How do mainland citizens buy a house in Hong Kong: full analysis of policies, procedures and fees
As the economic integration between Hong Kong and the mainland deepens, more and more mainland citizens are considering purchasing real estate in Hong Kong. This article will combine recent hot topics to provide you with a guide to structured data from the aspects of policy restrictions, home purchase procedures, fee details, etc.
1. Hong Kong house purchase policy restrictions for mainland residents (latest in 2023)

| policy type | Specific requirements | Applicable objects |
|---|---|---|
| buyer stamp duty | 15% of house price | Non-Hong Kong permanent residents |
| double stamp duty | 7.5%-8.5% of house price | Buying a second or more property |
| Mortgage restrictions | Maximum loan amount 60% | Non-resident income earners |
2. Breakdown of the whole process of buying a house in Hong Kong
| steps | time required | Key considerations |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Select a house and view the house | 1-3 months | It is recommended to go through a licensed real estate agent |
| 2. Sign a temporary contract | 1 day | 3-5% deposit required |
| 3. Apply for a mortgage | 2-4 weeks | Proof of income from Mainland China needs to be notarized |
| 4. Sign a formal contract | 1-2 weeks | Lawyers participate in the entire process |
| 5. Pay taxes and fees | Within 1 week | Additional funds required |
| 6. Complete house delivery | 1 day | Check and accept housing facilities |
3. Overview of cost details (taking a property worth HK$10 million as an example)
| Expense items | Amount (HKD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| down payment | 4,000,000 | Under the condition of 60% mortgage |
| buyer stamp duty | 1,500,000 | Additional taxes for non-permanent residents |
| attorney fees | 20,000-50,000 | Depending on the complexity of the case |
| Agency commission | 100,000 | Usually 1% of the house price |
| Appraisal fee | 5,000-10,000 | Bank mortgage requirements |
| total | Approximately 5,675,000 | Excludes decoration and miscellaneous expenses |
4. Analysis of recent hot spots in the Hong Kong property market
According to the latest data in October, the Hong Kong property market shows the following trends:
| area | Average price (HKD/square foot) | Year-on-year change |
|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong Island | 18,000-25,000 | -5.2% |
| Kowloon | 15,000-20,000 | -3.8% |
| New Territories | 12,000-16,000 | -2.1% |
5. Practical suggestions
1.Exchange rate risk prevention: It is recommended to open a Hong Kong dollar account and pay attention to the fluctuation of the RMB exchange rate.
2.Note on legal differences: Hong Kong adopts a common law system, and the terms of home purchase contracts are significantly different from those in the Mainland.
3.Mortgage Preferred Strategies: Some banks provide "cross-border income mortgage" services, with interest rates 0.5-1% lower than exclusive products for non-residents.
4.tax planning: Some taxes can be avoided by setting up a Hong Kong company to hold properties, but professional legal consultation is required.
5.Region selection: Emerging areas such as Kowloon Station and Tseung Kwan O have complete facilities and are more cost-effective than those on Hong Kong Island.
Conclusion
Mainland residents purchasing houses in Hong Kong need to comprehensively consider policy restrictions, financial preparations and long-term holding costs. It is recommended to reserve at least 6 months of preparation before purchasing a house and consult a professional cross-border real estate consultant. As the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area advances, Hong Kong real estate still has unique investment value, but it is necessary to pay attention to the risks of recent market adjustments.
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