Investment property: Hong Kong

Updated 6 October 2026

Hong Kong is one of the world's most expensive and most liquid property markets, Asia's financial centre with a chronic land shortage.

All land belongs to the government and is granted on long leases, which does not stop the market from being highly developed: flats sell and let quickly, and deals go through solicitors and the Land Registry. Foreigners buy residential and commercial property without restrictions.

Where people buy and why

• Hong Kong Island - Central, Mid-Levels, Happy Valley: expensive flats let to bank and company staff.
• Kowloon - Tsim Sha Tsui and West Kowloon: new residential complexes near transport and the cultural district.
• New Territories - Sha Tin, Tseung Kwan O: more affordable prices, families and long-term rentals.
• Lantau and Discovery Bay - houses and flats for families of foreign professionals.

Hong Kong flats are small and priced per square foot of saleable area, so we compare properties on the same basis.

What changed in 2024-2025

From 28 February 2024 the government cancelled all residential demand-side management measures: there is no longer a special stamp duty on quick resale, a buyer's stamp duty for non-permanent residents, or new residential stamp duty. A foreigner pays the same stamp duty as a Hong Kong resident. From 26 February 2025 the duty on properties up to HK$4 million, about $509,800, is only HK$100.

Purchase costs

US dollar amounts use the ECB rate of 5 October 2026, about HK$7.85 per US dollar, rounded up.

Annual charges and taxes

• Rates - a percentage of the rateable value, paid by the owner or tenant per the lease.
• Government rent - for most land, a percentage of the rateable value.
• Property tax on rental income - 15% of rent after a standard 20% repairs allowance.
• There is no capital gains tax on sale.

How a purchase works

• A provisional agreement and first deposit, usually 3-5%.
• The formal sale agreement 1-2 weeks later with a top-up to 10%.
• The solicitor checks title at the Land Registry, mortgages and restrictions.
• Payment of the balance, stamp duty and registration in 1-3 months.

Property and the right to live in Hong Kong

A home purchase alone gives no residence. But under the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, which requires investment of HK$30 million, about $3,822,900, in Hong Kong, from 2025 residential property priced at HK$30 million or more counts up to HK$10 million, about $1,274,300, and non-residential property up to HK$15 million. We plan such a purchase together with the scheme application.

Common buyer mistakes

• Paying a deposit under a provisional agreement without a solicitor's check.
• Projecting returns without rates and property tax on rent.
• Expecting residence from a purchase without the investor scheme.
• Paying without source of funds evidence, which the bank and solicitor check at the deal.

What we do

We choose a flat or commercial property for your goal, check title and restrictions with a Hong Kong solicitor, calculate stamp duty and annual charges, help with a Hong Kong bank account and mortgage, handle the deal and registration, and if needed tie the purchase to the investor scheme.

What we do

• Property shortlist for your investment goal
• Legal due diligence on the property
• End-to-end transaction support
• Ownership structuring (company, trust)
• Property management and letting

See also

Company formation · Business account · Personal account · Country taxes · All country programs

FAQ