Direct answer: whole-home customisation is the best value in a new flat
New Hong Kong flats are generally compact and developers hand over mostly bare layouts, so entrance, kitchen, wardrobes and tatami beds are exactly where customisation pays off — cabinets that hug walls and ceilings give zero-dead-corner storage and maximise a limited footprint. Understanding the handover standard and inspection process before you pay the deposit can save you a lot of wasted money.
New-flat handover standards: three types to know
| Handover standard | Contents | Renovation scope |
|---|---|---|
| Shell unit | Basic structure only (walls, floor, utility points), no finishing | Everything done by you — highest renovation budget |
| Fully fitted | Developer finishes flooring, walls, kitchen and bathroom basics | Mainly cabinets and minor changes — ideal for whole-home customisation |
| Furnished | Developer includes some furniture (e.g. kitchen, wardrobes) | Check quality first; consider replacing part with custom builds |
Always check the handover standard written in the contract before planning your renovation budget.
After key collection: inspection → measuring → design → production → installation
- Defect inspection: new flats have a defect-fixing period. Hire a third-party inspector or use a checklist and log every defect for the developer (hollow walls, uneven floors and window leaks are most common).
- Confirm dimensions: actual sizes may differ from the floor plan — measure yourself or wait for the surveyor.
- Book measuring & design: FameHouse offers free on-site measuring and free design with 3D renders to confirm the style.
- Confirm quote & produce: boards, hardware and warranty confirmed item by item, produced at our own smart factory — not a local small workshop.
- Install & handover: after defect fixing, our HK team installs and delivers in one stop.
Common new-flat layouts: which spots are most worth customising?
- Open-plan units: entrance cabinet + open kitchen + tatami bed — integrated design is the key to saving space — see our living-dining solutions.
- One-bedroom units: wardrobe + tatami bed + desk combined, turning the bedroom into a multi-function space — see bedroom solutions.
- Two-bedroom units: master tatami bed + kids' bunk bed — storage efficiency improves most — see our Tseung Kwan O two-bedroom project.
- Three-bedroom units: living-dining storage wall + sideboard + wardrobes, one consistent style — see the Victoria Skye three-bedroom project.
New flat vs second-hand: what to consider
| Consideration | New flat | Second-hand |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition | None — saves cost and time | Required; full demolition about HK$30,000–80,000 |
| Utility points | Fixed by developer; changes are costly | Old wiring may need full replacement — move points while at it |
| Structural risk | Stable structure | Watch for leaks and spalling concrete |
| Load-bearing walls | Clear drawings, easy to confirm | Drawings may be missing; judge on site |
| Custom advantage | Regular layouts — cabinets hug walls and ceilings | Many odd shapes — customisation shows even more value |
Budget reference for new-flat customisation
Depending on area and scope, a two-bedroom unit with kitchen + two bedroom wardrobes + entrance cabinet + tatami bed typically references about HK$150,000–400,000, varying with boards, hardware and design complexity. For a detailed breakdown see the 2026 Hong Kong Whole-Home Custom Furniture Pricing Guide.
FAQ
What handover standards exist for new flats?
Three main types: shell units, fully fitted handover, and furnished handover. Confirm the contract's stated standard before planning your budget.
What should I do first after key collection?
Inspect for defects (third-party inspector or checklist) and log them for the developer; meanwhile confirm actual dimensions, then book a measuring and design visit.
Which parts are most worth customising?
Entrance shoe cabinets, kitchen cabinets, bedroom wardrobes and tatami beds — the spots needing exact dimensions and storage. Regular new-flat layouts let cabinets hug walls and ceilings with zero wasted corners.
New flat vs second-hand — what's different?
New flats need no demolition, saving cost and time; second-hand flats may need full demolition, new wiring and leak checks. Confirm wall structure before customising either.
How much should I budget?
A two-bedroom unit with kitchen, two wardrobes, entrance cabinet and tatami bed typically references about HK$150,000–400,000. FameHouse provides free measuring and design with itemised quotes.
When should I start planning?
Start 1–2 months before key collection. Design, production, delivery and installation take time, and lead times lengthen in peak season. Measure early so installation can start right after defect fixing.
What should I watch out for?
Confirm load-bearing walls and pipe positions; match board tones to the developer's flooring and walls; leave enough power points for cabinet lighting and built-in appliances. FameHouse checks these during measuring.