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Colliers International | Global Occupier Guide

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Hong Kong

Local market practice or IPMS

Space Measurement Standard
SQMT
SQFT
Space Unit of Measure

HKD

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Financial Data Currency

No

Transfer Taxes

Office Occupier Market Condition

1,1,1

Occupier Market Conditions – How conducive is the regulatory environment to starting and operating a business. Source: Colliers

Labor Cost – Wages for skilled office workers. Source: City Globe and Colliers

Tenant Favorable – Assessment of the real estate market condition for office space. Source: Colliers

Quadrant Legend: Blue = Favorable Medium Blue = Neutral Red = Less Favorable

Typical Loss Factor

*

From rentable to useable square feet

Loss Factor Notes:

*Efficiency dependent

Gross - 70%

Lettable - 80-90%

Net - 100%

Landlord Concessions

Fit-Out Concession

The Landlord typically does not provide a contribution or concession to fit-out as a part of the lease transaction.

Rent-Free Period

The Landlord typically provides a contribution or concession in the form of a rent-free period.

Standard Range of Rent-Free Months

1mo.-3mo.

Typical number of rent-free months.

Rent-Free Period Notes:

Occasionally landlord will grant extra rent free period as a means of additional incentive, in such case, the rent free period can extend to 6 months.

Payment of Fees/Commissions

The Landlord typically pays the tenant rep broker’s fee.

Lease Provisions

Lease Term

3yrs.-6yrs.

Typical lease term in years.

Lease Term Notes:

For any length of fixed lease longer than 3 years, it is normally under a rent review mechanism after 3 years.

Operating Expenses & Service Charges Included

Quoted market rent typically does not include operating expenses (service charges). There are additional charges that apply to leasing space.

Additional Charges

HK$5/sf-HK$14/sf

Estimated range for all additional charges per Square Feet.

Additional Charges:

Utilities
Service Charges
Stamp Duty
Electric
Rates
HST
Cleaning
Hydro
Registration Fees
Taxes
Insurance
VAT
Other

Service Charge Notes:

Management fees account for a large portion of operating expenses. Typically, the range of additional charges is between HKD5.0 psf and HKD14.0 psf.

Lease Fundamentals: The following apply to both office and industrial leases.

Lease Execution Requirements:

Typical upfront requirements
None for strong credit tenants
Upfront rental payment
Security deposit
Corporate guarantee
Not Applicable

Negotiated Subletting/Assignment

The tenant's right to sublease or assign the space typically is NOT negotiated in the lease agreement.
Landlord Consent: Typically, the landlord's written consent IS still required.

Negotiated Subletting/Assignment Notes:

Dependent on landlord and occupier size

Statutory Subletting/Assignment

This is NOT a statutory right.
Landlord Consent: The Landlord's consent is still required.

Blend & Extend Strategies

Typically, a tenant can take advantage of "blend & extend" ("forward renewal", "early renewal", etc.) strategies when the appropriate market conditions exist.

Statutory Early Termination

This is NOT a statutory termination right.

Negotiated Early Termination

It is NOT typical for tenants to be able to negotiate an early termination right in the lease agreement.

Typical Cost to Terminate Early

There will be a termination penalty, which will vary from landlord to landlord. This could include rent for the remaining lease term, forfeiting of security deposit and tenant obligation to source a suitable replacement tenant.

Early Termination Notes:

At landlord's discretion, but no given right in the lease.

Workplace

Regional Office Space

53.8sf-107.6sf

Typical Square Feet per employee (includes office square footage for employees and contractors).

Regional HQ Office Space

75.32sf-161.4sf

Typical Square Feet per employee (includes office square footage for employees and contractors).

Desk Sharing

Desk-sharing is a common practice in the market.

Industrial Occupier Market Condition

1,1,1

Occupier Market Conditions – How conducive is the regulatory environment to starting and operating a business. Source: Colliers

Labor Cost – Wages for manuafacturing and warehouse/distribution office workers. Source: City Globe and Colliers

Tenant Favorable – Assessment of the real estate market condition for industrial space. Source: Colliers

Quadrant Legend: Blue = Favorable Medium Blue = Neutral Red = Less Favorable

Landlord Concessions

Fit-Out Concession

The Landlord typically does not provide a contribution or concession to fit-out as a part of the lease transaction.

Rent-Free Period

The Landlord typically provides a contribution or concession in the form of a rent-free period.

Standard Range of Rent-Free Months

1mo.-3mo.

Typical number of rent-free months.

Rent-Free Notes:

Occasionally landlord will grant extra rent free period as a means of additional incentive, in such case, the rent free period can extend to 6 months.

Payment of Fees/Commissions

The Landlord typically pays the tenant rep broker’s fee.

