Is there a government home-inspector licence in Hong Kong?
The Consumer Council notes that general home inspectors are not governed by a dedicated statutory licence. Verify any separate professional qualification with its body.
Hong Kong Property Inspection Guide and Referral
Understand scope, verify the inspector's background and obtain a written quote; this page provides information and referral enquiries only
New-Build Handover Check
Request a written scope and quote
Record visible defects within the developer's rectification process
- Confirm accessible areas
- Record photos and locations
- Check rectification deadlines
- Confirm report format
- Agree any reinspection in writing
Second-Hand Inspection Planning
Request a written scope and quote
Review condition together with building documents and maintenance history
- Review maintenance records
- Look for cracking and water ingress
- Test doors, windows and basic fixtures
- List inaccessible areas
- Escalate where professional advice is needed
Professional Escalation
Request a written scope and quote
Refer structural, safety or statutory issues to an appropriately qualified person
- Verify professional credentials
- Define the inspection purpose
- Obtain liability and limitation terms
- Request an independent written quote
- Use a secure document channel
📋 Inspection Checklist Items
Structural Inspection
Wall cracks, ceiling peeling, floor levelness
Water Leakage Detection
Window edges, bathroom, kitchen water seepage signs
Electrical System
Switches, outlets, circuit breakers
Plumbing System
Water pressure, drainage, water heater
Doors and Windows
Smooth operation, sealing, locks
Finishing Quality
Paint, flooring, cabinets, sanitary ware
Air Conditioning System
Cooling efficiency, drainage, noise level
Safety Features
Smoke detectors, window grilles, security locks
📚 Related Reading
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Confirm the engagement in writing
| Item | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Inspector | Who attends and how relevant qualifications and experience can be verified |
| Scope | Visual, moisture, electrical, plumbing, window and finish checks |
| Report | Photos, severity, rectification advice and whether reinspection is included |
| Fee | Area, location, urgent work, equipment and reinspection charges |
New-build and second-hand inspections differ
A new-build check often supports a developer defect list. A second-hand inspection should be considered with building records and maintenance history. Suspected structural, safety, unauthorised-work or statutory issues should be escalated to an appropriately qualified building professional.
Read the handover checklist (Traditional Chinese), or contact WeProperty and request a written scope before accepting a referral.
Frequently asked questions
Will an inspection find every defect?
No. Access, equipment, conditions on the day and contractual limits affect what can be found.
Is pricing fixed by flat size?
Not necessarily. Obtain a written quote covering location, urgency, equipment and reinspection.
What if I see cracking or water ingress?
Record it and seek an appropriately qualified building professional where safety or structure may be involved.
Official and professional sources
- Hong Kong Consumer Council: handover and inspection guidance
- HKIS: Building Doctor and professional inspection resources
Disclaimer：General inspection and referral information only; not a professional inspection, safety opinion or fee quote.
Second-hand flat inspection: records to keep before handover
- Record visible damp, stains, cracks, windows, pipes and fixtures by room, with dated location photos.
- Check utility meters, keys, access cards and the items promised in the agreement.
- Request repair, alteration, leakage and building-works records. A visual inspection cannot exclude hidden defects.
- Refer structural, electrical, fire-safety or unauthorised-works concerns to the appropriate qualified professional. Avoid unsafe testing.
A condition inspection, statutory building inspection and structural assessment have different scopes. Before a referral enquiry, specify the issue, unit, scope, written report and quote. This enquiry route does not mean an inspection has been performed.
Due-diligence checklist (Chinese) · Buildings Department safety information
This section checked: 2026-10-05