Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Purchasing Completed First-hand Residential Properties
Q9.1
What should prospective purchasers pay attention to when buying completed first-hand residential properties?


Q9.1
What should prospective purchasers pay attention to when buying completed first-hand residential properties?
A9.1

The Sales of First-hand Residential Properties Authority (SRPA) advises that prospective purchasers of first-hand completed residential properties should for their own interest view the residential property they intend to buy or a comparable property before entering into Preliminary Agreement for Sale and Purchase (PASP).


Under the Residential Properties (First-hand Sales) Ordinance (the Ordinance), before a completed residential property is sold to a person, the vendor must make that residential property available for viewing by that person.


If it is not reasonably practicable for the residential property to be viewed by the person, the vendor must make a comparable residential property in the development for viewing by that person. If it is not reasonably practicable for a comparable residential property to be viewed by that person and the person agrees in writing that the vendor is not required to make a comparable residential property available for his viewing, there is no need for the vendor to do so.


Prospective purchasers should think carefully before agreeing in writing to exempt the vendor from the above requirement.


Unless the residential property is held under tenancy or the restriction is reasonable for ensuring the safety of the persons viewing the residential property, the person viewing the residential property is allowed to take measurements, photographs or make video recordings of the residential property.


SRPA also reminds prospective purchasers that the Ordinance does not forbid vendors from providing a show flat for viewing by the public and prospective purchasers in the sale of completed residential properties. But show flats on completed residential properties are not subject to the regulation of the Ordinance.


Prospective purchasers should, before buying the property, read the “Vendor’s Information Form” (VIF) in addition to the sales brochure. The VIF sets out information such as the amount of management fee payable for the residential property; the amount of the Government rent (if any), and the name of the manager of the development.