Savills · Sources

SourcesFull AI answers

1. eaa.org.hk

   EAA Public Register

   Source ownership not retained

   Answers using this source

   • Gemini在香港首次買二手住宅，想找資料和佣金安排清楚的地產代理，有哪些品牌值得比較？ in Hong Kong?

   Gemini · 在香港首次買二手住宅，想找資料和佣金安排清楚的地產代理，有哪些品牌值得比較？ in Hong Kong?

   Oct 20, 2026, 5:21 AM UTC

   For a first-time homebuyer purchasing a secondary (resale) residential property in Hong Kong, choosing the right agency involves balancing listing volume, historical data transparency, and clarity on commission terms.

   In Hong Kong, commission rates are not fixed by law, but market convention is typically 1% of the purchase price from the buyer (and 1% from the seller). By regulation of the Estate Agents Authority (EAA), all commission arrangements must be clearly specified in writing in Form 3 (Estate Agency Agreement for Purchase of Residential Properties) before making an offer.

   The primary brands and platforms worth comparing can be grouped into three distinct categories:

   ---

   1. The Major Brokerages (Best for Depth of Inventory & Neighborhood Data)

   The vast majority of secondary market transactions pass through the traditional "Big Two" (and their subsidiaries). Because they hold the lion's share of exclusive listings, their online platforms offer the most comprehensive transaction history, VR walkthroughs, and bank valuation tools.

   • Centaline Property (中原地產) & Ricacorp Properties (利嘉閣)
     • Why compare: Centaline operates the largest physical branch footprint and holds the benchmark Centa-City Leading Index (CCL). Its mobile app and website provide transparent historical transaction records, floor plans, and layout-specific sale histories.
     • Commission arrangement: Standard market practice is 1%, but agents are required to execute Form 3 with you before viewing properties. Commission is negotiable, particularly on higher-value properties, but must be agreed upon in writing.
   • Midland Realty (美聯物業) & Hong Kong Property (香港置業)
     • Why compare: Midland is Centaline’s chief rival, with equal market prominence in large housing estates (e.g., Taikoo Shing, Mei Foo, City One Shatin). Their app provides detailed data on past transaction prices per square foot, mortgage calculators, and school-net filters.
     • Commission arrangement: Similar to Centaline—the baseline expectation is 1%, formalized via standard EAA Form 3 agreements.

   Buyer Tip for Big Agencies: At major firms, service quality depends heavily on the individual agent rather than the corporate brand. When you contact an agent, ask for a clear breakdown of incidental purchasing costs (stamp duty, legal fees, agent fee) up front to gauge their professionalism.

   ---

   2. Tech-Forward & Bilingual Agencies (Best for Modern Client Experience)

   If you prefer a consultative, less high-pressure sales process with upfront fee communication, digital-first brokerages are an alternative.

   • OKAY.com
     • Why compare: Known for a modern, paperless model and bilingual agents. They put heavy emphasis on updating listings daily to avoid the "ghost listing" (outdated or phantom property) problem common in the industry.
     • Commission arrangement: They adhere strictly to transparent fee agreements and clearly disclose whether they are acting as a dual agent or single agent.
   • Habitū / Boutique Expat-Focused Agencies
     • Why compare: If you are targeting specific urban areas (e.g., Mid-Levels, Sai Ying Pun, Wan Chai) or village houses/outlying islands, specialized boutique agencies often provide more tailored consultation on building defects, building management issues, and deed restrictions.

   ---

   3. Open Listing Portals (Best for Finding Direct Owners or Independent Agents)

   If you want to compare commission terms or avoid paying a buyer's commission altogether, property portals aggregate listings from smaller independent agencies and direct owners:

   • 28Hse & House730
     • Why compare: These are the largest listing aggregator portals in Hong Kong. They allow you to filter properties specifically by "Direct Owner" (業主自讓 / 免佣 - zero commission) or compare offerings from neighborhood-specific boutique agents who may be more flexible with commission negotiation (e.g., 0.5%–0.75%).
     • What to watch for: Always verify if an advertiser is an owner or a licensed agent. If working with an independent agent found on these platforms, verify their license number on the EAA Public Register.
   • Spacious (千居)
     • Why compare: A data-rich platform featuring curated listings from various licensed agencies, offering neighborhood pricing analytics, demographic insights, and school network data.

   ---

   Practical Checklist for First-Time Secondary Buyers in HK

   1. Understand EAA Form 3 (表格三):
      • Before viewing flats with an agent, you will be asked to sign Form 3.
      • Check the validity period of the agreement.
      • Check whether the agency acts as a dual agent (representing both you and the seller) or a single agent (representing only you).
      • Confirm that the agreed commission percentage or fixed fee is written explicitly on the form.
   2. Beware of "Viewing Agreement" Lock-Ins:
      • Under Form 3, if you view Property X with Agent A, you generally cannot purchase Property X through Agent B (or directly from the seller) within the validity period without remaining liable for Agent A's commission.
   3. Commission Payment Timing:
      • Commission is customarily paid upon completion of the transaction (or 50% upon signing the Formal Agreement for Sale and Purchase and 50% on completion). Ensure this schedule is stated in the agreement.