Hong Kong homes smarten up to attract millennial buyers

Dec 1 , 2017

Sino Group’s latest project, The Mediterranean in Sai Kung, makes use of the latest technology.

Developers are designing hi-tech homes to respond to climate change and the increasing demand for green homes

Hong Kong’s property developers are coming up with new ideas in terms of technology and other modern design breakthroughs to make life easier for homebuyers.

Some offer a one-touch remote that can switch on lights, air conditioner and other electrical appliances in the flat, while others have launched apps that help residents to make club bookings, order food from nearby restaurants and pay management fees.

Savvy developers are incorporating modern engineering techniques with the future in mind as early as the design stage. Nicholas Brooke, chairman of real estate consultancy specialists Professional Property Services, says the property and construction industries are evolving as part of the response to climate change and the need to be green. “Competition has forced property developers to improve the standard of construction and look to the future,” he says.

Chung Chi-lam, executive director at Wing Tai Properties, estimates that most projects’ design and quality are international quality in Hong Kong.

Another property developer, Sino Group, says its policy encourages the introduction of technology in its flats and modern construction techniques.

Chung Chi-lam, executive director of Wing Tai Properties in Kwun Tong. Photo: Edward Wong

In its latest project in Sai Kung, The Mediterranean and Park Mediterranean, Sino has incorporated modern technology to help buyers enjoy various facilities.

Victor Tin, associate director, sales department of Sino Land, says there are lots of young home buyers who rely heavily on their smartphones and smart technology that are flocking to Tseung Kwan O. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

Victor Tin, associate director (sales) at Sino Land, says the developer has launched an app for The Mediterranean project. “The app contains everything a buyer needs,” Tin says. “If he needs to book a sports facility in the clubhouse, he can do so through the app, there is also a list of restaurants in the area where he can order food to be delivered. It’s a good platform for the community.”

He says everyone at Sino, from the management down, has a culture of implementing the latest technology in residential units and shopping malls.

Tin says Sino is increasingly adopting technology in residential units and shopping malls. Another example is the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Lab at Olympian City 2.