Key Takeaways:
– Palace Auctions is launching its Hong Kong & Asia-Pacific hub at The Henderson in Q1 2026, providing live and online auctions, RICS-accredited valuations, bilingual advisory, and deep market insights.
– The Henderson, a 36-storey, 190 m skyscraper at 2 Murray Road, Central, is our strategic base—leveraging Hong Kong’s connectivity, sustainability credentials, and cultural vitality.
– Gain expert guidance through every stage: from property research and due diligence to bidding, settlement, and title transfer.
Introduction
Property Auctions Hong Kong & Asia-Pacific: Your Gateway to Global Real Estate
Live & Online Auctions • RICS-Accredited Valuations • Mandarin & Cantonese Experts available

Palace Auctions, London’s premier property auction house, is proud to announce the opening of our Hong Kong & Asia-Pacific hub in Q1 2026. Located at the iconic The Henderson building (2 Murray Road, Central), this 36-storey, 190 m landmark will serve as the nerve centre for our Asia-Pacific operations. From this state-of-the-art office, our bilingual specialists in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English will connect local sellers and developers with international buyers, and showcase Asia-Pacific real estate opportunities to our global network of investors.
Our Hong Kong hub leverages:
- Live and online auctions— Seamless global bidding via in-person events and secure digital platforms.
• RICS-accredited valuations — Independent, transparent pricing to inspire buyer confidence.
• Cross-border advisory — Expert guidance on financing, tax, and legal matters across jurisdictions.
• Portfolio management & private treaty sales — Tailored strategies for high-net-worth clients.
• High-impact marketing — Targeted campaigns across London, New York, Dubai, and beyond.
View Upcoming Auctions | Register to Bid
Our Story & Mission
Connecting Buyers and Sellers Since 2001 Founded in London in 2001, Palace Auctions set out to democratize luxury real estate sales by bringing transparency, competitive tension, and record-breaking results to every transaction. Over 25 years, we have conducted hundreds of auctions—ranging from Mayfair townhouses to landmark commercial assets—while pioneering online bidding, virtual tours, and live streaming to reach buyers worldwide.
Our Mission:
To connect buyers and sellers through trusted, high-integrity auction experiences—wherever they are in the world.
Core Values:
- Client-First Service: Bespoke support at every stage, from pre-auction advice to post-sale conveyancing.
- Global Reach: Offices in London (HQ), New York, Dubai, Doha, and soon, Hong Kong.
- Innovation: Cutting-edge technology in bidding platforms, virtual reality, and data analytics.
- Integrity & Transparency: RICS-backed valuations and clear, publicly published auction rules.
Opening Timeline
Hong Kong Hub Roadmap
Phase | Timeline | Key Milestones |
Senior Recruitment | Q3 2025 | Appoint regional director, head auctioneer |
Office Fit-Out & Tech | Q4 2025 | Complete interior, install AV & bidding systems |
Grand Opening Event | Q1 2026 | VIP launch with keynote speakers |
Inaugural Live Auction | Q2 2026 | First on-site auction at The Henderson |
Comprehensive Auction Services
Seamless Auction Solutions for Every Client Whether you are a first-time buyer, seasoned investor, or a property owner seeking market-leading exposure, our Hong Kong hub offers:
- International Luxury Property Auctions
– Residential, commercial, and mixed-use lots across Asia and Europe. - RICS-Accredited Valuations
– Independent appraisals to set clear guide and reserve prices. - Market Expertise & Cross-Border Advisory
– In-house specialists advise on Hong Kong, mainland China, Singapore, Australia, and UK markets. - Private Treaty Sales & Portfolio Management
– Off-market solutions for bespoke property transactions. - Global Marketing & Investor Outreach
– Multi-channel campaigns targeting ultra-high-net-worth individuals worldwide. - Mandarin & Cantonese-Speaking Teams
– Clear communication and cultural fluency for local and mainland Chinese clients.
Client Advantage: Our bilingual team marries local insight with global reach, ensuring maximum exposure and competitive bidding for every lot.
