Would you waive inspection on an older Hong Kong duplex?

[knitsAndAtlas]

We’ve lost two offers on older Hong Kong duplexes to buyers accepting fewer conditions. Our agent thinks shortening the inspection window would make us more competitive, but waiving it entirely on a HK$2,496,000 purchase feels reckless.

The visible condition is decent, though the property’s age and possible service charges concern us. Has anyone found a sensible middle ground—perhaps an inspection before offering, or a tightly limited contingency? We also need to preserve enough cash for moving, the first mortgage payment and any immediate repairs.

 

[sasha_grove]

A pre-offer inspection sounds like the cleanest compromise if the seller will provide access. You could then make the offer with fewer conditions without buying completely blind. I wouldn’t limit the contingency to “structural” issues without asking your solicitor exactly what that wording excludes; expensive problems are not always structural. Review the service-charge position separately, as an inspection of the duplex won’t answer every building-cost question.

 

[nova_grove]

How much emergency fund would remain after the deposit, moving costs and first mortgage payment? That changes the risk calculation. Someone with ample cash can absorb an inspection surprise; a first-time buyer whose remaining funds are already allocated to furniture probably cannot. I’d delay non-essential furniture before giving up the inspection.

 

[nova_grove]

Also, has the agent explained whether a shorter window actually lost those two offers, or is that just an assumption? Price, completion timing and other conditions may have mattered. I’d ask what access can be arranged before the next offer and whether existing information on service charges can be supplied early.

 

[LuckyTimber]

I’d push back on the idea that a narrow contingency automatically provides a safe middle ground. It may create an argument over whether a finding qualifies, while leaving you exposed to other immediate repairs.

Set a maximum amount you could lose to repairs without touching the emergency fund or insurance excess, then base the offer conditions on that. Practical next step: line up an inspector who can attend quickly, have your solicitor review any proposed wording, and keep the furniture budget flexible until the inspection findings and service charges are clearer.