Explainer | Hong Kong: property agents share top tips for expats on how to strike the best rental deals in city
- Online listings of property are helpful, but potential tenants are still advised to pick a reliable and trustworthy agent
- Expats should be open-minded and willing to compromise, say agents, with property typically smaller than in other markets
With Hong Kong rolling out measures to attract top overseas talent, finding a suitable property in the city will be a key concern for those willing to relocate.
Here, the Post explains the process of finding a home, from property search all the way through to signing a lease on the residence that meets your requirements.
What steps do expats need to take to rent a home in Hong Kong?
Online listings of property are helpful, but potential tenants are still advised to pick a reliable and trustworthy agent. “Some agents are only fee-motivated and would only recommend properties they can get the highest fee from,” said KS Koh, CEO and founder of Landscope Realty. Nevertheless, a good agent should be able to avoid potential problems and common pitfalls.
“Preview the listings online and make a shortlist and then request a viewing,” Koh said, adding that it is advisable for a tenant to see at least five to six properties to get a feel for Hong Kong’s real estate market, before jumping in.
A professional agent should also be able to walk a client through every stage of the process, from “search to viewing to submitting an offer and signing a tenancy agreement”, said Casalino.
