The Estate Agency Agreement is a crucial document in Hong Kong's real estate market, required whenever a licensed estate agent is engaged to facilitate property transactions. This agreement, regulated by the Estate Agents Authority, must comply with the Estate Agents Ordinance (Cap. 511) and its subsidiary legislation. It is used to formalize the appointment of an estate agent, whether for property sale or purchase, and must include specific prescribed contents such as commission rates, duration of appointment, service scope, and mandatory disclaimers. The document can be either an exclusive or non-exclusive appointment and must follow the format prescribed by the Estate Agents Authority through their standard forms (Form 3 for purchases or Form 4 for sales). Estate agents must ensure all required disclosures are made and the agreement is properly executed to maintain compliance with Hong Kong regulations.

1. Parties: Identification of the estate agent/agency and the client (vendor/purchaser), including license numbers and contact details

2. Background: Context of the agreement, including property details and the type of agency relationship being established

3. Definitions: Key terms used in the agreement, including statutory definitions from the Estate Agents Ordinance

4. Appointment and Duration: Terms of appointment, whether exclusive or non-exclusive, and the validity period of the agreement

5. Services: Detailed description of services to be provided by the estate agent

6. Commission: Commission rate, payment terms, and conditions for commission becoming payable

7. Agent's Obligations: Statutory and contractual duties of the estate agent, including disclosure requirements

8. Client's Obligations: Client's responsibilities and commitments under the agreement

9. Termination: Conditions and procedures for terminating the agreement

10. Statutory Notices: Mandatory warnings and notices required by the Estate Agents Authority

11. Governing Law: Confirmation of Hong Kong law as governing law and jurisdiction

12. Execution: Signature blocks and execution formalities