How long the agreement lasts (e.g., 3 months)
-
How much commission you will pay (usually a percentage of the rent or purchase price)
-
Whether the agreement is exclusive (you can only use this agent) or non-exclusive (you can use multiple agents)
For expats renting (most common):
-
Standard commission is one full month’s rent.
-
Never sign a blank agreement. Fill in the numbers first.
Step 4: Understand How Agents Get Paid (So You Know Who They Work For)
In Hong Kong, agents are usually paid by both the landlord and the tenant (or buyer and seller). This is different from many other countries.
For renting:
-
Tenant (you) pays half a month’s rent as commission
-
Landlord pays half a month’s rent
-
Total = 1 month’s rent for the agent
For buying a home (secondary market):
-
Buyer pays 1% of the purchase price
-
Seller pays 1%
-
Total = 2% for the agent
For new developments (primary market):
-
Buyer pays 0% commission
-
Developer pays the agent
✅ tip: Commission is always negotiable. Especially for luxury purchases, you can ask for a lower rate. Get the final number written into the agreement.
Need Help Finding a Luxury Home in Hong Kong?
OKAY.com specialize in helping expats find high-quality apartments in Hong Kong’s best neighborhoods – from Mid-Levels to Repulse Bay, and from Stanley to The Peak.
All our property consultants are fully licensed, speaking multiple languages, and experienced with expat needs.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation conversation about your home search.
