Buying property in Hong Kong is a relatively straight forward experience, and the whole system is modelled on that of Britain – unsurprising, as the British were in charge for more than a hundred years. As with every property purchase in any country, a local trusted lawyer should be employed to help with any dealings and to help avoid any potential pitfalls a buyer could encounter.

Once a property has been decided upon and officially checked, a preliminary sales agreement is signed and a fee of around five percent of the total is paid – further checks are then carried out and two or three weeks later a formal contract agreement is signed, with a further five percent paid. At this point penalties are levied on any party that pulls out of the purchase. Once the process hits closing – with a normal property six to eight weeks later, but usually longer with off plan purchases owing to construction time – the remainder of the price is paid and any other fees are settled up. The details are then registered with the local Land Registry and the process is then complete.

Fees for estate agents, lawyers and notaries vary, but are usually agreed upon early in the buying process.