Here’s information on how to become a real estate agent in Hong Kong; including official government exam and licensing links with timelines and requirements.
Real estate in Hong Kong is interesting, diverse, and convenient in urban areas. It’s a profitable place to be a real estate agent full time or part time. Turnover is high and price per square foot is premium.
I thoroughly enjoyed my past adventures working as a real estate agent and ambassador for Engel & Voelkers HK, but I would have found an application guide helpful – hence this summary in one easy article.
Most pertinent info is here at the top, then my opinions below.
Herein information to become a real estate agent in HK:
links to EAA official site / exams / schedules / registration details / preparation / mock exams / instructions / exam results release dates / further notes from me. 
Here’s the official EAA ‘Candidates Corner’ for useful information before becoming a real estate agent.
For easy reference, here are the official Estate Agents Authority (EAA) links to become a real estate agent in HK (website in English & chinese – language change at top right) :
– Estate agents exams information
– Upcoming exam schedules
– Registration details
– Preparation for exams
– Instructions to candidates
– Examination handbook (EAA confirms no physical copies sold anymore; online download only)
– Online mock examinations (definitely do these until you ace them!)
– Exam results release dates (good luck!)
– EXAM PASS RATE :
Failing first time is common! Some people take 2-3 times or more to pass. Tricky multiple choice questions require the exact answers – as you’ll see on the mock examination. My personal tip is to study the Estate Agency Law and Practice handbook and other notes, like the EAA Publications and EAA Suggested Reference Material until you know every part as best you can.
Print and do your best to memorise the essential Study Guide To Estate Agency Law and Practice (it’s not a very big book) to give yourself a decent chance.
Applying what you know in observing your environment can also be helpful to see how the laws and principles apply in real life.
– HIGH TURNOVER RATE :
The rental turnover rate is high, with average residential leases averaging 2yrs (often with 1yr break clause) and commercial leases varying 3-5yrs. (More info from the official Estate Agents Authority here.)
Purchase prices are expensive per square foot, still some of the worlds highest.
An SCMP article in 2024 statied : “Mainland Chinese buyers account for anywhere from 30 per cent up to 80 per cent of the sales in some recent launches, according to agents.“
Further reading : an article on the evolution of the Hong Kong property market.
– BUILD NETWORK :
Building a network of customers is the challenge here, but just takes time and effort – if you’e working with a company, customers can walk in, call in, or make online enquiries and it’s luck of the draw. But if you have a niche speciality (eg. outdoor space / great kitchens / certain areas) it can be helpful for word-of-mouth referrals.
– LANGUAGES :
While it’s beneficial to speak multiple languages; whether Cantonese / Mandarin or international, there’s still possibilities for English-only speakers here too. Mandarin is ideal for sale / purchase.
– EXTRA TIP :
If you’d like to be extra thorough you can input your home address at the Land Registry for a Land Search (or do online) so you can see a Land Search first hand with real-life personal relevance. If you go in person, the entrance is located just above Pacific Place (Admiralty) on the same beautiful little road as the Shangri La hotel and back entrance of the HK Botanical Gardens; it’s a lovely location that’s a pleasure to visit
Notes from the original article :
-
- There is an exam to take in order to get your real estate license.
Once you have your license you can work for a real estate company or set up your own.
- There is an exam to take in order to get your real estate license.
-
- To apply for your license you’ll need your :
– exam pass paper,
– required forms & photograph,
– ID document and
– original school documents, as outlined on the EAA website.
Once you hand all of these in, processing of license number should take approximately ten days, after which you are given your license number. The actual hard copy card will take roughly a month to receive, though you can legally start working as soon as you have your license number.
- To apply for your license you’ll need your :
-
- The two types of exams are for:
1. Salespersons License, which means you can be an employee of a real estate company.
2. Estate Agents License, which means you can set up, run, or be a manager of a real estate company.
- The two types of exams are for:
Wishing you luck on your adventures into real estate; it’s hard work with hours mostly outside office hours (and on weekends), but the work is diverse, ever-changing and rewarding over time – and you get to cross paths with interesting people at changing times of their lives. It’s fun!
Summer months : remember to hydrate with electrolytes! Taking clients around in the heat and humidity can be demanding on the body, whether it’s day or night.
This is an updated version of my popular old article from BigCitySmallApartment, now a bit outdated – written when I was still exploring my online voice and topics. (YAY, this site is a culmination of all that.)
Hopefully this update will be helpful for those who find it!
As we say in Hong Kong, ‘add oil’ (good luck) and best wishes on your journey becoming a real estate agent in Hong Kong.
