How to Choose the Right Office Location in Hong Kong for Your Business

Hong Kong is undoubtedly a competitive market for businesses. With its business-friendly policies and strategic location in Asia, particularly its proximity to mainland China, many companies choose to establish their presence here.

However, operating in Hong Kong can be costly due to high rental prices. Hence, selecting the right office location is crucial for your business’s success: being close to clients helps build stronger relationships, while a convenient location with easy commutes can encourage your team to return to the office. With this in mind, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to find the perfect area for your business and team.

1. Define Your Business Needs

Start by understanding what your business requires in terms of space, infrastructure, and resources. Different businesses have varying needs, for example, an advertisement agency might benefit from an open-plan office that encourages collaboration, while an auditing firm may need cubicles for client confidentiality. In Hong Kong, common office types include traditional leases, serviced offices and coworking spaces. Depending on the level of flexibility and services you need, matching the office type with your needs help build a productive and comfortable working environment.

2. Explore Districts in Hong Kong

The main business districts in Hong Kong are concentrated on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Here are some of the most popular areas and their key characteristics:

-Central: Hong Kong’s financial, political and historic hub. It’s home to many multinational financial institutions, banks and law firms.

-Admiralty: An extension of Central. The prestigious office buildings house legal firms, consultancy firms and multinational companies.

-Causeway Bay: A trendy area with numerous fashion brands and shops. The high foot traffic is great for retail-oriented businesses.

-Sheung Wan: The eclectic area next to Central is filled with antiques, art galleries and hip cafés, hence it is favoured by creative agencies, tech companies and startups. Quarry Bay: The newly developed district provides more affordable office spaces for startups or small businesses without sacrificing convenience.

-Tsim Sha Tsui: Situated along Victoria Harbour, this area is known for its tourism and retail focus, providing businesses with access to both local and international clientele.

3. Consider Transportation and Accessibility

Imagine if your team had to spend hours commuting to the office – it would quickly discourage them from coming in. Similarly, if clients find it difficult to visit your office, it could harm your business’s image. Being close to MTR stations, bus stops and even ferry piers ensures convenient access for both employees and clients. Check for parking options if driving is common for your team.

4. Check the Availability of Amenities

If your business requires frequent visits to services like post offices and banks, selecting an office nearby can save time and effort. Also, being close to essential amenities such as cafés, restaurants and supermarkets adds convenience to your employees’ daily routines.

In today’s work culture, it’s important to consider work-life balance for the team, so do research on nearby gyms, yoga studios or parks. Pay a physical visit to the potential offices can help you understand the neighbourhood a little more.

5. Create a Realistic Budget

While a harbour view office with fancy furniture may be appealing, it’s recommended to stay realistic when it comes to business. Running an office means more than just paying rent; there are also utilities, maintenance and other fees to consider.

Set a budget that factors in all the potential fees within the lease period and leave enough room for ad-hoc fees. Then, compare options in different areas, such as the affordable options in upcoming areas like Quarry Bay, as well as more prestigious offices in Central, to find the best value without compromising on essential needs.

6. Prioritize Flexibility in Leasing Terms

Today, the economy changes rapidly, and businesses need flexible office spaces that can accommodate upscaling or downsizing as needed. Unlike traditional leases that lock you into a space for several years, serviced offices provide adaptable solutions without the burden of long-term commitments, usually starting from one month in Hong Kong, which is particularly useful for start-ups, growing companies or those operating in uncertain markets.

7. Think About Networking Opportunities

Building a strong network in the industry is essential for business growth. By staying close to other businesses, you can open doors to collaborations and valuable relationships.

Districts like Central and Admiralty are known for their vibrant corporate scenes, with numerous networking events, business gatherings, industry summits and private clubs available throughout the year, making it easier to meet potential partners, clients or service providers.

8. Assess the Reputation of the Area

Business districts in Hong Kong each have their own unique positions and focus. For example, you can find most Grade A skyscrapers in Central and Admiralty, which are regarded as the most expensive areas in the world. These districts naturally carry a level of prestige, thus they’re popular among financial institutions, banks and other professional services. On the other hand, Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui put more focus on tourism and retail. Choosing a reputable area can influence how clients perceive your company and set the tone for your brand.

9. Plan for Future Growth

When choosing a location, keep your business’s growth plans in mind. If you’re a startup planning to expand in the future, you may not want to invest heavily in renting a large space right from the start. In this case, a serviced office with flexible leases allows you to upgrade to a larger space within the same building as needed, saving on rental and operating costs by avoiding the need for a large space upfront.

10. Investigate Security and Safety

A secure environment not only protects your assets but also offers peace of mind for employees and clients. Make sure the building is equipped with adequate security measures, including surveillance, access controls and security staff.