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Property Law in Hong Kong

The property law in Hong Kong is generally governed by both common law cases and the statute law.

Land Tenure The land tenure in Hong Kong is divided into three periods. From time immemorial, Hong Kong was part of China. Between 1842 and 1898, by two treaties, those part of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Island and part of Kowloon was ceded to England. In 1898, under the Nanking Treaty, the rest of Hong Kong, including the rest of Kowloon, the New Territories were leased to China for 99 years until 30 June 1997.

During the period when Hong Kong was under the British rules, the land law of Hong Kong was basically similar to that of England. All the land, except that where the St John's Cathedral stands today, is leasehold.

However, the land registration system is different. Hong Kong has a land registration system that does not confer title. It is for the purpose of facilitating property transactions.

Statute Law The Conveyancing and Property Ordinance Cap 219, modelled on the Law of Property Act, provides much of the conveyancing practice laws in Hong Kong.

Property Transactions Because of the dense population and small supply of land, the Court has described the land transactions in Hong Kong is like trading of commodities.