Lease Provisions

Lease Term

3yrs.-5yrs.

Typical lease term in years.

Lease Term Notes:

For any length of fixed lease longer than 3 years, it is normally under a rent review mechanism after 3 years.

Operating Expenses & Service Charges Included

Quoted market rent typically does not include operating expenses (service charges). There are additional charges that apply to leasing space.

Additional Charges

HK$1/sf-HK$2/sf

Estimated range in total for all additional charges per Square Feet.

Additional Charges:

Utilities
Service Charges
Stamp Duty
Electric
Rates
HST
Cleaning
Hydro
Registration Fees
Taxes
Insurance
VAT
Other

Service Charge Notes:

Operating expenses include management fee, rates, and electric cost, etc. The above figure only include management fee.

Lease Fundamentals: The following apply to both office and industrial leases.

Lease Execution Requirements:

Typical upfront requirements
None for strong credit tenants
Upfront rental payment
Security deposit
Corporate guarantee
Not Applicable

Negotiated Subletting/Assignment

The tenant's right to sublease or assign the space typically is NOT negotiated in the lease agreement.
Landlord Consent: Typically, the landlord's written consent IS still required.

Negotiated Subletting/Assignment Notes:

Dependent on landlord and occupier size

Statutory Subletting/Assignment

This is NOT a statutory right.
Landlord Consent: The Landlord's consent is still required.

Blend & Extend Strategies

Typically, a tenant can take advantage of "blend & extend" ("forward renewal", "early renewal", etc.) strategies when the appropriate market conditions exist.

Statutory Early Termination

This is NOT a statutory termination right.

Negotiated Early Termination

It is NOT typical for tenants to be able to negotiate an early termination right in the lease agreement.

Typical Cost to Terminate Early

There will be a termination penalty, which will vary from landlord to landlord. This could include rent for the remaining lease term, forfeiting of security deposit and tenant obligation to source a suitable replacement tenant.

Early Termination Notes:

At landlord's discretion, but no given right in the lease.

Project Management

Section 1. Fit Cost Data

Value-Added Opportunities:

No commodity-based value adds

Total Fit-Out Cost

HK$1200/sf-HK$1800/sf

Class A Office

HK$800/sf-HK$1200/sf

Class B Office

HK$800/sf-HK$1200/sf

Flex Office / Warehouse

HK$400/sf-HK$800/sf

Warehouse

Total Fit-Out Cost Notes:

The fit-out cost refers to the total cost of design, construction, and installation for a space. It includes categories such as materials, labor, furniture, fixtures, equipment, finishes and other related costs. The specific factors influencing the total fit-out cost can vary widely depending on the project scope, location, size of the space, quality of materials, and complexity of design.

Furniture Cost

Furniture Cost Notes:

Furniture costs are included in the Total Fit-Out costs

Construction to Move-in Cycle Time

16wks-32wks

Class A Office

16wks-32wks

Class B Office

16wks-32wks

Flex Office / Warehouse

16wks-32wks

Flex Office / Warehouse

Cycle Cost Notes:

4 months to 8 months

Section 2. Scope of Work Description

Phase 1: Services Before and During the Transaction

Review the LOI and work letter portion of the Lease to ensure that the clients interests are protected during the build-out of the project.
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Advise Colliers broker and client on project issues and their resolution as they occur.
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Participate in building tours, if requested, to evaluate building systems and other cost-related observations and prepare a building due diligence report
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Develop high-level project estimate and timeline based on test fit and Client standards
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Schedule and chair Schematic Drawings and Design Development Drawings review meetings/conference calls
Not typically included at all, but available for an additional fee.
Phase 1 Notes:
Services before and during the transaction are on a case-by-case basis, depending on a number of variables

Phase 2: Service Before and During the Design Process

Develop preliminary project budget and schedule.
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Develop the RFP for selection of a space planner/architect and any other consultants identified and required
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Analyze, compare and evaluate responses to the RFP.
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Orchestrate the space planner/architect interview process.
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Negotiate, on behalf of the client, professional services agreements with the space planner/architect and other consultants.
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Review architect’s final Program of Requirements.
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Monitor the design team’s schedule of deadlines and deliverables. Coordinate meetings with the design team and the client. Manage the design process on behalf of the client.
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Review and recommend payment of the invoices for services. Submit invoices for payment to landlord or client and prepare monthly reports of project costs versus project budget.
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Coordinate with either Architect or General Contractor in permitting process
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Schedule and chair weekly design review meetings/conference calls
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Other Value-Add Services: Test fits (including Look & Feel) - Cost Estimates - Schedule/timing/phasing scenarios - Floor plan, core and circulation efficiency ratios(GIA vs NIA) (NOA vs NIA) - Technical due diligence/Assessments - We may pack everything into a Feasibility Study or proposed them separately depending on the situation.
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Phase 2 Notes:
Other value-added services exclude: Floor plan, core and circulation efficiency ratios, Technical DD, Feasibility Studies, which would come at an additional cost.

