Polly Chu – Partner and Head of the Real Estate practice at Hugill & Ip – discusses the launch of the firm’s dedicated property offering, navigating Hong Kong’s complex real estate market, and the importance of integrated legal advice.
Can you summarise how the past 12 months have been for Hugill & Ip?
The past year has been a period of strategic and significant growth for the firm. In October 2025, we officially launched our dedicated Real Estate and Conveyancing practice, marking a milestone in our ability to provide comprehensive, end-to-end legal solutions. This addition responds directly to the increasing demand from our clients — both corporate entities and high-net-worth individuals — who require sophisticated support across their most valuable assets. The synergy between our new Real Estate capabilities and our established Private Client, Family, and Corporate teams means we can now address every angle of a client’s needs, from complex property acquisitions to intricate estate planning. We are proud that our expansion continues to be recognised by prominent legal directories, reinforcing our position as a premier independent boutique in Hong Kong.
Can you tell us more about your practice in Real Estate and what developments you see within the Hong Kong market?
My practice spans the entire property lifecycle, advising on residential and commercial conveyancing, commercial leasing, project development, financing, and property-related dispute resolution. We act for a diverse range of clients, including local and international investors, property developers, retailers, banks, and institutions.
The Hong Kong real estate market remains dynamic and complex, shaped by evolving regulatory frameworks and shifting economic conditions. Following recent government measures — including changes to stamp duty and mortgage-financing rules—we have seen a renewed focus on structuring and compliance. Whether advising a global corporation on strategic retail leases or guiding a family office through the acquisition of ultra-luxury residential assets, the market requires practitioners to be exceptionally agile. Clients are not just looking for transactional execution; they need forward-looking advice that anticipates regulatory shifts, ensures funding readiness, and mitigates risk in a high-value environment.
Can you give us a few practical examples of how you help clients navigate their legal matters?
Our approach is inherently tailored and client-centric, and we place a strong emphasis on early legal due diligence and risk management. For example, when advising cross-border buyers on Hong Kong property acquisitions, we ensure they understand the strict timelines for completion and stamp duty, the differing requirements for new-build versus second-hand properties, and the scrutiny lenders apply to corporate structures and the source of funds. We work closely with our Trust & Estates team to ensure that property acquisitions or transfers are structured efficiently, often advising on wills or property-holding trusts so that assets do not become frozen during estate administration, thereby safeguarding family wealth for future generations.
On the corporate and commercial side, we guide clients through complex transactions such as property M&A, joint ventures, and real estate financing. A recent example of our capability is our role advising an offshore entity within a prominent conglomerate on the acquisition of ultra-luxury residential properties in Deep Water Bay — a landmark transaction that required meticulous navigation of cross-border investment regulations and Hong Kong conveyancing procedures. In the commercial leasing space, we help tenants and landlords treat their leases as strategic assets, negotiating critical terms regarding use restrictions, renewal rights, and business continuity. In every matter, our goal is to understand the client’s commercial or personal objectives from the outset and deliver pragmatic, actionable solutions.
How does the integration of Real Estate with other practice areas benefit your clients?
Real estate transactions rarely occur in isolation; they are deeply intertwined with corporate structuring, family dynamics, and succession planning. The choice of investment vehicle — whether a private limited company, a partnership, or a trust — dictates everything from tax efficiency to liability exposure and future flexibility. By integrating our Real Estate practice with Hugill & Ip’s Corporate, Family, and Dispute Resolution teams, we provide a seamless service. For instance, if a dispute arises over property ownership or commercial tenancy, our litigators are already familiar with the underlying commercial context. Similarly, when advising on a divorce or estate administration, we can handle the property conveyancing and trust structuring internally. This holistic approach reduces friction, manages legal costs effectively, and ensures that the strategy aligns across all aspects of the client’s life or business.
How are technology and AI impacting the way law firms work?
Technology and Artificial Intelligence are fundamentally changing how we operate, particularly in document-heavy practices like real estate. AI-driven tools are streamlining document review, due diligence, and legal research, which enhances our productivity and allows us to focus on high-level strategic advising and negotiation. This efficiency ultimately translates to better value for our clients.
However, as we embrace these advancements, we remain acutely aware of the associated risks. Maintaining client confidentiality, ensuring data privacy, and guarding against algorithmic bias are paramount. The human element — understanding the nuances of a negotiation or the emotional weight of a family property transfer — cannot be replaced by AI. We are committed to integrating technology responsibly, ensuring that ethical considerations and compliance with legal standards always come first.
Hugill & Ip has always been at the forefront in terms of Diversity & Inclusion, as well as Corporate Social Responsibility. Can you highlight some recent initiatives?
Giving back to the community is part of Hugill & Ip’s DNA. We are incredibly proud of our ongoing “Bridges to Empowerment” programme, which provides legal resources and educational support to underrepresented communities in Hong Kong. We also actively support initiatives related to equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and the protection of disadvantaged individuals, including migrant domestic workers and the elderly.
Our team continues to dedicate significant time to pro bono work, partnering with local charities and NGOs. This commitment not only creates a positive impact on society but also fosters a culture of empathy and social inclusion within the firm. The Law Society of Hong Kong has consistently recognised our efforts, which motivates us to expand our CSR footprint even further in the coming years.
How do you see your firm moving forward in the next three years?
Our strategy for the next three years is focused on sustained, risk-calculated growth while fiercely protecting the personalised, partner-led service that defines us. The successful launch of the Real Estate practice is a strong foundation, and we will continue to deepen our expertise across all core areas.
We also recognise that our clients’ interests are increasingly global. Leveraging our membership in the GGI Global Alliance, we aim to further enhance our capability to manage complex, cross-border matters. Ultimately, our growth is driven by client demand; as their needs evolve, we will adapt, ensuring that Hugill & Ip remains their trusted advisor for both their business ventures and personal milestones.
The interview was originally published on the Legal 500 website