2025 Hong Kong & Asia-Pacific Market Trends
Investment Insights & Statistical Overview Gain an edge with the latest market data and expert forecasts spanning residential, office, retail, and regional sectors:
Hong Kong Residential Market
- Price Trends: Secondary home prices rose 0.42% MoM in July 2025, reaching an index of 287.9—the highest since December 2024. Year-to-date decline narrowed to 0.45%.
- Transaction Volume: Q2 2025 saw ~15,900 residential transactions, up 30% QoQ, fuelled by lower mortgage rates and developer incentives.
- Rental Yields: Luxury rents advanced 0.56% in July, marking the eighth consecutive monthly increase, with gross yields at 3.5%—a key driver for investor return on equity.
- Mortgage Landscape: The one-month HIBOR gradually softened to ~1%, unlocking financing and reactivating buyer demand.
- Hong Kong Office & Retail
- Grade A Office: New-lease take-up hit 1.2 million sq ft in Q2 2025, the strongest quarterly figure since the pandemic, though average rents fell 1% QoQ, culminating in a 3.4% decline H1 2025. Vacancy near 19.3% signals opportunity for value-add repositioning.
- Retail Sector: High-street rent forecasts predict a 1–3% downturn in 2025 amid rising vacancies. Nevertheless, prime districts like Mong kok and Tsim Shat Sui are witnessing tenant reshuffling and diversified F&B offerings.
Asia-Pacific Regional Outlook
- GDP Growth: APAC GDP projected at 3.7% in 2025; India, Vietnam, and Southeast Asia leading at 5–7% growth.
- Cross-Border Flows: Q2 2025 saw USD 6.7 billion of cross-border real estate investment into APAC, up 86% YoY—Australia, Japan, and Korea top targets.
- Sector Focus: Logistics and multifamily (build-to-rent, student housing, senior living) remain the top asset classes for institutional capital.
Table: 2025 Property Market Indicators | Sector | Trend | Key Metrics |
Sector | Trend | Key Metrics |
HK Residential | Stabilizing | +0.42% MoM prices; 15,900 units |
Grade A Office (HK) |
Value-Add Ops |
–1% QoQ rents; 19.3% vacancy |
Core Retail (HK) |
Tenant Reshuffle |
–1% to –3% rents; rising vacancy |
APAC Logistics & Multifamily |
Growth |
+2% to +8% ; tight supply in AU/JP |
Deep Dive: Auction Processes in Hong Kong & APAC
Step-by-Step Guide to Property Auctions Auctions in Hong Kong and the broader Asia-Pacific region combine transparency, efficiency, and competitive tension. Here’s how to navigate them:
- Preparation & Research
- Property Identification: Browse listings on auction house websites, real estate platforms, and the Hong Kong PIO portal for official land registration details.
- Physical Inspection: Attend open house viewings, often accompanied by surveyors, to assess condition and potential renovation costs.
- Legal Due Diligence: Engage a solicitor for title searches, review encumbrances, check for unauthorized works, and estimate outstanding fees (management, utilities).
- Budget & Finance: Determine total budget—including auction premiums, renovation, legal fees—and secure pre-approved financing to meet tight deposit and completion deadlines.
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Registration & Bidding
- Registration: Provide ID, proof of address, and proof of funds. A refundable security deposit (5–10%) may be required.
- Auction Formats:
• In-Person: Collect a paddle and bid live at the venue.
• Online & Hybrid: Bid via secure livestream platforms.
• Telephone/Proxy: Authorize an agent or auction house representative to bid on your behalf. - Bidding Dynamics: The auctioneer opens at the guide price. Bids progress in set increments until the hammer falls above the reserve price—the seller’s minimum acceptable level.
- Post-Auction & Completion
- Deposit & Contract: Winning bidders pay a 10% deposit immediately and sign the sale agreement onsite.
- Balance Payment: Remaining 90% typically due within 28 days (shorter for mortgagee sales).
- Title Transfer: Upon full payment, the solicitor registers the transfer at the Land Registry, concluding the purchase.
Mortgagee Sales Risks:
Sold “as is,” with deferred maintenance and potential title encumbrances. Rigorous due diligence and contingency budgeting are essential.