Phase 3: Services Before Construction

Liaise with the Landlord’s Representative.
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Prequalify a list of general contractors to be interviewed (consult lease to confirm any Landlord required GCs).
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Develop the RFP, including Landlord and/or Lease required documents, for selection of a general contractor.
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Analyze, level, and evaluate the responses to RFP.
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Orchestrate general contractor interview process and prepare evaluation scorecard.
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Review all proposed subcontractors and monitor the general contractor’s subcontractor bid process to ensure integrity of the process and quality of the workmanship.
Not typically included at all, but available for an additional fee.
Monitor the general contractor’s schedule of deadlines and deliverables. Coordinate meetings between the design team, general contractor, client and appropriate vendors.
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Negotiate, on client's behalf, the General Contractor agreement for Client approval
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Schedule and coordinate Architect's 90% Construction Drawings review
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Develop Project Cost Summary + Invoice Tracker and update weekly
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.

Phase 4: Services During Construction

Coordinate with the Landlord’s Representative.
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Conduct weekly construction meetings to assess progress, quality and conformance with the Contract Documents and distribute minutes of meetings.
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Monitor the general contractor’s schedule.
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Monitor the construction budget.
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Review, and recommend for payment, the contractor’s Applications for Payment.
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Monitor all project documentation.
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Act at all times as client’s liaison to vendors contracted directly by Client (IT, AV, Security/Access Control, Signage).
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Oversee the punch list process to ensure acceptable completion of all items.
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Close out all consultant, contractor and vendor contracts.
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Submit General Contractor, vendor, and consultant invoices to Landlord for reimbursement per the Lease Workletter
Not available / not a service that can be offered.
Review and recommend for payment all General Contractor, vendor, and consultant invoices; submit to Client for approval
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Deliver close-out documents, as specified in the Lease, to Client
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.
Coordinate value/engineering process, if required.
Typically included in "Project Management" scope of work.
Typically included in “Design/Build” scope of work.

Additional Services: Services During Relocation

Develop RFP for moving companies, evaluate responses and recommend selection of moving company or identify, interview and review proposal for services from relocation consultants.
Not typically included at all, but available for an additional fee.
Represent Client in development of move strategy.
Not typically included at all, but available for an additional fee.
Monitor development of move activity checklist.
Not typically included at all, but available for an additional fee.
Represent client on site during move process.
Not typically included at all, but available for an additional fee.

Additional Services: Project Management Services Related to Furniture/Workstation Procurement

Conduct bid process for all furniture (workstations, case goods, seating, filing) purchases specified by the architect and/or client.
Not typically included at all, but available for an additional fee.
Conduct bid process for refurbishment of existing furniture and/or workstations.
Not typically included at all, but available for an additional fee.
Evaluate bids and negotiate purchase order with manufacturer(s).
Not typically included at all, but available for an additional fee.
Negotiate national buying contract with select furniture dealerships, using Colliers International purchasing power
Not typically included at all, but available for an additional fee.

Operating Environment Rankings reported on a scale of 1 (least favorable) to 10 (most favorable).

Human Capital

4, 6 4/10

Labor Force Growth
Labor force growth rate (past 5 years)

6, 4 6/10

Wage Inflation
Rise in wages (past 5 years, local currency)

3, 7 3/10

Millennials
Proportion of population in the age 20-39 cohort


10, 0 10/10

High School Education Equivalent
Proportion of population attaining this level

4, 6 4/10

University Education Equivalent
Proportion of population attaining this level

7, 3 7/10

Overall Education
Composite average of High School & University


5, 5 5/10

Human Capital Composite

Business Climate

6, 4 6/10

Innovation
Presence of innovative factors in economy

7, 3 7/10

Economic Risk
Resilience of economy to unexpected events

8, 2 8/10

Business Environment
Friendliness of business environment


7, 3 7/10

Business Climate Composite

Operating Environment Composite

6, 4 6/10

Combined average score of Human Capital and Business Climate factors

This document has been prepared by Colliers International for advertising and general information only. Colliers International makes no guarantees, representations or warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, regarding the information including, but not limited to, warranties of content, accuracy and reliability. Any interested party should undertake their own inquiries as to the accuracy of the information. Colliers International excludes unequivocally all inferred or implied terms, conditions and warranties arising out of this document and excludes all liability for loss and damages arising there from. This publication is the copyrighted property of Colliers International and/or its licensor(s).

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