CPD Seminar: Land Leases & Their Impact On PM Professionals in HKSAR

Date: 23 April 2026 (Thursday)

Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Language: English supplemented with Cantonese

CPD Hours: 1.5 hours

Admission: Free

Quota: In person: 80 Persons ; Zoom: 500 Persons (First-come-first-served)

Delivery: Hybrid (Pre-registration required)

Registration: Link

Overview:

Project managers are tasked to ensure timely completion of development projects and, more importantly, to ensure compliance of different aspects of development controls, including lease restrictions.  In addition, they are often called upon to advise on a long list of land lease control and approvals. Because these lease controls are matters of private contract rather than statutory ordinance, navigating the administrative approvals requires a specialised approach.  Land leases come in many different forms and some of them are century old contracts. The modern interpretations have been clarified or shaped by recent court rulings that carry far-reaching effect on project viability and development density.

This CPD is intended to provide an overview of lease control in Hong Kong, focusing various lease restrictions that directly impact development potential. We will examine the Design, Disposition and Height (DD&H) clause and how it affects design and project viability. Furthermore, this session will analyse how user restrictions and other lease restrictions which have been shaped by recent case law to impact modern development. By offering practical insights into the Lands Department’s discretionary approval process, helping professionals navigate the intricacies of land lease restrictions to maintain strict compliance throughout the project lifecycle. 

The speakers from Knight Frank Petty Ltd – Sr. Alnwick Chan and Sr. Jonas Wong will also provide a brief introduction to the premium assessment mechanism, outlining the fundamental principles of site valuation.  This topic is outside the scope of Project Managers work but would be useful to understand the basic principles.

Speakers:

Sr. Alnwick Chan

ACIArb, FHKIS, FRICS, RICS Registered Valuer, RPS (GP)

Chairman, Professional Service, Greater China

Knight Frank Petty Limited

Sr. Jonas Wong

MHKIS, MRICS, RICS Registered Valuer, RPS(GP), CESGA

Senior Director

Knight Frank Petty Limited

Moderator:

Ar. Daniel Suen

Deputy Chair

CPD Office, HKIA

Speakers’ Biography:

Alnwick has extensive experience in the industry and specialises in land advisory matters. Over the past 30 years, he has primarily been involved in land administration and development consultancy. Alnwick is now responsible for negotiating with the government in connection with land exchanges, lease modifications and premium assessments as well as advising clients on matters relating to development potential, lease interpretation and approval of building plans. He often appears in the Lands Tribunal and High Court giving expert opinion on values and compensation.

Prior to joining Knight Frank, Alnwick spent 14 years in general practice, in both private and public sectors. He worked in Hongkong Bank, the Hong Kong Jockey Club and the Lands Department of the Hong Kong Government.

Jonas graduated from the University of Reading and is a chartered surveyor with 12 years of experience. He has since worked for Knight Frank and specialises in premium assessment and development consultancy.