In Hong Kong, buying a property is not just about securing a home or investment—you are also acquiring a share of the building. As a co-owner, attending Owners’ Corporation meetings (whether AGM or EGM) is both your right and responsibility.
However, many owners find meetings tedious and believe that “my vote won’t matter,” choosing not to attend.
The truth is: the cost of silence can be very expensive.
Today, the PropMark team breaks down how owners’ meetings work, why your vote can impact tens of thousands of dollars, and how to handle proxy forms safely.
Why attend? How major spending decisions are made
Under the Building Management Ordinance (Cap. 344), major building decisions must be approved through owners’ meetings.
Key decisions include:
1. Selecting contractors and service providers
Lift upgrades, security contracts, and cleaning services are often decided through voting.
👉 Not attending = giving away your decision-making power
2. Large-scale maintenance projects
Older buildings often require major repairs costing millions.
👉 Cost per unit can range from thousands to tens of thousands
👉 Even if you don’t vote, you are still legally required to pay
Can’t attend? Use Proxy Forms properly
Owners may authorize someone to attend and vote on their behalf.
📌 Four key rules
1️⃣ Always name your proxy
Never submit a blank proxy form
2️⃣ Indicate voting choices clearly
Mark “For / Against / Abstain”
3️⃣ Submit before deadline
Usually at least 48 hours before the meeting
4️⃣ Sign consistently
Signature must match official records
Beware of proxy manipulation risks
There have been cases where proxy forms were collected and misused to influence decisions.
🛡️ Three safety tips
✅ Never sign incomplete forms
✅ Attending in person overrides your proxy
✅ Submit forms yourself
💡 PropMark Reminder: “Every vote counts”
Low participation can lead to:
- Decisions dominated by a few
- Unreasonable cost increases
- Decline in property value
👉 Ultimately affecting all owners
Conclusion
Owning property is a long-term commitment, and active participation is key to protecting your investment.
Next time you receive a meeting notice—don’t ignore it.
Attend if possible, or submit a properly completed proxy form.
Because one vote can make a real difference.