Hong Kong Commercial, Office & Warehouse Business Spaces

Published on October 5, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Hong Kong, a dynamic crossroads between East and West, offers a unique business environment conducive to international expansion. Whether you’re seeking a prestigious office in the heart of Central, a retail space in the bustling districts of Tsim Sha Tsui, or a spacious warehouse in the New Territories, this guide will help you navigate Hong Kong’s commercial real estate market. Discover the best strategies for finding the perfect space, key market players, legal aspects to consider, and financial opportunities to seize when establishing your business in this vibrant metropolis.

The Treasure Hunt: Finding the Perfect Space for Your Business

Searching for commercial space in Hong Kong may seem daunting at first, but with the right strategies, you can quickly find the perfect gem. Start by clearly defining your needs in terms of space, budget, and location. Since Hong Kong is a dense, vertical city, consider exploring different options, from iconic skyscrapers to converted industrial buildings.

Online platforms are an excellent starting point. Websites like Spacious.hk and GoHome.com.hk offer a wide selection of commercial properties for rent or purchase. Filter your searches by district, size, and budget to refine your results. Don’t hesitate to use the virtual tour feature, which is particularly useful for initial screening.

For a more direct approach, walk through the neighborhoods that interest you. In Hong Kong, many landlords still display “For Rent” signs directly on building facades. This method can help you discover opportunities not yet listed online and potentially negotiate directly with property owners.

Networking is also crucial in Hong Kong. Attend events hosted by your home country’s chamber of commerce or expatriate entrepreneur meetups. These connections can lead to off-market opportunities or provide valuable advice on the best areas for your type of business.

The Field Experts: Major Real Estate Agencies in Hong Kong

To effectively navigate Hong Kong’s commercial real estate market, engaging a reputable agency can be wise. These professionals have in-depth knowledge of the local market and can save you valuable time in your search.

Colliers International and JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle) are two of the largest real estate agencies in Hong Kong. They offer a comprehensive range of services, from space search to lease negotiation and property management. Their international reach can be particularly useful if you’re considering future expansion into other Asian markets.

For a more local approach, Midland IC&I is a well-established Hong Kong agency specializing in commercial and industrial real estate. Their deep knowledge of neighborhoods and local trends can be a major asset in finding the ideal space at a competitive price.

CBRE Hong Kong is another leading option, recognized for its expertise in the prestige office and high-end retail space sectors. If you’re looking for a premium location for your business, their network and knowledge of the luxury market can be invaluable.

Remember that these agencies often represent landlords’ interests. Therefore, it may be wise to engage an independent agent or corporate real estate consultant who will work exclusively for you. Companies like Tenant CS specialize in tenant representation and can help you negotiate the best possible terms.

The Essential Paperwork: Documents Required for Commercial Leasing

Leasing commercial space in Hong Kong requires careful preparation and the submission of several key documents. This step is crucial to demonstrate your seriousness and financial stability to potential landlords.

The business registration certificate is the first essential document. It proves that your company is legally registered in Hong Kong and authorized to conduct business there. If you’re a foreign company, you may need to provide equivalent documents from your home country, translated and notarized.

Your company’s financial statements are also essential. Landlords will want to ensure your ability to pay rent long-term. For startups or companies newly established in Hong Kong, a detailed business plan and financial projections may be requested as supplements.

Proof of identity for the company’s directors or authorized signatories will be required. This may include passports, Hong Kong ID cards for residents, or other official identification documents.

In some cases, especially for high-value leases or long-term tenancies, landlords may request a bank guarantee or bank reference letter. This serves as additional security and can facilitate negotiations, particularly regarding the security deposit amount.

Also be prepared to provide professional references, especially if this is your first establishment in Hong Kong. Recommendation letters from business partners or important clients can strengthen your credibility.

• Business registration certificate
• Recent financial statements
• Business plan (for new businesses)
• Directors’ identification documents
• Bank guarantee or reference letter
• Professional references

The Bottom Line: Understanding Rental Costs in Hong Kong

Commercial rental costs in Hong Kong are known to be among the highest in the world, but they vary considerably by location and property type. Understanding the cost structure will help you budget effectively for your establishment.

In premium areas like Central or Admiralty, rents for Class A offices can reach 150 to 200 HKD per square foot per month. This translates to a monthly cost of approximately 15,000 to 20,000 HKD for a small 100-square-foot office. In comparison, areas like Kowloon East or the New Territories offer more affordable options, with rents as low as 30-50 HKD per square foot per month.

For retail spaces, costs vary even more drastically. In luxury shopping areas like Causeway Bay, rents can exceed 1,500 HKD per square foot per month for the most sought-after locations. More affordable neighborhoods like Mong Kok or Sham Shui Po offer options starting from 100-200 HKD per square foot per month.

