{"id":560,"date":"2026-06-25T12:29:48","date_gmt":"2026-06-25T04:29:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hk.propmark.com\/hong-kong-real-estate-blog\/?p=560"},"modified":"2026-06-29T14:32:51","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T06:32:51","slug":"first-time-homebuyer-hk-property-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hk.propmark.com\/hong-kong-real-estate-blog\/first-time-homebuyer-hk-property-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"[First-Time Buyers] 2026 Hong Kong New Launch Guide: From Registration to Flat Selection"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Driven by multiple favourable policies such as the easing of cooling measures and relaxed mortgage LTV ratios, Hong Kong\u2019s primary property market remains vibrant in 2026, with developers actively launching new projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For first-time buyers (commonly known as \u201chome starters\u201d), purchasing a primary property (whether off-plan or completed units) eliminates the need for tedious viewings and price negotiations typical in the secondary market. However, the unique system of \u201cregistration, balloting, and flat selection\u201d often leaves newcomers feeling confused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat is registration? What\u2019s the difference between Group A and Group B? How much should I prepare for the cashier\u2019s order?\u201d<br>This guide provides a complete breakdown of the 2026 new launch purchase process, helping you navigate the market with confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Launch Purchase Process\uff5c5 Key Stages<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unlike second-hand properties, primary sales are strictly regulated under the Residential Properties (First-hand Sales) Ordinance. The process generally consists of the following stages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2794 <strong>[Stage 1: Show flat viewing &amp; registration]<\/strong><br>\u2794 <strong>[Stage 2: Ballot results announcement]<\/strong><br>\u2794 <strong>[Stage 3: Selection day &amp; signing of Preliminary Agreement for Sale and Purchase (PASP)]<\/strong><br>\u2794 <strong>[Stage 4: Signing of Formal Agreement &amp; mortgage application]<\/strong><br>\u2794 <strong>[Stage 5: Handover &amp; move-in]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Among these, the most critical (and often confusing) stages are registration, balloting, and flat selection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Focus 1: Registration Mechanics &amp; Cashier\u2019s Order Preparation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once the developer releases the price list and sales arrangements, show flats are typically opened for public viewing. Interested buyers must submit a purchase intention \u2014 commonly referred to as \u201cregistration\u201d (or \u201cticket entry\u201d in Hong Kong).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. What is a Cashier\u2019s Order? How much is required?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Buyers are generally required to submit a <strong>cashier\u2019s order of approximately HKD 100,000<\/strong>, made payable to the developer\u2019s designated law firm, as a deposit for registration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Purpose:<\/strong> Demonstrates purchasing intent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Successful purchase:<\/strong> Converted into part of the initial deposit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unsuccessful \/ withdrawal:<\/strong> Fully refundable<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Practical tip:<\/strong><br>Ensure the payee name is accurately filled in as required; otherwise, the registration may be rejected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Increasing Your Chances: Multi-Entry Strategy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many buyers adopt a \u201cmulti-ticket\u201d strategy to improve their chances:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Submitting multiple registrations per person (subject to developer limits)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Family members registering separately (e.g. spouses each submit)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While some projects tighten anti-duplication rules to curb speculation, such strategies remain relatively common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Focus 2: Balloting System\uff5cGroup A vs Group B<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After registration closes, developers conduct a ballot and publish the selection sequence list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Buyers are usually divided into <strong>Group A<\/strong> and <strong>Group B<\/strong>, with significant differences in priority:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th>Group<\/th><th>Positioning<\/th><th>Purchase Conditions<\/th><th>Priority<\/th><\/tr><tr><td>Group A<\/td><td>Bulk buyers \/ investors<\/td><td>Typically required to purchase multiple units or designated larger units (e.g. 3-bedroom)<\/td><td>Highest<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Group B<\/td><td>Regular buyers \/ first-time buyers<\/td><td>Usually limited to purchasing one unit<\/td><td>Lower (after Group A)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Tip for first-time buyers:<\/strong><br>Premium units (high floors, good views, popular layouts) are often allocated to Group A first. By the time Group B enters, top choices may already be sold out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u27a1 Prepare <strong>at least 3\u20135 backup unit options in advance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Focus 3: Selection Day \u2013 What to Expect<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The selection day is typically crowded and high-pressure. Preparation is key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. On-time Registration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bring the following documents:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>ID card<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Registration receipt<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cashier\u2019s order<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u26a0\ufe0f Late arrivals may be pushed to the end of the queue or even disqualified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Monitor the \u201cAvailability Chart\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A real-time <strong>sales control chart<\/strong> displays sold units.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udc49 Keep track of your preferred units. If sold, immediately switch to backup options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Enter Selection Area (3\u20135 Minutes Decision Window)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When called, you must quickly decide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Once confirmed, the unit is locked<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No changes or cancellations allowed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Sign Preliminary Agreement (PASP)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After selecting your unit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>HKD 100,000 cashier\u2019s order \u2192 becomes part of initial deposit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Top up to ~<strong>5% of property price<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Payment is usually by cheque or credit card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Two Critical Steps After Selection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Sign Formal Agreement Within 5 Working Days<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You must complete the following within 5 working days:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sign Formal Agreement for Sale and Purchase<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pay remaining deposit (typically 10% minus initial deposit)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Settle stamp duty and legal fees<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u26a0\ufe0f <strong>Important:<\/strong><br>Failure to comply may result in forfeiture of the initial deposit (~5% of property price).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Payment Method &amp; Mortgage Arrangement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2705 Immediate Payment Plan (Higher Discount)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Completion in ~120\u2013180 days<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mortgage application required promptly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2705 Construction Stage Payment Plan (Lower Discount)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Final payment upon project completion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mortgage application typically 3\u20136 months before handover<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summary\uff5cKey Takeaways for First-Time Buyers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prepare ~HKD 100,000 cashier\u2019s order for registration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Group A has priority; Group B should manage expectations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Always prepare multiple backup unit choices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Immediate payment and signing required upon selection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Formal agreement must be completed within 5 days to avoid forfeiture<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overall, while the process is structured, every stage involves significant financial commitment. Proper financial planning and mortgage readiness are essential for a successful entry into the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cWhat is registration? What\u2019s the difference between Group A and Group B? How much should I prepare for the cashier\u2019s order?\u201d<br \/>\nThis guide provides a complete breakdown of the 2026 new launch purchase process, helping you navigate the market with confidence.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":556,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[150,169,635],"tags":[810,802,808,806,804],"class_list":["post-560","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-beginner-en","category-buying-selling-guides","category-property-owner-guide","tag-buying-property-in-hk","tag-first-hand-property-hk","tag-first-time-homebuyer","tag-hong-kong-real-estate-guide","tag-unit-selection-process"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/hk.propmark.com\/hong-kong-real-estate-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/2026-hong-kong-first-hand-property-lottery-process.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hk.propmark.com\/hong-kong-real-estate-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/560","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hk.propmark.com\/hong-kong-real-estate-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hk.propmark.com\/hong-kong-real-estate-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hk.propmark.com\/hong-kong-real-estate-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hk.propmark.com\/hong-kong-real-estate-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=560"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/hk.propmark.com\/hong-kong-real-estate-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/560\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":614,"href":"https:\/\/hk.propmark.com\/hong-kong-real-estate-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/560\/revisions\/614"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hk.propmark.com\/hong-kong-real-estate-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/556"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hk.propmark.com\/hong-kong-real-estate-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=560"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hk.propmark.com\/hong-kong-real-estate-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=560"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hk.propmark.com\/hong-kong-real-estate-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=560"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}