Enhancing Hong Kong's building regulations: Insights from Francis Lam Ka-fai MRICS

Hong Kong's urban landscape is constantly evolving, necessitating robust building regulations to ensure safety, accountability, and sustainability. Francis Lam Ka-fai MRICS, immediate past president of the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (HKIS), shares insight on how Hong Kong can benefit from adopting aspects of the UK's building regulations, highlighting the role of chartered surveyors in this transformative process.

The role of chartered surveyors

In ensuring structural safety and enhancing standards across the built & natural environments, chartered surveyors play a pivotal role in maintaining high building standards. Their expertise in conducting thorough building condition surveys can help identify potential issues early, ensuring that properties meet safety and regulatory requirements. This proactive approach can significantly reduce risks associated with structural failures and non-compliance.

Given the evolving needs of Hong Kong's built environment, it is imperative for policymakers to engage with chartered surveyors in developing sustainable and practical solutions. Their expertise can inform policy decisions, ensuring that regulatory changes are both effective and feasible. Collaborative efforts between government bodies and professional organisations like the HKIS and RICS Hong Kong Branch can drive meaningful improvements in building regulations.

Adopting UK building regulations in Hong Kong

To address the issue of illegal property features, Hong Kong could adopt the approach in the UK, where the practice of requiring homebuyers to provide mortgage banks with a homebuyer’s report details a property's physical condition and includes an RICS valuers report on its open market value.

Such a practice ensures that all stakeholders, including mortgage bankers, homebuyers, valuers, solicitors, and estate agents, are well-informed about the property's condition. In Hong Kong, this could help identify unauthorised building structures or alterations during the transaction stage, preventing potential legal and financial complications.

Enhanced safety and accountability measures

According to the RICS, the survey usually costs between £600 to £1000 (US$758 to US$1,260), depending on the property. The UK's building regulations emphasise stringent safety and accountability standards. Implementing similar measures in Hong Kong could address current challenges in the building sector, such as ensuring structural integrity and compliance with safety norms. This would involve regular inspections and certifications by qualified professionals, thereby enhancing overall building standards.

Adopting specific frameworks from the UK, such as the Building Regulations 2010, could also benefit Hong Kong. These regulations provide comprehensive guidelines on various aspects of building construction and maintenance, covering areas like fire safety, structural stability, and energy efficiency, which are crucial for Hong Kong's densely populated urban environment.

Professional oversight and compliance

RICS-qualified professionals provide essential oversight in the construction and property sectors. Their involvement ensures that building projects adhere to established standards and regulations, fostering a culture of compliance and accountability. This professional oversight is crucial in mitigating risks and enhancing the overall quality of the built environment.

While adopting elements of the UK model in Hong Kong may face barriers such as regulatory differences, market dynamics, and stakeholder resistance; chartered surveyors can help navigate these challenges by providing expert advice, facilitating stakeholder engagement, and advocating for necessary regulatory reforms. Their insights can bridge the gap between existing practices and new regulatory frameworks.

Adopting aspects of the UK's building regulations can significantly enhance Hong Kong's current practices, improving safety, accountability, and overall building standards. Chartered surveyors, with their specialised knowledge and professional oversight, are key to this transformative process. By engaging with these professionals, policymakers can develop sustainable solutions that address the unique challenges of Hong Kong's urban landscape.