Beyond the base rent, plan for additional costs:

• Security deposit: typically 2 to 3 months’ rent
• Management fees: approximately 20-30% of monthly rent
• Government taxes: about 5% of rent
• Insurance: varies by size and business activity
• Fit-out and renovations: budget according to your needs

Negotiation is crucial in Hong Kong. Don’t hesitate to discuss lease terms, including duration (2-3 year leases are common), renewal options, and grace periods for fit-out. Some landlords may offer incentives like rent-free months or contributions to renovation work, especially for long-term leases.

Hidden Gems: Cities and Neighborhoods for Cost-Effective Establishment

Although Hong Kong is known for high rents, there are emerging areas and developing neighborhoods that offer interesting opportunities at more affordable costs. These areas can be particularly attractive for startups, SMEs, or businesses looking to maximize their real estate budget.

Kowloon East, particularly the Kwun Tong district, is undergoing major transformation. Formerly an industrial area, it’s reinventing itself as a new business hub. Modern office buildings stand alongside converted industrial buildings, offering a wide variety of spaces at prices 30 to 50% lower than Central. The area also benefits from good connectivity via the Kwun Tong MTR line.

In the New Territories, towns like Tsuen Wan and Sha Tin are emerging as viable alternatives. These areas offer a good balance between accessibility and cost. Tsuen Wan, for example, is well connected to the city center by MTR and offers office spaces and warehouses at competitive rates. It’s a particularly interesting option for businesses needing larger spaces or combining offices with storage.

For those seeking a more creative and dynamic atmosphere, Wong Chuk Hang on Hong Kong Island is rapidly changing. This neighborhood is attracting more creative businesses, tech startups, and art galleries. Renovated former industrial buildings offer unique spaces at more affordable prices than in the central area, while still being on Hong Kong Island.

Lai Chi Kok, in the Sham Shui Po district, is another area to watch. With the development of the “Kowloon West Cultural District” nearby, this area is gaining increasing attention. It offers an interesting mix of modern office spaces and older industrial buildings at attractive prices.

Don’t forget to consider coworking spaces that are multiplying in these emerging areas. They offer flexibility and reduced costs, particularly suitable for businesses in the startup or expansion phase.

Welcome Support: Assistance and Incentives for Commercial Leasing

Hong Kong, keen to maintain its status as an international business hub, offers various assistance and incentives to attract and support businesses, including in their search for commercial space. While direct rental assistance is limited, several programs can indirectly ease the financial burden of establishment.

The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) offers office and laboratory spaces at preferential rates for technology and innovative companies. Their incubation program provides not only subsidized workspace but also financial support and mentoring services. It’s an excellent option for tech startups looking to establish themselves in Hong Kong.

For creative sector businesses, Cyberport offers similar programs. Their Smart-Space provides flexible offices and coworking spaces at competitive rates, accompanied by various benefits like access to networking events and funding opportunities.

The Hong Kong government, through InvestHK, offers personalized support to foreign businesses wanting to establish themselves in the city. While they don’t provide direct financial assistance for leasing, their team can guide you to the best options according to your sector and budget, and connect you with local partners.

For SMEs, the SME Loan Guarantee Scheme can be a valuable resource. While not specifically for leasing, this loan guarantee program can help finance various aspects of business setup, including costs related to space fit-out.

Don’t forget tax incentives that, while indirect, can significantly reduce your overall operating costs. Hong Kong offers one of the most advantageous tax regimes in the world, with corporate tax capped at 16.5% (8.25% for the first 2 million HKD of profits for qualifying corporations).

Finally, specific areas like Kowloon East benefit from urban revitalization programs that may include incentives for businesses setting up there. Inquire with local authorities about any ongoing programs in areas that interest you.

Conclusion: Your Springboard to Success in Hong Kong

Finding the ideal space for your business in Hong Kong is a crucial step in your entrepreneurial adventure in Asia. Although the city’s real estate market may seem intimidating at first, with its reputation for high rents and fierce competition, our guide has shown that there are numerous opportunities for all types of businesses and budgets.

The key to success lies in a strategic and well-informed approach. Whether you opt for a prestigious office in Central, a creative space in an up-and-coming neighborhood like Wong Chuk Hang, or a more affordable location in the New Territories, each choice offers its own advantages. The essential thing is to clearly define your priorities in terms of location, budget, and space, and not hesitate to explore beyond traditional business areas.

Remember to leverage available resources, whether specialized real estate agencies, government business support programs, or coworking spaces that can offer flexible startup solutions. Meticulous preparation of your documents and thorough understanding of the local market will be your best assets in negotiations.

Hong Kong, with its economic dynamism, strategic position in Asia, and world-class infrastructure, remains a prime destination for international businesses. By finding the space that perfectly matches your needs and vision, you’re laying solid foundations for your company’s success in this vibrant metropolis.