Cultural Considerations in Property Transactions
Navigating Local Customs & Etiquette Hong Kong’s property culture intertwines modern legal processes with traditional values rooted in Confucianism and family solidarity. Understanding these nuances enhances negotiation and transaction success:
- Filial Piety & Family Involvement: Parental contributions toward a child’s property purchase may be deemed a duty rather than a gift, affecting beneficial ownership in legal disputes.
- Guanxi & Face: Relationship-building (guanxi) and preserving face (mianzi) are paramount. Negotiations favor indirect communication, respect, and social harmony.
- Customary Land Rights: In Hong Kong’s New Territories, tso and tong communal land trusts persist, recognized by courts under trust law—crucial for rural property dealings.
- Language & Documentation: Cantonese dominates local discussions, but legal documents are often bilingual (English and Traditional Chinese). Clear translation mitigates misunderstandings.
- Banquets & Gift-Giving: Sharing meals cements trust; small, symbolic gifts (e.g., fruit baskets) may accompany negotiations, though anti-corruption rules are strictly enforced.
Insight: Professional advisors who respect cultural protocols and provide clear, jargon-free explanations foster stronger client relationships and smoother transactions.
How to Participate in Our Auctions
Your Step-by-Step Auction Journey
- Register to Bid
– Complete our secure online form or email hongkong@palaceauctions.com.
– Submit identification and proof of funds; pay any registration deposit.
- Due Diligence
– Access comprehensive legal packs, title deeds, and detailed condition reports.
– Schedule private viewings and virtual tours.
- Catalogue Review
– Browse high-resolution images, floor plans, and video walkthroughs.
– Evaluate comparable sales data and valuation reports.
- Bidding
– Join us in person at The Henderson or log in to our online platform.
– Participate via telephone or proxy if you prefer a hands-off approach.
- Settlement
– Pay the deposit on auction day; complete the balance within 28 days.
– Our legal team handles conveyancing and title registration on your behalf.
Pro Tip: Attend one of our free pre-auction seminars to master bidding strategies, guide vs. reserve price nuances, and post-auction procedures.
Global Reach & Local Expertise
Truly International, In-Market Specialists Palace Auctions’ network spans major financial hubs:
Offices: London (HQ), New York, Dubai, Doha, Kuwait City, Manama, Lagos, Riyadh, and Hong Kong.
- Services: Oncology of cross-border settlements, tax-efficient structures, multi-currency escrow, and after-sales management.
Our local market teams collaborate seamlessly to:
- Tailor strategies compliant with each jurisdiction’s regulations.
- Deliver multilingual support across English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Arabic, and French.
- Provide 24/7 access through regional time-zone coordination.
Strategic Partnerships & Community
Building Trust Through Collaboration We partner with leading institutions to enhance service quality:
- Global Banks & Financiers: Escrow, mortgage, and project financing solutions.
- Top Law Firms: Conveyancing, due diligence, and dispute resolution expertise.
- RICS-Accredited Valuers: Independent appraisals ensuring transparent guide prices.
- Local Governments & Registries: Direct liaison for land sales and regulatory compliance.
Corporate Responsibility: Palace Auctions supports heritage conservation, community housing initiatives, and sustainable building projects—reinforcing our commitment to social impact in Hong Kong and beyond.
Pre-Launch Registration & Contact
Reserve Your VIP Access
Register before Q4 2025 to receive:
- 🎟️ VIP Launch Invite — Exclusive event at The Henderson.
- 🔍 First-Look Catalogues — Q2 2026 auction lots.
- 📈 Market Intelligence Reports — Quarterly insights on HK & APAC markets.
Email: hongkong@palaceauctions.com
Intl. Tel: +44 20 7101 3647
Local Tel: +852 XXXX XXXX (from Q1 2026)
By combining strategic, AI and best in class direct SEO optimization, authoritative market data, in-depth cultural insights, and a client-centric auction experience. Palace Auctions’ Hong Kong & Asia-Pacific hub is poised to redefine property auctions in the region.
Join us in Q1 2026 to experience world-class auctions that connect Asia’s premier real estate assets with a global audience.
Page last updated 02 September 2025 09:41 GMT